Delicious pies with ham and cheese

Delicious Ham and Cheese Pies: A Simple and Quick Recipe

Welcome to my kitchen, where today I will share with you the recipe for ham and cheese pies that will delight your taste buds! These pies are undoubtedly a true culinary treasure, bringing together the savory flavor of ham with the creamy texture of cheese. They offer a delicious option for breakfast, a snack, or even a quick lunch.

A Brief History of Pies

These pies have a rich history, being prepared in various forms and fillings in many cultures around the world. Since ancient times, people have combined different types of dough with various fillings to create nutritious and delicious meals. The recipe we present today is simple and efficient, yet with a taste that will impress everyone.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 90 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Total: Approximately 2 hours
Number of servings: 8 pies

Ingredients

*For the dough:*
- 500 g flour
- 200 ml lukewarm water
- 25 g fresh yeast (1 cube)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 pinch of sugar
- 2 tablespoons oil

*For the filling:*
- 100 g cheese (or cow's telemea)
- 100 g ham (or chicken sausage)

Step by Step: Preparing the Pies

1. Preparing the dough: Start by adding all the ingredients for the dough into a bread machine or a large bowl. If using a bowl, mix the ingredients well with a spatula or with your hands. It is important to adjust the consistency of the dough: if it is too soft, add a little flour, and if it is too hard, add lukewarm water. The goal is to obtain an elastic and homogeneous dough.

2. Rising: After the dough is well kneaded, cover it with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 90 minutes or until it doubles in volume. This step is essential for obtaining fluffy and airy pies.

3. Preparing the filling: While the dough rises, you can prepare the filling. Cut the ham and cheese into small cubes and mix them well. If you wish, you can also add herbs such as oregano or dill for extra flavor.

4. Forming the pies: When the dough has risen, grease the work surface with a little oil. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Use a rolling pin to shape each portion into a round disc. Add a tablespoon of filling in the center of the discs and seal the edges by folding them in half, then press well to stick.

5. Flattening the pies: Turn the pies with the sealed side down and, using the rolling pin, gently flatten them to give them a uniform shape. This step will help in the even cooking of the pies.

6. Cooking: Heat a non-stick pan (or hot pan) over medium heat. Grease the pan with a little oil just before adding the first pie. Place the pies in the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side or until they become golden and crispy.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These ham and cheese pies are delicious served warm, alongside a fresh salad or as an appetizer. You can also experiment with alternative fillings: cottage cheese, mushrooms, or spinach.

If you want to add a touch of spice, you can sprinkle a little dried chili pepper into the filling. These pies are perfectly complemented with a cold drink, such as tomato juice or iced tea with lemon.

Nutritional Benefits

These pies are a good source of protein due to the ham and cheese, and whole flour (if you choose to use it) brings important fiber to your diet. With a moderate calorie content, these pies are an excellent choice for a quick meal without feeling guilty.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can the pies be frozen?
Yes! After cooking them, let them cool completely, then you can freeze them in an airtight container. When you want to consume them, you can reheat them in the oven or in a pan.

2. Can I use other types of meat?
Of course! You can use chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian fillings, such as sautéed vegetables.

3. Why should I use a non-stick pan?
A non-stick pan allows you to cook the pies without adding too much oil, making them healthier and helping you avoid unpleasant smoke in the kitchen.

I hope you will try this wonderful recipe for ham and cheese pies! Whether you prepare them for a quick breakfast, a delicious snack, or for a family meal, I am sure they will become a favorite. Enjoy your meal!