Homemade cheese pie

Homemade Cheese Pie: A Traditional Delicacy

This homemade cheese pie is more than just a simple dessert; it's a story about responsibility and creativity in the kitchen. Born from a common situation - curdled milk - this recipe reminds us how valuable simple ingredients can be when transformed with love and care. Get ready to delight your taste buds and bring a touch of nostalgia to your table!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 800 g flour
- 25 g fresh yeast (about the size of a larger walnut)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 350 ml whey (from straining the milk)
- 100 g melted butter
- 1 egg

For the filling:
- Cottage cheese made from 2 liters of milk
- 200 g grated telemea cheese
- 2 eggs and one egg white
- 150 g sugar
- 100 g semolina (about half a cup)
- Vanilla essence
- Zest of one lemon
- 100 g raisins (optional)

Step by step: How to prepare homemade cheese pie

Step 1: Preparing the cottage cheese
1. Transform the milk: Start by heating the 2 liters of curdled milk. Wait until it reaches a warm temperature, then strain it through a sieve covered with cheesecloth to separate the whey from the cheese.
2. Reserve the cheese: The cheese obtained will be used for the filling, and the whey will be the magic ingredient for the dough.

Step 2: Preparing the dough
1. Activating the yeast: In a bowl, put the warm whey, yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
2. Adding the ingredients: Add the egg, melted butter, salt, and the remaining sugar. Start incorporating the flour gradually, mixing with a spatula or your hands.
3. Kneading: When the dough starts to come together, knead it for 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If it is too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. Proofing: Place the dough in a bowl covered with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in volume.

Step 3: Preparing the filling
1. Mixing the ingredients: In a bowl, put the raisins (if using), eggs, sugar, and vanilla essence. Beat with a fork until everything is well combined.
2. Adding the cheese: Add the cottage cheese, grated telemea cheese, and semolina. Mix everything until it becomes a homogeneous mixture.
3. Flavoring: Add the lemon zest for an extra touch of freshness and flavor.

Step 4: Assembling the pies
1. Shaping the dough: When the dough has risen, divide it into pieces the size of a golf ball. On a floured surface, roll each piece into a circle or rectangle.
2. Filling: Place a tablespoon of filling in the center of each piece of dough. Fold the edges to seal the pie well or form branzoaice by pinching the dough in the middle.
3. Arranging in the tray: Place the pies in a tray lined with baking paper, leaving space between them to rise.

Step 5: Baking
1. Glazing the pies: Beat an egg yolk with a little water and brush the pies with this mixture for a beautiful golden color. Sprinkle poppy seeds or sesame on top, as preferred.
2. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the pies for 30-40 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

Useful tips for a perfect result
- Whey: I recommend using fresh whey from cottage cheese, as it gives a better texture to the dough.
- Cheese: If you don't have cottage cheese, you can use ricotta cheese as an alternative. It will provide a creamy and delicious filling.
- Raisins: If you don't like raisins, you can omit them or replace them with dried blackberries or blueberries.
- Types of pies: Instead of making individual pies, you can opt to make one large pie, which you can cut later.

Serving suggestions
Homemade cheese pies are excellent warm, but they can also be served at room temperature. You can dust them with powdered sugar for extra sweetness or accompany them with a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a nutritious breakfast. A fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee are perfect accompaniments.

Nutritional benefits
This pie contains a combination of carbohydrates from the flour, proteins from cheese and eggs, as well as healthy fats from butter. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of calcium and protein, contributing to bone and muscle health.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use soy or almond milk for cheese?: Yes, you can try plant-based alternatives, but the taste and texture will differ.
- How can I store the pies?: They can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but they are best consumed fresh.
- Can I freeze the pies?: Yes, you can freeze the pies before or after baking, ensuring they are well wrapped.

In conclusion, homemade cheese pie is a simple yet flavorful recipe that brings together tradition and innovation in the kitchen. Whether you prepare it for a special breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a delicious dessert, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your family. Try it and let yourself be carried away into the world of authentic flavors and tastes!