Cheese Pastry

Cheese Pasca - A Traditional Easter Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 12

Cheese pasca is a traditional dessert, rich in flavor and symbolism, that combines the delicate flavors of fresh cheese with the subtle sweetness of orange. This dish has often been associated with Easter celebrations, having deep roots in culinary traditions. It is a dessert that not only delights the taste buds but also brings a sense of warmth and togetherness around the festive table.

Ingredients for the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (approximately 25 g)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- 3 tablespoons of lard (or 50 g butter)
- 2 egg yolks
- Zest of 1 lemon

Ingredients for the filling:
- 500 g fresh cottage cheese
- 3 eggs
- 5 tablespoons of sour cream
- 100 g sugar
- Pulp from 2 oranges

For brushing:
- 2 eggs
- Vanilla sugar

Preparing the Cheese Pasca - Detailed Steps

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt, sugar, and lemon zest. These ingredients will add flavor and texture to the dough.

2. Activating the yeast: Dissolve the yeast cube in 100 ml of lukewarm milk (not hot, to avoid killing the yeast). Let it sit for a few minutes until bubbles appear on the surface – this indicates that the yeast is active.

3. Mixing the ingredients: Add the activated yeast to the bowl with flour, followed by the melted lard (or softened butter), egg yolks, and the remaining lukewarm milk. Mix with a spatula or your hands until a homogeneous dough begins to form.

4. Kneading: Place the dough on a work surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and non-sticky. If necessary, add a little more flour, but avoid adding too much to prevent drying out the dough.

5. Letting the dough rise: Put the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil and cover it with a clean towel. Allow it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until it doubles in size.

6. Preparing the filling: In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the sugar, orange pulp, and sour cream. Add the beaten eggs and mix well. It is important that the cheese is well crumbled to ensure a uniform texture.

7. Forming the pasca: Once the dough has risen, roll it out into a thin, round sheet. Place the sheet in a baking tray lined with parchment paper, making sure the dough covers the edges of the tray. Prick the dough with a fork to prevent it from puffing up.

8. Adding the filling: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of semolina on the bottom of the dough to absorb the moisture from the filling. Add the cheese filling, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

9. Preparing for baking: Beat the 2 eggs with the vanilla sugar and pour the mixture over the filling. This layer will create a golden and delicious crust.

10. Baking the pasca: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the pasca for 35-40 minutes, or until golden. A good idea is to check the consistency with a toothpick – if it comes out clean, the pasca is ready.

11. Cooling: Once the pasca is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Practical Tips and Variations

- Ingredients: Make sure the cottage cheese is fresh and well-drained. Wet cheese will make the filling too soft.
- Fruit variation: You can add raisins or cranberries to the filling for a touch of acidity and an interesting texture.
- Serving: Pasca is delicious both warm and cold. Serve it with a berry sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful culinary experience.

Nutritional Information

Cheese pasca, per 100 g serving, contains approximately 250 calories. It is a good source of protein thanks to the cheese and eggs, and the orange adds a healthy dose of vitamin C.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use ricotta or mascarpone for a creamier filling, but make sure to adjust the sugar amount based on the sweetness of the cheese.
2. Can I freeze the pasca? Absolutely! The pasca can be easily frozen. Ensure it is completely cooled and well-wrapped in plastic wrap and an airtight container.
3. What drinks pair well with pasca? A sweet wine or a fruit tea can perfectly complement the flavors of the pasca. Additionally, a citrus-flavored latte would be a wonderful choice.

A Personal Note

Cheese pasca has always been an iconic dish in my family during Easter. Every year, we gather around the table, sharing recipes and stories, and the pasca undoubtedly becomes the star of the evening. I encourage you to bring this tradition into your home, turning every festive meal into a special occasion.

So, put on your apron and let’s bring the magic of cheese pasca into our lives! This simple and delicious recipe is sure to delight your family and friends during the holidays. Happy baking!