How to make puff pastry for pie

Puff pastry is a staple ingredient in many dishes, from savory pies to delicious desserts. This recipe will give you a fine dough with 81 layers that will puff up perfectly during baking, resulting in a light and airy texture. It is a simplified version that will allow you to achieve an impressive result without spending hours in the kitchen.

Total preparation time: 2 hours (including resting time)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 400 g flour 000
- 2 egg yolks
- 100 ml sparkling mineral water
- 125 ml full-fat yogurt
- 1 pinch of salt

For the wrapping:
- 175 g butter or margarine
- 30 g flour

Filling:
- 500 g salty cheese
- 500 g sweet whey cheese
- 1 bunch of finely chopped dill
- 5 eggs

The history of puff pastry

Puff pastry has gained popularity due to its versatility, being used in various recipes for pies, croissants, and more. It results from a process of combining flour with fat, allowing for the formation of fine, airy layers. Its origin is lost in the mists of time, reminding us of culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations. It is a symbol of refinement and creativity in the kitchen, and the final result is always impressive.

Step by step: Preparing puff pastry

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure you have the flour, egg yolks, sparkling water, yogurt, and salt on hand. It is important to use quality ingredients, as they will influence the final outcome of the dish.

2. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the egg yolks, sparkling water, and yogurt. Mix with a spatula or by hand until you obtain a smooth and elastic dough. If necessary, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of additional flour to achieve the desired consistency.

3. Dividing the dough:
On a work surface greased with oil, divide the dough into two equal parts (or into four if you want to make more sheets). Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest for 15 minutes.

4. Preparing the fat:
In another bowl, mix 175 g of butter or margarine with 30 g of flour until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. This mixture will help form the puff pastry layers.

5. Forming the layers:
Take one part of the dough and roll it out on the greased work surface into a square sheet. Evenly distribute half of the fat mixture over the entire surface. Make two cuts on each side of the square without completely separating the corners. Fold the corners toward the center, thus covering the central area. Then, fold the remaining sides, covering each already folded square with its opposite.

6. Refrigerating:
Place the folded dough on a tray with the folded sides down, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. This step is crucial to allow the butter or margarine to harden, thus forming delicious layers.

7. Repeating the process:
After 15 minutes, remove the dough from the refrigerator and place it with the folded sides up. Lightly grease the top with oil and roll the dough out again into a square shape, repeating the cutting and folding process. Add the remaining fat and fold again. Let the dough chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

8. Forming the final sheets:
After the resting time, roll the dough into a sheet of the desired size (I used a tray of 40/28 cm). Roll it onto a rolling pin to place it in the tray. Prick it in several places with a fork to prevent excessive puffing during baking.

Preparing the filling

1. Mixing the ingredients:
In a separate bowl, combine the salty cheese, sweet whey cheese, chopped dill, and eggs. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Taste the filling and adjust the salt if necessary.

Assembling the pie

1. Adding the filling:
Pour the cheese filling over the dough in the tray, distributing it evenly. If desired, you can also add some pieces of vegetables or meat for extra flavor.

2. Covering the pie:
Place a second sheet of dough over the filling. Cut the raw pie into pieces of the desired size, then brush the surface with egg yolk to achieve a golden and appetizing crust.

Baking

1. Preheating the oven:
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Ensure that the temperature is consistent to bake the pie evenly.

2. Baking the pie:
Place the tray in the oven and bake the pie for 45-50 minutes until it becomes golden and crispy. You will be delighted by the inviting aroma that will spread throughout the house!

Serving

Once baked, let the pie cool slightly before cutting it. It can be served warm or at room temperature, alongside a fresh salad or a yogurt sauce with dill. This cheese-filled pie is perfect for a family meal or to impress guests at a party.

Variations and suggestions

- You can replace the salty cheese with cottage cheese or other types of cheese you prefer.
- Add vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- If you prefer a sweet filling, try using sautéed apples or fruit puree with a dash of sugar and cinnamon.

Frequently asked questions

1. Why is it important to refrigerate the dough?
Refrigeration helps to harden the fat, which is essential for achieving the characteristic layers of puff pastry.

2. Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, butter is an excellent option and will provide a richer taste to the dough.

3. How can I store the pie?
The pie can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its crispness.

Nutritional benefits

This cheese pie is a good source of protein, thanks to the cheese and eggs. It also contains dairy, which is important for bone health. However, keep in mind that it is a calorie-rich recipe due to the fats, so it is best to consume it in moderation.

This puff pastry recipe is not only simple but also versatile, allowing you to experiment with different fillings. I encourage you to put your personal touch on this recipe, turning each pie into a culinary masterpiece! Enjoy!