Cheese pie with three types of cheese and green onions

Three Cheese and Green Onion Pie

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 80 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Overview:
If you're looking for a savory and comforting dish, the three cheese and green onion pie is the perfect choice. This recipe combines the rich flavors of cheese with the freshness of green onions, creating an ideal main course or appetizer for any occasion. It can be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for family lunches or festive meals.

Recipe History:
Cheese pie is a dish that has traversed centuries, appearing in various culinary cultures. From simple country recipes to refined ones in restaurants, cheese has always been a star ingredient. Green onions, on the other hand, add a touch of freshness and a slightly spicy flavor that perfectly complements the cheeses. This combination has become popular due to its versatility and ability to be adapted to different tastes.

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 225 g flour
- 150 g cold butter, cubed
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 egg

For the filling:
- 250 g ricotta cheese
- 250 g mozzarella, cubed
- 100 g Grana Padano, grated
- 2 bunches of green onions, chopped
- 3 eggs
- 100 ml milk
- 200 ml cream
- Salt, to taste

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C. Prepare a baking tray by greasing it with a little butter and dusting it with flour to prevent the dough from sticking.

2. In a large bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder, powdered sugar, and baking soda. These dry ingredients are essential for achieving perfect dough. The addition of powdered sugar will give the dough a subtle sweetness that balances the saltiness of the cheeses.

3. Add the cold cubed butter. Use your fingers to rub it into the flour until you achieve a crumbly texture. This is an important step, as the cold butter will create layers in the dough, ensuring that the pie will be tender and delicious.

4. Add the egg and knead until homogeneous. If the dough feels too dry, you can add a tablespoon of cold water to help it come together.

5. On a floured surface, roll out the dough with a rolling pin, making sure to achieve an even thickness. Place it in the prepared tray, gently lifting it up on the edges. It is important to prick the dough with a fork in several places to prevent it from puffing up during baking.

6. Bake the dough in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, until it becomes lightly golden. This initial baking will ensure that the dough is well-cooked and will not become soggy when you add the filling.

7. Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, mix the ricotta, mozzarella, Grana Padano, chopped green onions, the 3 eggs, milk, and cream. Add salt to taste. Make sure to mix well to achieve a uniform composition. This mixture will become creamy and delicious, and the cheeses will melt perfectly in the oven.

8. After 10 minutes, take the dough out of the oven and pour the filling evenly over it.

9. Lower the oven temperature to 160 °C and bake the pie for 50-60 minutes. It is important to check the pie from time to time; it is ready when it becomes golden and the filling is well set.

10. Once baked, let the pie cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting it. This will allow the filling to stabilize, making cutting easier.

Serving Suggestions:
This cheese pie pairs perfectly with a fresh tomato and cucumber salad or with a yogurt and dill sauce for a refreshing contrast. Add a touch of refinement by serving it alongside a glass of dry white wine, which will complement the rich flavors of the cheeses.

Variations:
If you want to experiment, you can add black olives or spinach to diversify the filling. You can also use different cheeses, such as feta or goat cheese, to achieve a distinct flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe using your favorite cheeses or those available in your pantry. Just make sure they melt well.

2. How can I store the pie?
The pie keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to regain its crispiness.

3. Can this pie be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the pie before baking it. Make sure to wrap it well in aluminum foil. When you want to cook it, you can bake it directly from the freezer, but it will require a few extra minutes of baking.

Nutritional Benefits:
This pie is a good source of protein thanks to the cheeses and eggs, and the green onions add extra vitamins and minerals. Although it is a more indulgent dish, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Calories:
A serving of three cheese and green onion pie contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used.

Remember, cooking is an art form and a way to express love for your loved ones. Enjoy every step of the recipe and delight in the pleasure of creating something delicious!