Cheese and raisin pie

Cheese pie is a dessert that brings to mind family celebrations, festive Christmas and Easter meals, and joyful moments from childhood. This simple and delicious recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of nostalgia in every bite. Here’s how you can prepare this perfect pie, step by step.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 180 g margarine
- 200 ml water
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 20 ml vinegar
- 600 g flour

For the filling:
- 700 g sweet cottage cheese
- 2 tubs of ricotta (about 500 g)
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 250 g sugar (adjust to taste)
- 150 g raisins (soaked in water or alcohol, as preferred)
- 2 tablespoons of semolina (to absorb excess moisture)
- 5 eggs

Preparing the dough

1. Softening the margarine: Start by placing the margarine in a saucepan over low heat. Let it soften for a few minutes, but do not let it melt completely. This will help achieve a flakier dough.

2. Mixing the ingredients: Once the margarine has softened, transfer it to a large bowl. Add the water, salt, and baking soda mixed with vinegar.

3. Adding the flour: Begin to sprinkle in the flour while continuously stirring with a wooden spoon. Keep mixing until you obtain a non-sticky dough. If the dough is too soft, you can add a little more flour.

4. Chilling the dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts, shape them into balls, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Place them in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This will help firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out.

Preparing the filling

5. Mixing the cheese: In a large bowl, place the crumbled cottage cheese, ricotta, orange and lemon zest, vanilla sugar, and sugar. Add the soaked raisins and the 5 eggs.

6. Obtaining the mixture: Mix all the ingredients well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. If you find the filling too soft, add one or two tablespoons of semolina, which will help absorb the excess moisture from the cheese.

Assembling the pie

7. Rolling out the dough: Take the dough out of the refrigerator. On a floured surface, roll out one sheet from the first half of the dough, large enough to cover the bottom of a baking dish. Ensure the dough is even and not too thin.

8. Placing the filling: Transfer the sheet of dough into the prepared baking dish (greased or lined with parchment paper). Spread the cheese mixture evenly on top.

9. Covering the pie: Roll out the second sheet of dough and carefully place it on top of the filling. Before placing it in the oven, use a fork to poke the sheet in several places. This will help release steam during baking.

Baking the pie

10. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and bake the pie for 40-45 minutes, or until it becomes golden and beautifully browned.

11. Cooling and serving: Once the pie is baked, let it cool slightly, then dust it with powdered sugar. It is delicious both warm and cold.

Serving suggestions and variations

For an extra flavor, you can serve the pie with a berry sauce or a mix of Greek yogurt with honey. You can experiment with flavors by adding vanilla or cinnamon to the cheese filling. Additionally, raisins can be replaced with other dried fruits, such as apricots or dates, to add a different note.

Nutritional benefits

This classic dessert is rich in protein due to the cheese and eggs, but it is important to consume it in moderation due to the sugar and fat content from the margarine. By replacing sugar with natural sweeteners or using a healthier margarine, you can make this pie even more diet-friendly.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use plant-based cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with plant-based cheese to make a vegan dessert, although the texture and taste may change.

How can I store the pie?
The pie keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days, but it is recommended to consume it freshly baked for the best flavor.

Can the pie be frozen?
Yes, the pie can be frozen before baking. Make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

I hope this cheese pie recipe brings you joy in the kitchen and, especially, at your table. Enjoy!