Pampushki (Lepoten pies with cheese)

Pampushki - Lipovan Cheese Pastries

Pampushki, these wonderful Lipovan pastries, are an essential part of many of our childhoods. With a rich cheese filling and a fluffy texture, they are perfect for any meal of the day, from breakfast to dinner. In this recipe, I will guide you step by step to create perfect Pampushki that will bring a smile to anyone who tastes them.

Preparation time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients needed (at room temperature):

For the dough:
- 1 kg all-purpose flour (choose a high-quality flour with optimal gluten content for a fluffy dough)
- 2 cubes of fresh yeast (about 40 g; make sure it is fresh for a well-risen dough)
- 30 g butter (preferably unsalted for a more delicate flavor)
- 3 tablespoons yogurt (you can use Greek yogurt for a creamier texture)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (adds a touch of finesse to the dough)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (helps activate the yeast and adds a pleasant taste)
- 3 eggs (buy eggs from a reliable source, preferably organic)
- 100-150 mL warm milk (warm it slightly to activate the yeast)
- salt (1/2 teaspoon)

For the filling:
- 300 g cow's telemea cheese (make sure it is well crumbled)
- 300 g fresh cow's cheese (choose a quality cheese that is not too watery)
- 2 eggs (to bind the filling)

For decoration:
- 2 eggs + 3 tablespoons sour cream (for brushing)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for a slightly crunchy layer)
- 1 packet of Bourbon vanilla sugar (to add a special aroma)

Preparing the dough:

1. Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl, ensuring there are no lumps. Make a well in the center of the flour where you will add the other ingredients.

2. In the well, add the eggs, sour cream, yogurt, melted butter (not hot), yeast, salt, and sugar. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit in a warm place for 15 minutes. This step is crucial as the yeast needs to start fermenting.

3. After 15 minutes, mix all the ingredients using a wooden spatula or your hands. Gradually add the warm milk until you obtain a soft but homogeneous dough. You may need to adjust the amount of milk, so add it slowly.

4. Cover the dough again with the towel and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place. You will notice that the dough doubles in volume.

Preparing the filling:

5. Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the crumbled telemea cheese with the fresh cow's cheese and the 2 eggs. Ensure the filling is well combined and free of lumps. You can add a little pepper or dill for extra flavor.

Forming the Pampushki:

6. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to form a rectangle. Roll it to a thickness of about 1 cm.

7. Cut the dough into squares of approximately 10 cm per side. Place a tablespoon of the prepared filling in the center of each square.

8. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, ensuring they are well sealed. Place the Pampushki on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

9. Cover the tray with a towel and let the Pampushki rest for 15-20 minutes to relax the dough.

Baking the Pampushki:

10. Preheat the oven to 180°C (low heat). Meanwhile, beat the 2 eggs with the 3 tablespoons of sour cream and brush each Pampushka with this mixture, adding a little sugar on top for a golden, crunchy crust.

11. Bake the Pampushki in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until they turn golden and rise beautifully. The aroma that will fill your home is simply irresistible!

Serving and variations:

Pampushki are delicious warm, but they can also be enjoyed cold, alongside yogurt or flavored sour cream. You can experiment with different fillings by adding sautéed spinach and feta cheese or sautéed mushrooms. Additionally, you can replace the telemea with goat cheese for a more refined touch.

Helpful tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better dough rising.
- Always check the expiration date of the yeast to ensure it is fresh.
- If you're short on time, you can use dry yeast, adjusting the amount according to the package instructions.

Frequently asked questions:
- What can I do if the dough doesn’t rise? Check the temperature of the environment; sometimes, a place that is too cold can prevent rising. You can try placing it in a warmer spot or using a preheated oven at a very low temperature (about 30°C).
- How can I store Pampushki? You can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.

These cheese Pampushki are not just a recipe but also a pleasant memory of childhood, a taste of tradition, and a wonderful way to gather the family around the table. Whether you're making them for a festive meal or simply as a treat, Pampushki will always bring joy and satisfaction. Enjoy!