Cheese Pie

Poale-n brâu: Moldovan Cheese Pies

Poale-n brâu are a true treasure of Moldovan cuisine, evoking childhood nostalgia and the enticing aroma of freshly baked pies. These delicious pastries can be filled with cheese, apples, jam, or any other ingredient that delights your taste buds. In this recipe, we will focus on the classic version with cheese, perfect for serving as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast. Let's get to work!

Preparation time:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Rising time: 1 hour
- Baking time: 40 minutes
- Total time: 2 hours
- Servings: 12-15 pies

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 500 g of flour
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 packet of dry yeast (approximately 7 g)
- 200 ml of lukewarm milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- Salt (a pinch)

For the filling:
- 300 g of cottage cheese (can also use telemea cheese)
- 1/4 of cheese (approximately 75 g) – salt and dried dill (to taste)
- 2 eggs
- Sugar to taste (optional, depending on your preferences)
- Raisins (optional, for added sweetness)

Necessary utensils:
- Mixing bowl
- Baking tray
- Plastic wrap or a clean towel
- Rolling pin

Step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preparing the dough
1. In a large bowl, sift the 500 g of flour, adding a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of sugar.
2. Make a small well in the center of the flour and add the packet of dry yeast.
3. Warm the 200 ml of milk until lukewarm (not hot) and pour it over the yeast. Wait a few minutes until the yeast starts to bubble.
4. Add a beaten egg and the 2 tablespoons of oil. Mix the ingredients well, using a spatula or a wooden spoon.
5. Gradually start adding flour, mixing continuously until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.

Step 2: Let the dough rise
1. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
2. Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover it with plastic wrap or a clean towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Preparing the filling
1. Meanwhile, prepare the filling. In another bowl, mix 300 g of cottage cheese with 1/4 of salty cheese and dried dill.
2. Add 2 eggs and sugar to taste to achieve a creamy and flavorful filling. If you choose to use raisins, you can add a few tablespoons now for extra sweetness.

Step 4: Forming the pies
1. Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface into a thin sheet about 5 mm thick.
2. Cut the dough into squares of about 10 cm. In each square, place a tablespoon of the cheese filling.
3. Fold the pies by bringing the corners of the squares to the center, forming a package. Make sure the filling is well covered.

Step 5: Baking the pies
1. Place the pies on a greased baking tray, making sure to leave some space between them, as they will rise in the oven.
2. Brush each pie with a beaten egg for a nice golden crust.
3. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the pies for 35-40 minutes, or until they are golden and fluffy.

Step 6: Serving
1. Let the pies cool slightly, then you can serve them warm. They are delicious both plain and alongside creamy yogurt or a dollop of sour cream.
2. If desired, you can sprinkle them with powdered sugar for a sweeter appearance and taste.

Practical tips:
- For a fluffier dough: Make sure the yeast is active. If you don't make pies often, you can test the yeast by mixing it with warm water and sugar – if it bubbles in a few minutes, it's good to use.
- Delicious variations: You can experiment with different fillings! Use grated apples mixed with cinnamon or fruit jam. Use goat cheese for a distinct flavor.
- Caring for the pies: Make sure not to leave the pies at room temperature for too long, as they may become dry. Store them in an airtight container.

Nutritional benefits:
Cheese pies are a good source of protein and calcium due to the cheese. Additionally, if you use quality ingredients, such as whole flour, you can add extra fiber and nutrients.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use cottage cheese instead of telemea cheese? Yes, cottage cheese is an excellent choice and will make the filling smoother and creamier.
- How long can I keep the pies? The pies are best served fresh, but they can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven to restore their fluffy texture.

Serving recommendations:
These pies are ideal alongside a fragrant tea or a glass of natural yogurt. In the cold season, they can be served with a cup of warm milk or cocoa, turning them into a comforting snack.

So, enjoy this traditional delight and share it with your loved ones! Poale-n brâu are not just a pie, but a true story in every bite, full of memories and flavor.