Yogurt dough pies with cheese filling

Yogurt Dough Cheese Pies

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Resting time: 30 minutes
Frying time: 20 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6 pies

Who doesn't love to savor a warm pie, with fluffy dough and a delicious cheese filling? Yogurt and cheese pies are a dish that evokes family meals, moments of joy, and the warmth of home. This simple and quick recipe will turn any meal into a celebration of flavors.

Necessary ingredients:
- 500 ml yogurt (choose a creamy yogurt for a softer dough)
- 1 egg (add a quality egg, as it will contribute to the texture of the dough)
- 700 g flour (type 550 flour is ideal for pies)
- 1 teaspoon salt (sea salt for a more intense flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (for a fluffy dough)
- 500 g salty cottage cheese (if using sweet cheese, don't forget to add salt to the filling)
- 3 eggs (fresh eggs for a special taste)
- Oil (for frying)
- Dill and green onion tops (for added flavor)

Preparation:

1. Mixing the dough ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the flour and baking soda. These ingredients are the base of your dough, so make sure to mix them well. Then, add the yogurt, egg, and salt. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to combine the ingredients until you get a homogeneous dough.

2. Adding the oil:
Finally, add a little oil to improve the texture of the dough. This step is important to achieve an elastic and easy-to-handle dough. Mix well until the oil is fully incorporated.

3. Resting the dough:
Form a ball from the dough and cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the gluten to relax, facilitating the subsequent rolling out.

4. Preparing the filling:
While the dough is resting, you can prepare the filling. Mash the cottage cheese with a fork, then add the eggs, finely chopped dill, and chopped green onion. Mix everything very well, so that the ingredients combine perfectly. This filling is the key to your pies, so feel free to add spices to taste.

5. Forming the pies:
After the dough has rested, divide it into equal-sized balls. On a floured work surface, take a ball of dough and roll it out into a round shape, as thin as possible. It is important not to rush this step to achieve a perfect texture. Place a portion of the cheese filling in the center of the dough circle. Then, fold the dough, bringing the edges towards the center and gently pressing with your hand to seal.

6. Frying the pies:
Heat a pan and brush it with a little oil. Place the pies in the pan, being careful not to overcrowd them. Fry them on each side for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become golden and crispy. You can adjust the temperature to avoid burning. Frying is the moment when the aroma of the pies develops, so don’t forget to enjoy the smell wafting through the kitchen!

7. Serving:
Once the pies are ready, remove them from the pan and let them cool slightly on a paper towel to absorb the excess oil. Serve them warm, alongside a fresh salad or with yogurt sauce for a pleasant contrast. These pies are wonderful for breakfast, as well as an appetizer or snack.

Useful tips:
- You can experiment with different fillings, adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the cheese filling for a vegan version.
- If you want to make healthier pies, you can substitute some of the flour with whole wheat flour.
- Make sure the cheese is well drained; otherwise, the filling will be too wet and the pies risk breaking.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of cheese for the filling?
Yes, you can use feta or mozzarella cheese, but adjust the amount of salt according to the chosen cheese.

- How can I keep the pies crispy?
It is recommended to consume them fresh. If you want to store them, keep them in an airtight container and reheat them in the oven to restore their crispy texture.

Nutritional benefits:
These pies provide a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs. Yogurt brings beneficial probiotics, while dill and green onions offer essential vitamins and minerals.

Possible variations:
1. Pies with sweet cheese and raisins filling.
2. Pies with minced meat and vegetables filling.
3. Pies with goat cheese and spinach.

This yogurt dough cheese pie recipe is not only simple and quick but also extremely versatile. I encourage you to try this recipe at home and adapt it to your liking. Whether you prepare them for a family meal or a special occasion, these pies will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!