Cheese pie

Cheese Pie: A Simple and Delicious Recipe

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of Servings: 12

Welcome to the world of cooking, where every recipe is a family story, a sweet memory, or a special occasion! Today, I invite you to prepare a cheese pie, an easy-to-make recipe that is full of flavor. This pie is perfect for any time of the day, whether you serve it as an appetizer, snack, or even dessert. It is one of those recipes that will delight your taste buds and bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

Brief History:
Cheese pie has deep roots in culinary traditions, being a recipe that has evolved over time in different cultures. Whether it is savory or sweet cheese pies, they have always been an excellent way to make use of simple ingredients, transforming them into savory and comforting dishes. The recipe I propose today combines feta cheese with the fresh flavors of dill, offering an unforgettable culinary experience.

Ingredients:
- 300 g sheep feta cheese (or feta cheese if you prefer)
- 3 tablespoons natural yogurt
- 1 large tablespoon sour cream
- 2 eggs
- A handful of fresh dill, chopped
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste
- Salt, if necessary (check the taste of the cheese)
- A package of 400 g of pie sheets (usually available in stores)
- 150 g margarine (or butter for a richer taste)

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Filling:
In a large bowl, add grated feta cheese (you can crush it with a fork for a finer texture), eggs, yogurt, sour cream, chopped dill, and pepper. Mix all the ingredients well until combined. Taste the mixture and add salt if necessary. Feta cheese is already salty, so make sure not to add too much salt.

2. Preparing the Pie Sheets:
Take the pie sheets out of the package and let them thaw at room temperature. This step is essential to avoid tearing the sheets during assembly. While you wait, preheat the oven to 180°C.

3. Assembling the Pie:
Choose a baking dish that matches the size of the pie sheets. Grease the dish with a little oil and sprinkle flour to prevent sticking. Start assembling the pie: place one sheet, brush it well with melted margarine (this will provide a crispy layer), then add another sheet, continuing this process. After four overlapping sheets, add a portion of the cheese mixture. Repeat the process: four sheets, a layer of cheese, another three sheets, another layer of cheese, and so on. Finally, cover everything with the last sheets of pie.

4. Finalizing:
Brush the top sheet well with melted margarine. Use a knife to portion the pie into 12 pieces (3 across and 4 lengthwise). This step will help ensure even baking.

5. Baking:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the pie for about 40 minutes or until it becomes golden and crispy on top. The aromas will spread throughout the house, and the fresh smell will delight you.

6. Finishing:
After the pie is baked, take it out of the oven and generously sprinkle it with cold water. This trick will help maintain moisture, and the crust will remain soft and delicious. Cover the pie with a clean kitchen towel and let it cool for 15 minutes before cutting it into portions and serving.

Serving Suggestions:
This cheese pie is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside a fresh vegetable salad or with a yogurt and dill sauce for an extra flavor boost. Also, a glass of natural yogurt or herbal tea will perfectly complement the meal.

Tips and Variations:
- Filling Variations: You can experiment by adding spinach, mushrooms, or olives to the cheese mixture to diversify the flavors.
- Pie Sheets: Use whole grain sheets for a healthier version of the recipe. You can also try making the pie sheets at home, giving them a personal touch.
- Enhancing Flavor: Add spices like nutmeg or cumin to the filling for a more complex taste.

Nutritional Benefits:
This pie is rich in protein due to the cheese and eggs, while dill adds not only flavor but also antioxidants and vitamins. Yogurt and sour cream contribute to a creamy texture and an additional calcium boost.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other types of cheese? Of course! Feta or ricotta cheese are excellent options if you want a different variant.
- How can I store the pie? You can keep the unbaked pie in the freezer, well-covered, to bake later. Also, the baked pie can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans? If you want a vegan version, you can replace the cheese with crushed tofu and add spices to mimic the flavor of cheese.

In conclusion, this cheese pie is a perfect choice for any occasion, whether you are hosting a party, a family dinner, or simply want to treat yourself to something tasty. Every bite will bring joy and warmth, and your recipe will surely become a favorite among your loved ones. Happy cooking!