Cottage cheese pie

Cheese Pie: A Savory Recipe of Traditional Inspiration

Who doesn't love a warm pie with a creamy and flavorful filling? Cheese pie is a classic dessert that brings together delicious tastes and textures, holding a special place in our hearts. This simple yet flavorful recipe will teach you how to create a quick dessert using store-bought pastry sheets. Let's embark on this culinary adventure together!

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Baking time: 30-35 minutes
- Total time: 55-60 minutes
- Number of servings: 8 servings

Ingredients
To prepare this cheese pie, you will need the following ingredients:

- 1 package of store-bought pastry sheets (approximately 400 g)
- 250 g cottage cheese
- 200 ml sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 100 g sugar (or to taste)
- 2-3 packets of vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of 1 lemon
- Raisins (optional, but recommended for added flavor)
- Oil for greasing the sheets

Preparation Steps
1. Preparing the pastry sheets: Remove the pastry sheets from the packaging and let them thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Be careful while working with them to avoid tearing.

2. Preparing the baking tray: Before you start assembling the pie, prepare a tray of approximately 30x20 cm. Line it with parchment paper to prevent the pie from sticking.

3. Laying the sheets in the tray: Take one pastry sheet, grease it with oil, and place it in the tray. Continue adding sheets, alternating between them and greasing them with oil, until you reach half of the total number of sheets.

4. Preparing the filling: In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the sour cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla sugar packets, and lemon zest. Use a mixer or a fork to achieve a smooth mixture. If you choose to use raisins, you can add them to the filling now.

5. Adding the filling: Pour the cheese filling over the pastry sheets in the tray, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

6. Covering the pie: Continue adding the remaining pastry sheets, greasing each sheet with oil. Make sure the last sheet is well-greased to achieve a golden and crispy crust.

7. Baking the pie: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tray in the oven and bake the pie for 30-35 minutes, or until it becomes golden and crispy. The aroma of the pie will fill the entire house, and your patience will be rewarded!

8. Cooling and slicing: After the pie is baked, let it cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will help the filling to set and make it easier to cut.

Serving Suggestions
Cheese pie is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for a creamy contrast. A cup of tea or coffee pairs perfectly with this dessert. If you want to add a touch of flavor, you can sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top before serving.

Nutritional Benefits
This cheese pie is not only tasty but also offers some nutritional benefits. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and B vitamins, while the eggs add essential nutrients. Additionally, the sour cream contributes to a creamy texture, making this pie a satisfying dessert.

Possible Variations
If you want to experiment, you can try adding various ingredients to the filling. For example, you can replace the cottage cheese with ricotta or feta cheese for a different taste. You can also add orange zest or cinnamon for an extra kick. Don’t forget that raisins can be substituted with dried fruits or chopped nuts.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use homemade pastry sheets?
Absolutely! If you prefer to use homemade pastry sheets, you can enjoy an even more personalized pie.

2. How can I store the pie?
The pie stores well at room temperature, covered with a damp towel or in an airtight container. It can be consumed within 2-3 days.

3. What is the best way to reheat the pie?
You can reheat the pie in the oven at 150°C for about 10 minutes or in the microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Conclusion
This cheese pie is not just a dessert; it’s an experience filled with memories and traditions. Allow it to become part of your festive meals or everyday indulgences. Whether you choose to prepare it for family or friends, it will surely bring smiles and joy around the table. Enjoy your meal!