Cheese and yogurt pie

Cheese and Yogurt Pie: An airy delicacy full of flavors and textures

When it comes to desserts, the cheese and yogurt pie is a choice that never fails to impress. This recipe has deep roots in culinary traditions over time, combining simple ingredients into a delicious masterpiece. With a fluffy sponge cake and a creamy cheese filling with raisins, this pie is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s embark on the preparation of this quick and tasty dessert that will bring joy to every table!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total: 80 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the sponge cake:
- 5 eggs
- 2 tablespoons warm water
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 6 tablespoons flour (heaped)
- 1 packet baking powder

For the filling:
- 1 kg cheese (goat or cow)
- 150 g raisins (soaked in water with rum essence)
- 3 eggs (for the filling)
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 300 g full-fat yogurt (goat)
- 2 packets vanilla sugar

For the syrup:
- 250 ml water
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 tablespoon sugar

Preparation of the pie

Step 1: Preparing the sponge cake
1. In a large bowl, separate the egg yolks from the whites. Beat the yolks together with the 2 tablespoons of warm water and 6 tablespoons of sugar using a mixer until the mixture becomes light in color and frothy.
2. In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Gradually add the flour mixture (one tablespoon at a time) to the yolk mixture, gently stirring to avoid lumps. The dough should be consistent but not as firm as bread dough.

Step 2: Beating the egg whites
3. In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. This step is essential to ensure the pie is airy.
4. Fold half of the egg white foam into the sponge cake batter using vertical movements (top to bottom) with a spatula. Then, add the rest of the egg whites and gently mix until well combined.

Step 3: Baking the base
5. Prepare a baking tray by greasing it with a little butter and lining it with baking paper. Pour the batter into the tray and level it out.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 150 °C for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly browned and passes the toothpick test.

Step 4: Cheese filling
7. In a bowl, mash the cheese with a fork, adding the 3 eggs, 4 tablespoons of sugar, and the raisins (which have been soaked in water with rum essence and then drained). Mix well until smooth.

Step 5: Forming the rolls
8. Take the pastry sheets and brush each sheet with a little oil. Place 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture on each sheet, spreading it evenly, then roll the sheets to form rolls. Repeat until you have 4 rolls.

Step 6: Assembling the pie
9. Place the rolls on top of the sponge cake, arranging them nicely. In another bowl, beat the yogurt with the 2 eggs and vanilla sugar, then pour the mixture over the rolls.
10. Cover everything with a remaining well-greased pastry sheet, and if you have any left, tear pieces from an extra sheet and sprinkle them on top.

Step 7: Final baking
11. Bake the pie in the preheated oven at 150 °C for about 50 minutes or until everything is golden and well cooked.

Step 8: Preparing the syrup
12. In a saucepan, bring the water with 1 tablespoon of sugar and lemon zest to a boil. Let it boil for a few minutes, then strain the syrup.
13. If you have, add caramel syrup for extra flavor. When the pie is ready, pour the warm syrup all around, ensuring the sponge cake absorbs the flavors.

Serving and presentation
Let the pie cool in the tray, then dust it with powdered sugar. Cut it into generous portions and enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee. This pie is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive meal or a gathering with friends.

Suggestions and variations
- Enriching the filling: You can add chopped nuts or coconut flakes for extra texture.
- Sweetening: Adjust the amount of sugar according to your preferences or use honey for a more natural taste.
- Serving: This pie pairs perfectly with a berry sauce or vanilla ice cream for a contrast of temperature and texture.

Nutritional benefits
Cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, contributing to bone health. Yogurt adds beneficial probiotics for digestion, and raisins provide antioxidants and quick energy.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use another type of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with feta or ricotta cheese, depending on your taste.
- How can I make the pie less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and syrup.
- Can the pie be frozen? Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Make sure to cover it well.

This cheese and yogurt pie is not just a recipe, but also an opportunity to gather the family around the table and create unforgettable memories. Enjoy and happy cooking!