Cheese and dill pastries

Delicious Cheese and Dill Pie Recipe

Did you wake up today craving warm, aromatic, and crispy pies? Well, you've come to the right place! These cheese and dill pies are not only easy to make but also incredibly tasty. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or at a festive meal, they will surely be a hit on your table.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 6 large pies or 12 small pies

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour (choose a good quality flour, preferably type 000 for a fine texture)
- 200 ml lukewarm water (ideally between 30-40 degrees Celsius)
- 1 egg + 1 yolk
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (opt for high-fat sour cream for a rich taste)
- 3 tablespoons oil (you can use sunflower oil or olive oil)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet of dry yeast (about 10 g)

For the filling:
- 200 g creamy telemea cheese (can be replaced with feta cheese for a saltier taste)
- 300 g urda (or cottage cheese, for a lighter alternative)
- 1 bunch of fresh dill, chopped (dill adds a fresh and invigorating flavor)
- 2 yolks (for an even richer texture)
- Oil for frying (about 1.5 cups)

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour, creating a small well in the center. Add the yeast in the middle. Around the edges of the flour, add the yolks, salt, sour cream, lukewarm water, and just two tablespoons of oil. Using a fork, start to mix the ingredients, gradually bringing the flour from the edges to the center until the dough begins to come together.

2. Kneading the dough: If you feel the dough is too dry, you can add a tablespoon of lukewarm water (usually, this is not necessary). Now add the remaining oil and knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rest in a warm place for about 30 minutes.

3. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, mix the creamy telemea cheese with the urda, the two yolks, and the chopped dill. Make sure the filling has a uniform texture and that the ingredients are well incorporated. You can taste the filling and adjust the flavor with a little salt if necessary.

4. Forming the pies: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 12 equal balls (or 6 if you want larger pies). On a lightly oiled surface, flatten each ball of dough with your hands to obtain a thin sheet without tearing it. Place the filling on one sheet of dough, leaving the edges free, then cover with another sheet of dough and gently press the edges to seal.

5. Frying the pies: Heat the oil in a deep pan. Make sure the oil is hot enough (about 180 degrees Celsius) so that the pies become golden and crispy. Fry one pie at a time until golden on both sides (about 3-4 minutes on each side). After frying, place the pies on absorbent towels to remove excess oil.

6. Serving: Serve the pies warm, alongside fresh sour cream or a vegetable salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also add some slices of tomatoes or cucumbers for an extra touch of freshness.

Useful tips

- To prevent the dough from sticking, make sure the surface you are working on is lightly oiled.
- If you want to keep the pies crispy, do not cover them with a lid after frying.
- If you don't like cheese, you can experiment with various fillings such as mashed potatoes, mushrooms, or minced meat, adjusting the spices to suit.

Nutritional benefits

Cheese and dill pies are an excellent source of protein and calcium, thanks to the cheeses used. Dill not only adds flavor but is also rich in antioxidants and vitamins, contributing to digestive health.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can replace white flour with whole wheat flour, but you may need to adjust the amount of water.
- How can I store the pies? You can keep the un-fried pies in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 1-2 days. Fry them before serving to maintain their crispy texture.

Possible variations

- Spinach and cheese pies: Add sautéed spinach to the filling for an extra nutrient boost.
- Sweet pies: Replace the filling with apples, cinnamon, and sugar for a delicious dessert.

These cheese and dill pies are more than just a recipe; they are an invitation to enjoy moments spent in the kitchen, to share with loved ones, and to create delicious memories. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy a culinary feast!