Tiropita (cheese pie)

Tiropita Recipe: Cheese Pie

Tiropita, a delight that combines the crispy texture of phyllo dough with a rich cheese filling, is an iconic dish that has won the hearts of many. From festive meals to quick snacks, this cheese pie is versatile and easy to adapt. In this recipe, I will share with you how to prepare a delicious tiropita, adapted with cheeses available to us, while preserving the authentic essence of this classic dish.

Preparation Time
- Active time: 15 minutes
- Baking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 8

Ingredients
- 300 g feta cheese (or low-fat cottage cheese)
- 100 g Emmental cheese (or another type of semi-hard cheese)
- 50 g spicy cheese (for example, burduf cheese or Roquefort)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon dried mint
- Pepper, to taste
- 50 ml milk
- 1 egg yolk, mixed with 1-2 tablespoons of milk for brushing
- 2 sheets of phyllo dough (preferably thicker)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Filling
- In a large bowl, whisk the 2 eggs with a whisk or fork until frothy.
- Add the feta cheese, which you can grate or crumble with a fork. Make sure the cheese is well combined with the eggs.
- Add the grated or finely chopped Emmental cheese and the crushed spicy cheese for a more intense flavor.
- Sprinkle in the dried mint and pepper, mixing all the ingredients well until you achieve a uniform composition.

2. Assembling the Pie
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. This step is essential to ensure even baking.
- Prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper to prevent the pie from sticking.
- Place the first sheet of phyllo dough in the tray, allowing the edges to hang over the sides slightly.
- Pour the cheese mixture over the phyllo dough, spreading the filling evenly.

3. Covering and Rising the Pie
- Place the second sheet of phyllo dough over the filling and, using a knife or cutting tool, roll the edges to seal the mixture. You can stick them to the edge of the tray with a little water.
- Cut the pie in a cross shape and then into eight portions to facilitate even baking.

4. Brushing and Baking
- In a small bowl, mix the egg yolk with a little milk, then brush the surface of the pie with this mixture. This will give the pie a golden and appetizing color.
- Put the pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the pie is golden and crispy. Check from time to time, as each oven bakes differently.

5. Cooling and Serving
- Once the pie is ready, let it cool slightly before cutting. This step is important to prevent the filling from spilling out.
- It is served warm, but is just as delicious cold, making it perfect for a picnic or a quick snack.

Practical Tips
- Cheeses: If you don't have access to feta cheese, you can use cottage cheese or ricotta. These cheeses add a fluffy texture to the filling.
- Mint: Dried mint adds a fresh taste to the pie. If you want a stronger flavor, you can use finely chopped fresh mint.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan tiropita, replace the eggs with a flaxseed paste and use vegan cheese instead of traditional cheeses.
- Serving: This pie pairs perfectly with a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers or a yogurt sauce for a pleasant contrast of flavors.

Nutritional Benefits
Tiropita is a good source of protein due to the cheeses and eggs used. Feta cheese is rich in calcium, essential for bone health, while mint adds a note of freshness and has digestive properties.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of cheese can I use if I don't have feta?
- You can use cottage cheese or ricotta as alternatives. They will provide a different but delicious texture.

2. Can I freeze the pie?
- Yes, tiropita can be frozen before baking. Make sure it is well wrapped to prevent excessive freezing.

3. How can I make the pie spicier?
- Add ground chili pepper or more spicy cheese for a more intense flavor.

4. What other recipes pair well with tiropita?
- Tiropita is perfect alongside a Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives or even with a glass of dry white wine.

So, don't hesitate to try this tiropita recipe. With every bite, you will discover a wonderful combination of flavors and textures that will bring joy to your table.