Dobrogea Pie

Dobrogea cheese pie - a delicacy that combines tradition with authentic taste, bringing a touch of nostalgia in every bite. This recipe is perfect for a hearty breakfast or a delicious snack, being versatile and at the same time easy to prepare, even for beginners. I will guide you step by step in preparing this wonder, so that you achieve a result worthy of the appreciation of your loved ones.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8 servings

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 package of pastry sheets (400 g, preferably thin)
- 6 medium eggs
- 500 g sour cream (preferably with a fat content of 20% for creaminess)
- 250 g cow or sheep telemea cheese (choose the cheese you like best)
- 250 g cottage cheese (for a less salty taste)
- Approximately 100 ml oil (for an extra flavor and aroma)

Preparation of the pie:

1. Thawing the sheets: If you choose to use store-bought pastry sheets, it is essential to let them thaw slowly. Take the sheets out of the freezer and leave them in the fridge overnight. This step is crucial to prevent the sheets from breaking during handling.

2. Preparing the filling: In a large bowl, combine the grated telemea with the cottage cheese. If you want a less salty pie, cow telemea is an excellent choice, and the cottage cheese will add extra creaminess. Add 3 eggs and half of the sour cream (250 g) to the mixture, mixing well until you get a homogeneous composition.

3. Preparing the trays: It is important to use appropriately sized trays. Ideally, a round tray with a diameter of about 40 cm would be best, but if you don’t have one that large, you can use two trays with a diameter of 22 cm. Grease the trays well with oil or butter to prevent the pie from sticking.

4. Assembling the rolls: Take two thin sheets, lightly grease them with oil (just enough on one of them). Place 3-4 tablespoons of the cheese mixture on the sheet and spread it evenly. Roll the sheets tightly to form a roll. Place the roll in the tray, along the edge. Continue with the remaining sheets and mixture, making sure to place the rolls one after another, about 4-5 in each tray.

5. Finishing the pie: After you have finished placing the rolls, grease them on top with the remaining oil. In a separate bowl, beat the remaining 3 eggs and combine them with the other half of the sour cream (250 g). Pour this mixture over the rolls, making sure to cover everything well.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Then, increase the temperature to 200 degrees Celsius for the last 10 minutes, so that the pie gets a golden and appetizing crust.

7. Cooling and serving: Once baked, let the pie cool slightly before cutting it. This waiting period is essential to maintain its texture. It is usually served with natural yogurt (preferably sheep's yogurt) or, for those who prefer, with a glass of wine. A delicious variation would be to add some fresh dill leaves on top before serving.

Practical tips:

- Vegan version: If you want to prepare a vegan pie, you can replace the cheese with a mixture of tofu and spices to mimic the taste of cheese.
- Enriching the filling: Add some herbs, such as basil or dill, for an extra flavor. You can also integrate sautéed spinach or mushrooms for a note of freshness.
- Serving: This pie is delicious both warm and cold, making it perfect for picnics or parties.

Nutritional information: One serving of Dobrogea pie (approximately 100 g) contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is rich in protein due to the cheeses and eggs, but also in fats, so it is best consumed in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use soy cheese instead of telemea? Yes, for a vegetarian version, soy cheese is an excellent choice.
- How long can the pie be kept? The pie keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, but its taste is best when consumed fresh.
- Can the pie be frozen? Yes, the pie can be frozen before baking. Make sure to cover it well to prevent freezer burn.

Now that you have all the necessary information, don’t hesitate to put on your apron and start preparing this delicious Dobrogea cheese pie. Every bite will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones, and you will surely become the stars of the table! Enjoy your meal!