Leavened pie with cottage cheese and dill

Doughy pie with ricotta and dill – a recipe that combines traditional flavor with a touch of innovation, perfect for satisfying both sweet and savory cravings. This fluffy pie emerged from the desire to create a sweet flatbread, but the result is much more than I expected – a delight that deserves to be enjoyed every day!

At first, you might wonder why to choose this recipe. Well, the ricotta and dill pie is not only tasty but also very versatile. It can be served as an appetizer or a main dish, and why not, even for breakfast! The calories are not excessive, and ricotta brings a range of nutritional benefits, being an excellent source of protein and calcium. So, let’s get to work!

Ingredients
For the dough:
- 550 g white flour
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 100 ml warm milk
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 50 g sugar

For the filling:
- 400 g ricotta
- 100 g sugar
- 2 eggs
- Fresh dill, chopped (about 2-3 tablespoons)
- 1 yolk for brushing
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- Butter for greasing the pan

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Rising time: 40 minutes
- Baking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Number of servings: 8 servings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the starter:
In a large bowl, sift the flour to remove impurities and aerate it. Make a well in the center. Crumble the yeast into this well, add a teaspoon of sugar and pour in the warm milk. Mix gently with a fork until you get a paste. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit in a warm place for about 10 minutes, until the starter bubbles.

2. Preparing the dough:
After the starter has risen, add the eggs, salt, remaining sugar, and oil. Start kneading the dough, gradually adding flour until it becomes elastic and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. This process helps develop the gluten, essential for a fluffy pie.

3. Rising the dough:
Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it again with a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30-40 minutes. If it's warm in the kitchen, the dough should rise quickly, maybe even in 30 minutes!

4. Preparing the filling:
In another bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until they become a smooth and frothy mixture. Then, add the ricotta and chopped dill. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are well integrated.

5. Assembling the pie:
After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured work surface. Knead it lightly and divide it into two equal parts. Roll out the first sheet and place it in a buttered pan. Add the ricotta filling, then roll out the second sheet of dough and place it over the filling.

6. Finalizing:
In a small bowl, mix the yolk with 1-2 tablespoons of milk and brush the top of the pie to achieve a golden and appetizing crust.

7. Baking:
Bake the pie in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30 minutes or until it turns golden. Perform the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the pie is ready!

Serving Suggestions
This doughy pie with ricotta and dill is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it alongside a fresh salad or with a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast. Also, a glass of cold lemonade or a mint tea served alongside will make the meal even more enjoyable!

Practical Tips
- Flour: Use good quality flour for optimal results. You can experiment with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but the dough will be denser.
- Yeast: Make sure the yeast is fresh. If you're unsure, you can do a test with a little sugar and warm water; if it bubbles, it's good to use.
- Filling: You can add feta cheese to the filling for a more intense flavor or replace the dill with parsley or basil, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional Information
One serving (about 150 g) of this pie contains approximately 250-300 calories, providing a good source of protein, calcium, and B vitamins due to the main ingredients. Ricotta is known for its beneficial properties for bone and muscle health.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace ricotta with another cheese?
Yes, you can use ricotta or cottage cheese, but make sure to drain excess liquid to avoid affecting the filling's consistency.

How long can I keep the pie?
The pie keeps well at room temperature for 1-2 days. You can freeze it, but make sure it is well wrapped to avoid freezer burn.

Can it be prepared in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the dough and filling a few hours in advance and keep them in the fridge. Make sure to bring them to room temperature before assembling.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to get cooking! You’ll find that this doughy pie with ricotta and dill will quickly become your favorite, as it is not only a simple and quick recipe but also a true feast for the taste buds. Enjoy!