Cottage cheese pie

Cottage Cheese Pie: a delicious and comforting recipe

Who doesn't love the inviting aroma of a freshly baked pie? Cottage cheese pie is a traditional recipe that combines the creamy texture of cheese with the crispness of the pie crust, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it as a dessert at a family meal or prepare it for an unexpected visit, this dish is sure to win everyone's hearts.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 package of pie sheets (approximately 400 g)
- 600 g fresh cottage cheese
- 6 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of one lemon (approximately 1 teaspoon)
- 250 g sour cream (12% fat)
- 4 whole eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- Egg whites from 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon rice flour or cornstarch
- Butter for greasing the sheets
- 3 eggs for topping the pie
- 3 tablespoons cold milk

Preparing the cottage cheese pie:

1. Start by preparing the filling. In a large bowl, add the fresh cottage cheese, sugar, vanilla sugar, grated lemon zest, sour cream, the 4 whole eggs, 2 egg yolks, and the tablespoon of flour. Mix everything well with a spatula or a mixer on low speed until you obtain a smooth and creamy mixture. Make sure there are no lumps of cheese, as they can affect the final texture of the pie.

2. In another bowl, beat the egg whites from the 2 eggs until stiff peaks form. This step is essential to give the pie an airy texture. Carefully fold the egg white foam into the cottage cheese mixture, mixing gently from the bottom up to avoid losing the air from the egg whites.

3. Preheat the oven to 180°C. In the meantime, prepare the rectangular baking tray (approximately 30x20 cm) that you will use. Grease it well with melted butter to prevent the pie sheets from sticking.

4. Place 5 sheets of pie on the bottom of the tray, greased with melted butter, making sure to slightly overlap them to form an even base. Find a rhythm that you like: you can grease each sheet separately or grease a few sheets at once if you want to save time.

5. Pour the cheese mixture over the pie sheets, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Then, cover the filling with another 5 sheets of pie, each greased with melted butter, just like in the previous step.

6. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the pie for 15 minutes, until the sheets start to turn golden.

7. Meanwhile, prepare the egg mixture for the top. Beat the remaining 3 eggs together with the 3 tablespoons of cold milk. After the 15 minutes of baking, remove the pie from the oven and carefully pour the egg mixture on top. This will create a fine, delicious crust that will enhance the flavor of the pie.

8. Return the pie to the oven and let it bake for another 30-35 minutes, or until the top becomes golden and firm. It's time to enjoy the aroma that fills the kitchen!

9. Once the pie is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly in the tray. Then, cut it into portions and sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant appearance.

10. Serve the cottage cheese pie warm or at room temperature, alongside a cup of tea or coffee. This will surely be a winning combination!

Useful tips and tricks:

- Use high-quality fresh cottage cheese to achieve a creamy and delicious filling. You can experiment with ricotta cheese or sweet cheese if you want a different flavor.
- If you prefer a sweeter pie, you can add a few tablespoons of raisins or dried cranberries to the filling.
- You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give the pie a more complex flavor.
- This recipe can also be adapted to become vegan by using plant-based alternatives for eggs and dairy products.
- The cottage cheese pie keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but it is so delicious that it will probably disappear much faster!

Nutrition and calories:

This cottage cheese pie recipe provides a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs. Each serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the portion size and the amount of sugar used. Cottage cheese is also a source of calcium, essential for bone health.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen pie sheets?
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to use frozen pie sheets. Make sure to completely thaw them before use to avoid tearing.

2. How can I enhance the flavor of the pie?
By adding vanilla essence or almond extract to the filling mixture, you can achieve an even more intense flavor.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, cottage cheese pie is a vegetarian recipe, but it is not vegan due to the eggs and dairy products.

4. What other desserts can I try?
If you like cottage cheese pie, I recommend trying cottage cheese pie or apple and cinnamon tart, both of which are equally delicious and comforting.

I hope this cottage cheese pie recipe inspires you to spend time in the kitchen, creating delicious memories with your loved ones. Don't forget to leave your personal touch in every dish by adding ingredients or flavors you enjoy! Enjoy your meal!