Cheese and cabbage pies

Cheese and Cabbage Pies: A Delicious Recipe for Unforgettable Moments

If you're looking for a recipe that brings a touch of tradition to your kitchen, cheese and cabbage pies are the perfect choice. These delightful treats, with their fluffy dough and savory fillings, have been cherished by generations, making them ideal for breakfast or as a snack at any time of the day. In the following lines, I will guide you step by step on how to prepare them, with useful tips and information about the ingredients.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total: approximately 1.5 hours
Number of servings: 12 pies

Required Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 kg of all-purpose flour (preferably type 550 for a fluffier dough)
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (25 g)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 teaspoons of sugar
- 1 cup of warm milk (approximately 250 ml)
- 1 cup of warm water (approximately 250 ml)
- 4 tablespoons of oil (plus extra for greasing)

For the filling:
- 1 medium cabbage (approximately 800 g)
- 1 large onion
- 1 small bunch of fresh dill, chopped
- 250 g of aged sheep cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 2 eggs
- 50 ml of yogurt
- Oil for frying (optional)

Preparing the Dough

1. Activating the yeast: In a large bowl, add the cube of yeast, salt, and sugar. Pour in the warm milk and warm water. Mix well with a whisk or fork until the yeast is completely dissolved. This step is crucial for activating the yeast, so make sure the liquid is not too hot, otherwise the yeast will be killed.

2. Mixing the ingredients: Add the oil to the yeast mixture and start gradually incorporating the flour. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to mix the ingredients.

3. Kneading the dough: Once the flour is incorporated, transfer the dough to a clean surface and begin kneading it with your hands. Knead for about 15 minutes. The dough should be elastic and smooth. If it is too stiff, feel free to add a little warm water.

4. Letting the dough rise: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Preparing the Filling

1. Preparing the cabbage: Meanwhile, finely chop the cabbage and mix it with a tablespoon of salt. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to release its juices. Then, rinse the cabbage under cold water and squeeze out the excess water.

2. Sautéing the onion: Peel and finely chop the onion. In a skillet, heat 6 tablespoons of oil and add the onion. Sauté the onion for 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.

3. Cooking the cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet over the onion. Stir constantly and add a cup of water. Allow the mixture to simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the water has evaporated and the cabbage is soft, add the chopped dill and let the filling cool.

4. Preparing the cheese: In a separate bowl, grate the cheese and mix it with the eggs and yogurt. This mixture will add a creamy texture and delicious flavor.

Assembling the Pies

1. Forming the pies: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle about 10-12 cm in diameter.

2. Filling: On one half of each circle, place a tablespoon or two of the cabbage or cheese filling, leaving the edge free. Fold the dough over, sealing the edges well to prevent them from opening during baking.

3. Arranging in the tray: Place the pies on a baking tray lined with greased parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough space between them, as they will puff up in the oven.

4. Greasing: Beat an egg and brush the pies with it using a pastry brush. This will help achieve a golden and shiny crust.

Baking

1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the pies for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden and beautifully browned.

Serving Suggestions

Cheese and cabbage pies are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them alongside a fresh salad, sour cream, or yogurt for a pleasant contrast. A cup of tea or a refreshing drink will perfectly complement this meal. Personally, I enjoy savoring them with a garlic yogurt sauce, which adds an extra layer of flavor.

Variations and Useful Tips

- Filling variations: You can experiment with different fillings by adding sautéed mushrooms, ground meat, or seasonal vegetables to customize the pies to your taste.
- Freezing: These pies can be easily frozen. You can prepare them in advance, bake them, and then wrap them well in plastic wrap to keep them fresh.
- Dough: If you prefer a less greasy dough, you can reduce the amount of oil, but it contributes to the fluffy texture of the pies.

Nutritional Benefits

These pies are not only delicious but also nutritious. Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamin C and fiber, while cheese provides protein and calcium. Additionally, the yogurt added to the filling contributes to healthy digestion.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Absolutely! You can use about 7 g of dry yeast instead of 25 g of fresh yeast. Just make sure to activate it according to the instructions on the package.
- What other ingredients can I add to the filling? You can add some diced fried bacon or olives for a savory taste, or even dried dill for an extra flavor boost.
- How can I make these pies vegan? Substitute the cheese with a mixture of mashed tofu with spices and the yogurt with a plant-based yogurt. The oil in the dough can be replaced with olive oil or coconut oil.

In conclusion, cheese and cabbage pies are not just a traditional recipe but also a way to bring joy to every meal. With each bite, you'll enjoy the combination of textures and flavors, making them an ideal choice for any occasion. So, embark on a culinary adventure and enjoy your pies!