Cheese and herb pie

The cheese and herb pie is a true culinary gem, perfect for spring when nature offers us the freshest ingredients. This simple and delicious recipe, filled with the flavors of summer, will bring a touch of joy to every meal. It is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer or as a hearty snack for breakfast or on the go for a busy day.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours
Number of servings: 8-10

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 package of store-bought phyllo dough
- 1 kg of sweet cheese (preferably cow's cheese)
- 300 g of salty cheese (sharp)
- A few bunches of fresh dill
- A good bunch of green onions
- 4 eggs
- A few tablespoons of breadcrumbs or semolina
- 2-3 tablespoons of flour
- 400 g of sour cream or full-fat yogurt
- A small glass of oil
- 1 whole egg for brushing
- 1 package of baking powder

Step by step to achieve a perfect pie:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Ensure that the sweet cheese is well drained, and the salty cheese is crumbled. The dill and green onions should be finely chopped. These fresh ingredients will give the dish a special aroma.

2. Cheese mixture: In a large bowl, combine the sweet cheese with the salty cheese. Use a fork to crumble the sweet cheese and mix the two types of cheese. Add the finely chopped dill and green onions. This mixture will be the base of your filling.

3. Composition: Add the breadcrumbs (or semolina), beaten eggs, baking powder dissolved in a few drops of lemon juice, oil, and sour cream (or yogurt) to the bowl. Mix all the ingredients well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. The texture should be slightly creamy but not too liquid.

4. Preparing the tray: Take a medium-sized tray and place a piece of baking paper inside. Tear 2-3 sheets of phyllo dough and place them at the bottom of the tray, brushed with a little oil between them to prevent sticking.

5. Adding the composition: Pour the cheese and herb mixture over the phyllo sheets in the tray. Level the composition well with a spatula to obtain an even surface.

6. Finalizing the pie: Cover the mixture with the remaining sheets of phyllo dough, brushed with oil just like at the beginning. For a beautiful appearance, you can brush the top of the pie with a beaten egg, which will give it a golden and appetizing crust.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and let it bake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the pie turns golden and is well baked. You can check if it’s done by inserting a knife in the middle; if it comes out clean, the pie is ready.

8. Cooling and serving: After the pie has been removed from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before cutting it. It is recommended to be served cold, but it also tastes exceptional warm. It can be enjoyed plain or alongside a fresh salad of tomatoes or cucumbers, and also as an appetizer on various occasions.

Useful tips:
- If you want to add a touch of originality, you can experiment with other herbs, such as parsley or basil.
- You can use feta cheese or goat cheese for a more intense flavor.
- It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, to be consumed as a quick snack or taken on the go.

Nutritional information:
A serving of cheese and herb pie contains approximately 300-400 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used. It is a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, as well as fiber and vitamins from the herbs.

This pie is not just a recipe, but a story about tradition and how simple ingredients can create unforgettable moments around the table. So, I invite you to prepare it with love and delight your family and friends with a delicacy they will surely appreciate!

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use homemade phyllo dough?
Yes, you can use homemade phyllo dough, but it will require more time and effort.

2. How can I keep the pie longer?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be reheated in the oven to regain its crispness.

3. Can other types of cheese be used?
Absolutely! You can experiment with various types of cheese, adapting the recipe to your preferences.

Pair the pie with fresh lemonade or iced tea for a perfect spring meal! Savor every bite of this simple and delicious recipe, and your friends will be delighted with your choice!