Appetizer pie with mortadella and cheese

Appetizer pie with mortadella and cheese – a simple yet spectacular recipe that combines the intense flavor of mortadella with the creaminess of cheese, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. This pie is perfect for a quick snack, an appetizer at a party, or even a light lunch alongside a fresh salad.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Necessary ingredients:

- 310 g of flour (choose type 000 flour for a finer texture)
- 200 ml of milk (preferably whole milk for a richer taste)
- 2 eggs (free-range eggs provide a more intense flavor)
- 15 g of fresh yeast (or 5 g of dry yeast)
- 80 ml of oil (extra virgin olive oil adds a distinct flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of semolina (to prevent the pie from sticking to the pan)
- 200 g of sliced mortadella (choose a lower fat version for a lighter pie)
- 200 g of grated cheese (smoked cheese adds a flavor note)
- Butter (for extra flavor and greasing the pan)

The story of the mortadella and cheese pie:

This type of pie is a popular choice in many cultures, deeply rooted in culinary traditions. Its origins are often linked to the desire to use available ingredients to create delicious and hearty dishes. The mortadella and cheese pie revives this tradition, being a perfect example of comfort food that brings warmth and nostalgia.

Step by step for a perfect pie:

1. Preparing the dough:
- Start by warming the milk until it becomes lukewarm (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast). Add the yeast to the milk and gently stir until completely dissolved.
- In a large bowl, sift the flour. Make a well in the middle and add the yeast mixture, eggs, oil, and salt.
- Use a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients until you obtain a smooth dough. It may be helpful to let the dough rest for 5-10 minutes to relax the gluten.

2. Preparing the pan:
- Grease a pan with butter and dust it with semolina to prevent the pie from sticking. This technique is essential for achieving a pie that easily releases from the pan.

3. Assembling the pie:
- Pour half of the dough into the pan and level it with a spatula.
- Place an even layer of sliced mortadella, followed by a layer of cheese. Repeat this process with another layer of mortadella, then another layer of cheese.
- Pour the remaining dough and level it again with a damp spoon to achieve a smooth surface.
- Sprinkle poppy seeds on top of the pie for an attractive appearance and a crunchy note.

4. Resting and baking:
- Let the pie rest for 30 minutes, covered with a clean towel, to allow the yeast to work.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (low heat) and bake the pie for 20-25 minutes, or until it turns golden and nicely browned. A trick to check if it’s done is to gently shake it – if it sounds hollow, it’s time to take it out of the oven.

5. Serving:
- Let the pie cool slightly before cutting it. Serve it warm or at room temperature, alongside a seasonal salad or a yogurt sauce with dill, which balances the richness of the dish.

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, to offer a different flavor.
- If you prefer to add vegetables, you can include thin slices of bell pepper or mushrooms between the layers of mortadella and cheese.
- This pie can be well preserved in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheats easily in the oven or microwave.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, make sure to use about one-third of the amount of fresh yeast.
- How can I make the pie lighter? You can reduce the amount of oil and use low-fat cheeses.
- Is it possible to make the pie gluten-free? Yes, use a special gluten-free flour to achieve a similar result.

Delicious combinations:
This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine or craft beer. Additionally, fresh lemonade or herbal tea can perfectly complement the meal.

This appetizer pie with mortadella and cheese is not just a simple recipe, but also a wonderful way to bring people together around the table. Try it and turn every bite into a delicious story!