Savory cheese and dill pie

Cheese and Dill Pie - A Springtime Delicacy

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

Welcome to the world of delicious pies, where each bite is an explosion of flavors and textures! Today we will prepare a cheese and dill pie, a simple yet flavorful recipe that combines tradition with the freshness of spring ingredients. This recipe is not just a culinary treat, but also an opportunity to savor moments spent in nature, at the market, where colors and aromas intertwine perfectly.

A brief story about cheese pie

Pies have a rich and diverse history, being spread across many cultures around the world. This cheese and dill pie is inspired by old traditions, where housewives used fresh available ingredients to create delicious dishes. Telemea cheese, with its creamy texture and slightly salty taste, perfectly complements the fresh aroma of dill and green onions, creating a dish that is not only nourishing but also comforting.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 300 g flour
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 15 g fresh yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Warm milk (as needed)
- 2 tablespoons oil

For the filling:
- 300 g telemea cheese
- Fresh dill (to taste)
- Green onion (only the green part)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream

For brushing:
- 1 egg mixed with a little sour cream

Preparing the dough

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, add the fresh yeast, sugar, and one tablespoon of flour. Pour a little warm milk over the mixture and stir well. Let this mixture rise for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This step is essential for obtaining a fluffy dough.

2. Sifting the ingredients: In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt. This will ensure a fine texture for the dough. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the egg, sour cream, and the yeast mixture.

3. Kneading the dough: Start mixing the ingredients with a spatula or your hands. Gradually add warm milk until the dough becomes soft but not sticky. Add the oil and continue kneading. The dough is ready when it pulls away from the sides of the bowl and becomes elastic.

4. Let the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 30-40 minutes, until it doubles in volume.

Preparing the filling

1. Preparing the cheese: In a bowl, crumble the telemea cheese with a fork. This will provide a rustic texture and enhance the flavor of the pie.

2. Mixing the filling: Add the sour cream, chopped fresh dill, and finely chopped green onion. Mix all the ingredients well until they become homogeneous. Make sure the herbs are well integrated into the mixture for an even flavor.

Assembling the pie

1. Preparing the baking tray: Grease a tray with oil or line it with baking paper. I used a 20 cm diameter pan, but you can also use a tray of a different size, depending on your preferences.

2. Rolling out the dough: After the dough has risen, roll out a sheet on a floured surface, making sure it is large enough to cover the bottom and sides of the tray. Keep a portion of the dough for decoration.

3. Adding the filling: Place the cheese filling in the tray, smoothing it out with a spatula. Make sure the filling is evenly distributed.

4. Decorating the pie: From the reserved dough, shape a lattice or braids to decorate the top of the pie. These details not only look good but also allow steam to escape during baking.

5. Brushing: In a small bowl, mix the egg with a little sour cream and carefully brush the surface of the pie. This step will give a golden and appetizing crust.

Baking the pie

1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Ensuring that the oven is well preheated will help achieve even baking.

2. Baking: Place the tray in the oven and bake the pie for about 40 minutes or until it is beautifully golden. The aroma will fill the entire kitchen!

Serving

After the pie is baked, let it cool slightly in the tray, then transfer it to a cooling rack. It is delicious both warm and cold, making it perfect for a light lunch or a snack. It pairs wonderfully with fresh tomatoes or a green salad.

Useful tips

- Variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese (such as goat cheese or feta) or add spinach for an extra note of freshness.
- Serving: Serve the pie with yogurt or sour cream for an even creamier taste.
- Storage: The pie can be kept in the refrigerator, covered, for 2-3 days. Reheat it in the oven to restore its crispy texture.

Nutritional information

Each serving of pie contains approximately 320 calories. It is a good source of protein due to the cheese and egg, while the dill and green onion add essential vitamins and antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but make sure to follow the proportions indicated on the package.

- How can I make the pie less salty?
Choose a less salty cheese or add more sour cream to the filling.

Conclusion

The cheese and dill pie is a perfect recipe to celebrate the spring season, full of flavors and colors. It is easy to prepare and can be adapted to personal preferences. So gather your ingredients and get ready for an unforgettable culinary experience! Enjoy your meal!