Dobrogea pie

Cheese pie, a dessert that combines tradition with flavor, is a perfect choice for any occasion. This cheese pie recipe, inspired by various popular versions, is not only easy to make but also exceptionally tasty. I will guide you step by step so that you achieve a spectacular result, worthy of the most beautiful festive tables.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 1 cube (25 g) fresh yeast
- 20 ml sunflower or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 package (250 g) butter (for greasing)
- Warm water (about 200 ml, as needed to knead the dough)

For the filling:
- 500 g cottage cheese
- 300 g sheep cheese (or feta cheese, as preferred)
- 6 eggs
- 300 g sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt (optional, depending on how salty the cheese is)

Preparation

1. Preparing the dough:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water (not hot!) and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until a foam forms. This is a crucial step, as the yeast needs to be active to achieve a fluffy dough.

2. Kneading the dough:
In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture, oil, and warm water. Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If it is too sticky, add a little more flour. Form a ball from the dough, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes until it doubles in size.

3. Preparing the filling:
In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese and crumbled sheep cheese with a fork. Add the 6 eggs and sour cream, mixing well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Check the taste and add salt if necessary.

4. Forming the pie:
After the dough has risen, divide it into 4-5 equal portions. Working with one portion, roll out a thin sheet with a rolling pin. Brush the sheet with melted butter, then add 3-4 tablespoons of the cheese filling. Roll the sheet tightly and carefully fold the roll into a spiral shape or create folds for a rustic look. Place the roll in a greased baking dish. Repeat with the remaining portions of dough and filling.

5. Baking the pie:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Let the pie rest in the dish for 10 minutes, then bake for 40-50 minutes until golden and crispy.

6. Finishing:
After the pie is baked, mix the other 2 eggs with a little sour cream and a pinch of salt. Pour the mixture over the pie and bake for another 10 minutes to achieve a delicious crust.

7. Serving:
Let the pie cool slightly before cutting it. Serve with powdered sugar sprinkled on top or alongside a spoonful of sour cream.

Practical tips and variations

- Variations of the filling: You can add herbs such as dill or parsley for an extra flavor boost. Also, try experimenting with other types of cheese or even spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a vegetarian filling.

- Dough care: If you want a flakier dough, you can add an egg to the dough mixture. This will give a richer texture.

- Serving: The pie goes wonderfully with a glass of yogurt or fruit tea. It is perfect both warm and cold, becoming a savory appetizer or a delicious dessert.

Nutritional benefits

This cheese pie provides a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs. It also contains calcium and essential vitamins, having a balanced nutritional profile. However, due to the butter and cheese content, it is recommended to consume it in moderation.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can the pie be made a day in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the oven before serving to restore its freshness.

2. Can it be frozen?
Absolutely! The pie can be frozen before baking. Then, when you want to consume it, just take it out of the freezer, let it thaw, and bake it according to the instructions.

3. What type of cheese is best for the filling?
It is ideal to use a combination of cottage cheese and sheep cheese to achieve a creamy texture and savory taste. However, you can also experiment with other types of cheese based on personal preferences.

I hope this cheese pie recipe brings you joy and inspiration in the kitchen. Feel free to share this recipe with friends and family, as nothing compares to the moments spent together enjoying a delicious pie!

 Ingredients: 500g flour, 1 cube of yeast, 20ml oil, salt, 1 pack of butter, warm water. FILLING: 500g cow cheese, 300g sheep telemea, 6 eggs, 300g sour cream.

 Tags:  dobrogea pie