Cheese and oregano pastries

Cheese and Oregano Rosettes: A Delicious and Easy-to-Make Treat

I invite you to discover a delicious recipe for cheese and oregano rosettes, perfect for breakfast or as an appetizer at a meal with friends. This recipe brings together tradition and innovation, offering you a unique taste and an enticing aroma. Whether you're making them for the first time or have cooked rosettes before, I will provide you with all the necessary details to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 45 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 20-25 rosettes

Necessary Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1.1 kg flour
- 3 tablespoons dry yeast
- 750 ml lukewarm water
- 220 ml sunflower oil
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt

For the filling:
- 500 g cheese (ideally not too salty)
- 150 g fresh oregano (or dried if fresh is not available)
- 2 eggs (well beaten)

For brushing:
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 30 ml oil (for greasing trays or baking paper)
- 2-3 tablespoons black cumin (izha) for sprinkling on top of the rosettes

A Brief History

Rosettes are a delicacy appreciated in various cultures, with deep roots in the tradition of cooking with simple yet flavorful ingredients. This recipe combines cheese with the fresh aroma of oregano, resulting in a savory combination, ideal for enjoying alongside a cup of hot tea or a glass of buttermilk.

Preparing the Dough

1. Activating the yeast: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, 750 ml lukewarm water, 3 tablespoons of sugar, and 3 tablespoons of dry yeast. Mix well, then cover the bowl with a towel and place it in a warm spot for about 10 minutes. This step allows the yeast to activate and form a starter.

2. Kneading the dough: Once the starter has risen, add the remaining flour (about 700 g) and salt. Start kneading the dough, gradually adding the sunflower oil. Continue kneading until the dough becomes elastic and easily comes off your hands.

3. Resting the dough: Let the dough rest for another 10-15 minutes. This resting time will help the dough become easier to work with.

Preparing the Filling

1. Preparing the oregano: Wash the oregano well and let it drain in a sieve to remove excess water. If the leaves are small, you can leave them whole.

2. Preparing the cheese: Crumble the cheese by hand or grate it on a large grater. Mix it with the oregano and the 2 beaten eggs. Make sure the filling is not too soft to prevent it from leaking during baking.

Shaping the Rosettes

1. Preparing the work surface: Sprinkle a little olive oil on the work surface to prevent the dough from sticking. You can also use flour, but the oil will add an extra flavor note.

2. Shaping the rosette: Take a small portion of dough and shape it into a ball. Cover the balls with a towel to prevent them from drying out. Roll each ball into a circle about 10-12 cm in diameter.

3. Filling: Place a tablespoon of the cheese filling on the first half of the circle. Then, cut the other half into thin strips. Roll the strips over the filling, covering the entire surface.

4. Forming the rosette: Turn the formed shape to create a rosette. Repeat this process with all the dough balls.

Baking the Rosettes

1. Preparing the tray: Place the rosettes in a greased tray or lined with baking paper.

2. Brushing: Beat an egg with 2 tablespoons of milk and brush the rosettes with the mixture. Generously sprinkle black cumin on top.

3. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius and bake the rosettes for 20-25 minutes, until they become golden and fluffy.

Serving and Suggestions

Once the rosettes have cooled slightly, transfer them to a platter. These delights are perfect to be served warm, alongside a cup of hot tea with lemon or a glass of buttermilk. Their savory taste and fluffy texture make them ideal for breakfast or as an appetizer at a festive meal.

Nutritional Benefits

These cheese and oregano rosettes are rich in protein due to the cheese and eggs, while the oregano adds a note of freshness and is also a good source of antioxidants. Whole wheat flour, if you choose to use it, will add extra fiber, thus contributing to a balanced diet.

Possible Variations

If you wish to personalize the recipe, you can add various ingredients to the filling, such as:
- Spinach or nettles: for a touch of greenery.
- Feta or mozzarella cheese: for a more intense flavor.
- Black or green olives: for an extra burst of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour for the dough?
Yes, you can replace white flour with whole wheat flour. Be careful to adjust the amount of water, as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.

2. What else can I add to the filling?
You can experiment with sautéed vegetables, ground meat, or various types of cheese to achieve varied flavors.

3. How can I store leftover rosettes?
Rosettes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven before serving.

4. What drinks pair well with the rosettes?
In addition to hot tea with lemon, a cold lemonade or a glass of white wine would be excellent combinations.

I encourage you to try this cheese and oregano rosette recipe, enjoy every step of the preparation, and savor the result with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!