Cheese pies

Delicious Cheese Pie Recipe - A Taste of Story

I invite you to discover a cheese pie recipe that will win you over from the very first bite. These fluffy pies, filled with creamy and flavorful cottage cheese, are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family meal, a party, or simply a relaxing evening at home. Get ready to enjoy a quick and simple dessert with an authentic taste and a unique texture!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 16 pies

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 kg of high-quality flour
- 200 ml of oil (sunflower or olive oil)
- 3-4 eggs (use fresh, free-range eggs for a more authentic taste)
- 120 g sour cream (a fatty sour cream will add creaminess)
- 2 cubes of fresh yeast (about 40 g)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 400 ml milk (warmed to room temperature)
- 150 g sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon (for a fresh aroma)
- 1 vanilla essence (or a vanilla pod for an intense flavor)

For the filling:
- 500 g cottage cheese (preferably fresh cheese)
- 2 eggs
- 100 g sour cream (can also be sour cream for a pleasant contrast)
- 100 g sugar (you can adjust the amount to taste)
- 50 g raisins (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 30 g semolina (to bind the filling)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Activating the yeast:
Start by warming the milk slightly until it is lukewarm, but do not boil it. Add the yeast cubes and 2-3 tablespoons of flour. Mix gently and let the mixture sit in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 10-15 minutes, until a thick foam forms.

2. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with the sugar and salt until you obtain a creamy mixture. Add the yeast mixture, lemon zest, sour cream, and vanilla essence. Begin to gradually incorporate the sifted flour, mixing constantly. Add the oil gradually, continuing to knead the dough for about 20 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.

3. Rising the dough:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.

4. Preparing the filling:
In another bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the eggs, sour cream, sugar, raisins, and semolina. Make sure the cheese is lump-free to achieve a smooth filling.

5. Forming the pies:
Once the dough has risen, roll it out on a floured surface until you get a sheet about 5 mm thick. Cut squares of 8x8 cm. On each square, place a tablespoon of the cheese filling. Gather the opposite corners of the square and press gently to seal.

6. Baking the pies:
Place the pies in a greased tray, with the sealed side down. Brush them on top with a beaten egg yolk mixed with a little sugar for a golden crust. Bake them in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 160 degrees Celsius and continue baking for another 20 minutes until they are golden and fluffy.

7. Finalizing and serving:
At the end of baking, sprinkle vanilla sugar over the pies for an extra aroma. Let them cool slightly, then enjoy your pies with a cup of tea or flavored coffee.

Practical Tips

- Choosing ingredients: Use fresh cottage cheese for better taste. You can opt for cottage cheese with different fat percentages, depending on your preferences.
- Variations: You can add other ingredients to the filling, such as chocolate, nuts, or even dried fruits for a touch of freshness.
- Serving: These pies are delicious both warm and cold. You can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Nutritional Information

- Calories per serving: approximately 300-350 kcal
- Nutritional benefits: Cottage cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, while eggs provide essential nutrients for health. Raisins add a boost of fiber and antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with telemea cheese or ricotta, but make sure to adjust the sugar amount based on how salty the cheese is.

2. How can I make the pies fluffier?
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature and that the dough is well kneaded to develop the gluten.

3. Can I freeze the pies?
Sure! The pies can be frozen before baking. After shaping them, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the freezer. When you want to bake them, let them thaw at room temperature before baking.

I encourage you to try this cheese pie recipe and share your experience! It is a recipe that brings back memories of beautiful moments spent around the table with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!