Homemade pie with cheese and spinach

Homemade cheese and spinach pie is a delicious dish that combines tradition with the flavor of fresh ingredients. This easy-to-make recipe will bring a touch of joy to your kitchen and is perfect for both lunch and dinner. I invite you to try it together!

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Rising time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 35-45 minutes
- Total: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g all-purpose flour
- 200 g fresh cottage cheese
- 2 eggs
- 50 ml sunflower oil
- 250 ml lukewarm water
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar

For the filling:
- 200 g fresh ricotta
- 200 g goat cheese (or feta cheese)
- 50 g grated cheese
- 300 g fresh spinach
- 2 eggs
- 4 tablespoons sour cream
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 bunch green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste

For finishing:
- 1 egg
- 2-3 tablespoons sour cream
- Salt and oregano (optional)

Recipe History
Cheese and spinach pies have a rich history, being made in various corners of the world. They reflect the culinary traditions of communities that value local ingredients and recipes passed down through generations. Spinach, rich in nutrients, has been used over time in many dishes, bringing not only flavor but also health benefits.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the dough
The first step is to prepare the dough. In a large bowl, sift the flour. This will help aerate the flour and make the dough fluffier. In another container, hydrate the yeast with salt and sugar in 100 ml lukewarm water. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a sign that the yeast is active.

2. Mixing the ingredients
Once the yeast is activated, add it to the center of the flour. Then add the cottage cheese, eggs, and start kneading. While kneading, gradually add the oil, followed by the remaining water. It is important to knead until all the ingredients are well incorporated and the dough becomes elastic and smooth.

3. Rising the dough
Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes. During this time, the dough will grow and become easier to handle.

4. Preparing the filling
Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Wash the spinach and green onions well, then chop them finely. In a pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil and add the green onions. Let them sauté for a few minutes, then add the chopped spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts. Allow the filling to cool.

5. Combining the ingredients
In a bowl, combine the ricotta, goat cheese, and grated cheese. Add the two eggs, sour cream, lime zest, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then add the sautéed spinach and gently stir with a spoon so as not to break the mixture.

6. Forming the pie
After the dough has risen, divide it into 2-3 portions. Roll out each portion on a lightly floured surface to obtain a sheet about 1-2 cm thick. Place the filling on the sheet, then carefully roll it up to form a tight cylinder.

7. Baking
Prepare a baking tray greased with oil or butter. Place the pie rolls in the tray, leaving a little space between them. In a small bowl, beat an egg with a tablespoon of sour cream and a pinch of salt, then pour this mixture over the pie. This step will help achieve a golden and appetizing crust.

8. Cooking
Place the tray in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius and let it bake for 35-45 minutes or until the pie is evenly browned. It is good to monitor the pie in the last 10 minutes to avoid burning.

9. Serving
Once the pie is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly. It is delicious both warm and at room temperature. It can be served with a fresh salad or a garlic yogurt sauce, which will add a pleasant contrast.

Practical Tips
- Choose fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and quality cheese will make a significant difference in the final taste of the pie.
- Cheese varieties: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as sheep cheese or goat cheese, to customize the flavor.
- Storing the dough: If you want to prepare the dough in advance, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Make sure it is well covered to prevent drying out.
- Caring for the rolls: If you want a crispier pie, you can let the rolls rest for 10 minutes before placing them in the oven.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
This pie is a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, and spinach provides a considerable amount of iron, vitamins (A, C, K), and antioxidants. A serving (about 1/8 of the pie) has around 300-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I substitute spinach with another vegetable? Yes, you can use nettles or chard as an alternative to spinach.
- How can I make the pie spicier? Add a pinch of chili pepper or your favorite spices to the filling.
- Can the pie be frozen? Yes, the pie can be frozen before baking. Make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

I encourage you to try this cheese and spinach pie recipe, which is not only filling but also full of flavors that will delight your taste buds! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: for the dough - 500 g white flour - 200 g fresh cow cheese - 2 eggs - 50 ml sunflower oil - 250 ml water - 25 g fresh yeast - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon sugar for the filling - 200 g fresh ricotta - 200 g goat cheese - 50 g cheese - 300 g fresh spinach - 2 chicken eggs - 4 tablespoons sour cream - grated lime zest - 1 bunch green onions - salt - pepper additional: - 1 egg 2-3 tablespoons sour cream salt oregano