Cheese pie like in Maramureș

Cheese Pie, as in Maramureș: a traditional delight

Preparation time: 45 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8

In the heart of Maramureș, cheese pies are a symbol of hospitality and the joy of sharing delicious meals with loved ones. This cheese pie recipe is simple and quick, perfect for anyone looking to bring a touch of tradition into the kitchen. Let's get started!

Ingredients:
For the starter:
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 100 ml lukewarm milk

For the dough:
- 500 g flour (type 650 is ideal)
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 50 ml sunflower oil or melted butter (for a richer taste)

For the filling:
- 400 g cottage cheese (or sheep cheese for an authentic taste)
- 1 egg
- 50 g sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (optional, for extra flavor)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the starter: In a small bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast with a tablespoon of sugar in 100 ml of lukewarm milk. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is an essential step as it will activate the yeast and help the dough rise beautifully.

2. Kneading the dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour with the salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the activated starter, the rest of the lukewarm milk, and the oil. Mix with a spoon, then knead by hand for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and smooth. This dough is versatile and can also be used for bread, so feel free to experiment!

3. Letting the dough rise: Form the dough into a ball, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

4. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the egg, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Gently mash the cheese with a fork to make it creamier. Taste the filling and adjust the sweetness to your liking.

5. Assembling the pie: Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle. Cut the dough into smaller squares or rectangles, depending on the desired size of the pies. Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each square, fold, and seal the edges carefully.

6. Baking the pies: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the pies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between them. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until they become golden and crispy.

7. Serving: Let the pies cool slightly, then serve warm, alongside sour cream or yogurt. These cheese pies are perfect as a quick dessert or hearty snack.

Practical tips:
- If you want a richer filling, add some pieces of feta or mozzarella cheese to the filling.
- For a special flavor, try adding fresh herbs like dill or chives to the cheese filling.
- You can also experiment with other fillings, such as caramelized apples or pumpkin, to create delicious variations.

This cheese pie recipe from Maramureș will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring a touch of tradition and warmth into your home. Enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: Dough: 1kg of flour, one package of fresh yeast (25g), warm milk for kneading, half a teaspoon of salt. Filling: sheep cheese or fresh cheese, half a kg, a bunch of fresh dill.