Savory cheese and herb pie

Savory cheese and herb pie: the taste of tradition in every bite

Pies are more than just a culinary dish; they are a part of the gastronomic tradition that connects us to our roots. This savory cheese and herb pie, inspired by my father-in-law's household, is perfect for any occasion, from a hearty breakfast to a delicious snack during the day. With simple and accessible ingredients but an extraordinary flavor, our pie will surely become a family favorite.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 800 g flour
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 100 g grated telemea cheese
- 200 ml thick yogurt
- 250 ml milk
- 100 g margarine
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano

For the filling:
- 400 g sheep telemea cheese
- 200 g feta cheese
- A bunch of fresh dill
- 3 stalks of green onion
- 2 eggs
- 2 large tablespoons of sour cream
- 150 g salami (optional)

Preparing the dough

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help activate the yeast and make the dough easier to knead.

2. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in 50 ml of warm milk along with 2 teaspoons of sugar. Mix well and add 2 tablespoons of flour. Let the mixture rise for 15 minutes. You will notice bubbles forming, indicating that the yeast is active.

3. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the flour, salt, oregano, grated cheese, and melted margarine (but not hot). Mix well to combine the ingredients.

4. Adding the liquids: Slightly warm the remaining milk (250 ml) and yogurt (200 ml) until they are lukewarm. Add these liquids to the bowl with flour and mix until you obtain a homogeneous dough. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.

5. Letting it rise: Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for one hour. A good idea is to place it above a warm stove; the heat will help the dough rise evenly.

Preparing the filling

1. Preparing the cheese: Grate the telemea cheese on a fine grater, then mix it with the eggs, sour cream, chopped dill, and chopped green onion. If desired, add diced salami. At this point, do not add salt, as the telemea cheese is already salty. Just add a little pepper for flavor.

2. Mixing the filling: Make sure all ingredients are well incorporated to obtain a homogeneous and flavorful filling.

Assembling the pie

1. Dividing the dough: After the dough has risen, take it out of the bowl and divide it into two equal parts.

2. Rolling out the sheets: On a floured surface, roll out the first half of the dough into a rectangular sheet large enough to cover the tray (the standard size is 30x40 cm).

3. Assembling the pie: Place the first sheet of dough in the greased and floured tray. Spread the grated feta cheese over it, then add the prepared filling, leveling it evenly. Cover with the second sheet of dough, ensuring it is well smoothed out.

4. Finalizing: You can grate some feta cheese or cheese on top for added flavor. Pricking the surface with a fork will help release steam during baking.

Baking the pie

1. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Baking at the right temperature is crucial for achieving a golden and crispy crust.

2. Baking: Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes or until the pie is golden and crispy. During this time, the aroma will fill the entire kitchen, and your appetite will grow.

3. Cooling: Once out of the oven, sprinkle the pie with a little cold water and cover it with a towel for about 30 minutes. This step will help retain moisture inside, making the pie softer.

Serving suggestions

The savory cheese and herb pie can be served warm or at room temperature. It is delicious alongside natural yogurt or a fresh salad, which will add a touch of freshness. You can accompany this dish with a dry white wine or a fragrant herbal tea, which will perfectly complement the cheese flavor.

Variations and tricks

To customize this recipe, you can experiment with different types of cheese: cottage cheese or ricotta can add extra creaminess. You can also replace salami with sautéed vegetables or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option.

Nutritional benefits

This pie is a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, while the herbs add essential vitamins and fiber. It is a dish that can provide energy for an entire day, making it ideal for breakfast or snacks.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can try whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour, but the texture may vary.

2. How can I make the dough less fatty?
You can replace margarine with olive oil, but be careful to adjust the amount of flour.

3. What other fillings can I use?
Vary the filling with goat cheese, spinach, or zucchini for a healthy alternative.

4. How do I store the pie?
Store the pie covered in the fridge, where it can last up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.

Therefore, this savory cheese and herb pie will not only bring flavor to your meal but will also create pleasant moments with your loved ones. Enjoy every bite and don't forget to share the recipe with friends!