Whole grain pies with cheese and dill
Who doesn't love the enticing aroma of freshly baked dough? The cheese and dill pie is a traditional recipe that combines the simplicity of ingredients with a rich flavor, making it perfect for a quick snack or a savory lunch. With a soft crust and creamy filling, these pies are ideal to be served warm, alongside a fresh salad or as an appetizer at a family meal. Let's see how we can prepare these delicious whole grain pies step by step!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Number of servings: 8 pies
Necessary ingredients:
For the dough:
- 600 grams whole grain flour
- 350 ml warm water (approximately 37 - 40 degrees Celsius)
- 25 grams fresh yeast
- 50 grams melted butter
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For the filling:
- 300 grams ricotta cheese
- 200 grams cottage cheese (or feta cheese, according to preference)
- Salt (to taste)
- A generous handful of freshly chopped dill
Step by step to success:
1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, crumble the yeast and mix it with warm water and sugar. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a crucial step, as the activated yeast will make the dough rise beautifully.
2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour with salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the activated yeast mixture and the beaten egg along with the melted butter. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to combine the ingredients.
3. Kneading the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it, otherwise the pies will be tough.
4. Letting it rise: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
5. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the cottage cheese and chopped dill. Add salt to taste. It’s important to adjust the amount of salt based on the cheese chosen, as some cheeses can be saltier than others.
6. Forming the pies: After the dough has risen, cut it into pieces of desired size. Roll each piece on an oiled surface or on a lightly floured work surface, forming a disc. Place a generous tablespoon of the cheese filling in the center, then fold the edges of the dough to cover the filling. Press the edges gently to seal them.
7. Rolling out the pies: Use a rolling pin to roll out the filled pies, being careful not to damage the filling. They should be thin, but not so thin that they tear.
8. Frying the pies: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the pies on each side for about 3-4 minutes or until golden and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to allow them to fry evenly.
9. Serving: Serve the pies warm, alongside a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers or with a spoonful of Greek yogurt for an added freshness. You can also add some olives for a contrast of flavors.
Useful tips:
- Variations of the filling: You can also add dried dill, green onions, or even spinach for extra flavor. If you prefer a stronger taste, you can use feta cheese instead of cottage cheese.
- Other preparation methods: If you prefer to avoid frying, you can bake the pies in the oven. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 25-30 minutes or until golden.
- Storage: The pies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or in a pan to regain their crispiness.
Nutritional information:
Each pie has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the filling and the amount of oil used for frying. These pies are rich in protein due to the cheese and are a good source of fiber from the whole grain flour. Additionally, dill adds not only flavor but also valuable antioxidants.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use white flour instead of whole grain flour?
Yes, you can use white flour, but the dough will have a different texture and will contain less fiber.
2. How can I make the pies less greasy?
Try baking them in the oven instead of frying. Use a spray oil or a brush to lightly coat them.
3. Can I freeze the pies?
Yes, you can freeze the raw pies before frying. Make sure to divide them into portions and wrap them well in plastic wrap.
These whole grain pies with cheese and dill are a true delicacy, full of flavor and with a perfect texture. With these tips and techniques, I am sure you will be able to prepare them easily. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent in the kitchen!
Who doesn't love the enticing aroma of freshly baked dough? The cheese and dill pie is a traditional recipe that combines the simplicity of ingredients with a rich flavor, making it perfect for a quick snack or a savory lunch. With a soft crust and creamy filling, these pies are ideal to be served warm, alongside a fresh salad or as an appetizer at a family meal. Let's see how we can prepare these delicious whole grain pies step by step!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Number of servings: 8 pies
Necessary ingredients:
For the dough:
- 600 grams whole grain flour
- 350 ml warm water (approximately 37 - 40 degrees Celsius)
- 25 grams fresh yeast
- 50 grams melted butter
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For the filling:
- 300 grams ricotta cheese
- 200 grams cottage cheese (or feta cheese, according to preference)
- Salt (to taste)
- A generous handful of freshly chopped dill
Step by step to success:
1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, crumble the yeast and mix it with warm water and sugar. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a crucial step, as the activated yeast will make the dough rise beautifully.
2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour with salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the activated yeast mixture and the beaten egg along with the melted butter. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to combine the ingredients.
3. Kneading the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it, otherwise the pies will be tough.
4. Letting it rise: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.
5. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the cottage cheese and chopped dill. Add salt to taste. It’s important to adjust the amount of salt based on the cheese chosen, as some cheeses can be saltier than others.
6. Forming the pies: After the dough has risen, cut it into pieces of desired size. Roll each piece on an oiled surface or on a lightly floured work surface, forming a disc. Place a generous tablespoon of the cheese filling in the center, then fold the edges of the dough to cover the filling. Press the edges gently to seal them.
7. Rolling out the pies: Use a rolling pin to roll out the filled pies, being careful not to damage the filling. They should be thin, but not so thin that they tear.
8. Frying the pies: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the pies on each side for about 3-4 minutes or until golden and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to allow them to fry evenly.
9. Serving: Serve the pies warm, alongside a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers or with a spoonful of Greek yogurt for an added freshness. You can also add some olives for a contrast of flavors.
Useful tips:
- Variations of the filling: You can also add dried dill, green onions, or even spinach for extra flavor. If you prefer a stronger taste, you can use feta cheese instead of cottage cheese.
- Other preparation methods: If you prefer to avoid frying, you can bake the pies in the oven. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 25-30 minutes or until golden.
- Storage: The pies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or in a pan to regain their crispiness.
Nutritional information:
Each pie has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the filling and the amount of oil used for frying. These pies are rich in protein due to the cheese and are a good source of fiber from the whole grain flour. Additionally, dill adds not only flavor but also valuable antioxidants.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use white flour instead of whole grain flour?
Yes, you can use white flour, but the dough will have a different texture and will contain less fiber.
2. How can I make the pies less greasy?
Try baking them in the oven instead of frying. Use a spray oil or a brush to lightly coat them.
3. Can I freeze the pies?
Yes, you can freeze the raw pies before frying. Make sure to divide them into portions and wrap them well in plastic wrap.
These whole grain pies with cheese and dill are a true delicacy, full of flavor and with a perfect texture. With these tips and techniques, I am sure you will be able to prepare them easily. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent in the kitchen!
Ingredients
600 g whole wheat flour, 350 ml warm water, 25 g yeast, 50 g melted butter, 1 egg, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon sugar. For the filling: ricotta, cheese, salt, dill.