Pita with anthotyro cheese, honey, and feta

Pitakia with Anthotiro, Honey, and Feta

Looking for a recipe that brings a touch of sweetness and a note of tradition to your kitchen? Pitakia with anthotiro, honey, and feta are exactly what you need! These delicious rolls are filled with a creamy combination of cheese and honey, offering an explosion of flavors in every bite. Perfect as a dessert or snack, they are easy to prepare and are sure to impress anyone who tastes them.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 6-8

Ingredients

- 200 g feta cheese
- 200 g anthotiro (or ricotta as an alternative)
- 100 g honey (plus extra for decoration)
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 250 g puff pastry or pie crust
- 50 g butter (for greasing the dough)
- Chopped nuts (for decoration)

Brief History

Pitakia is a traditional recipe with deep roots in the culinary culture of the Mediterranean regions, where sheep and goat cheeses are highly esteemed. The use of honey in sweet dishes is an ancient practice, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. These rolls are often served on special occasions but can be enjoyed anytime you crave a refined dessert.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the filling: In a medium bowl, add the crumbled feta cheese, anthotiro (or ricotta), honey, egg yolk, and cinnamon. Use a fork to mix all the ingredients until you achieve a thick and homogeneous composition. Make sure all ingredients are well integrated and the texture is creamy.

2. Preparing the pastry sheet: Cut the dough into squares of about 12 cm. If using puff pastry, ensure it is well thawed and rolled out to create easily manageable rolls.

3. Filling and rolling: Take a square of dough and brush it with a little melted butter. Add a tablespoon of the cheese filling in the center of each square. Roll it tightly, forming a roll, making sure to seal the edges well to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.

4. Greasing the rolls: After all the rolls have been formed, brushing them with melted butter will help achieve a golden and crispy texture. Place the rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 160-170°C. Bake the rolls for 25-30 minutes or until they become golden and crispy.

6. Final decoration: Once out of the oven, let them cool slightly. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with chopped nuts for an extra touch of flavor and texture. The nuts add a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the honey and the creaminess of the filling.

Practical Tips

- Ingredients: Choose high-quality feta cheese, as this will influence the final taste of the dish. If you can't find anthotiro, ricotta is an excellent choice and will bring a slightly different texture.
- Variations: You can experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, to slightly change the flavor profile. You can also add raisins or other dried fruits to the filling for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Serving: These pitakia are delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve them as a dessert alongside herbal tea or a sweet wine.

Nutritional Benefits

These rolls are an excellent source of protein due to the cheese and egg, while honey provides a touch of natural energy. The nuts contain healthy fats and antioxidants, making this dessert a better choice compared to other processed sweets.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with cheeses like ricotta, mascarpone, or even cottage cheese, adjusting the proportions and taste to your preferences.

2. How long can I keep pitakia?
These rolls store well in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 2-3 days. We recommend reheating them before serving to restore their crispy texture.

3. What drinks pair best with these pitakia?
These rolls pair perfectly with herbal tea, sweet wine, or even an espresso, which will contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the dish.

Personal Note

I would like to share a childhood memory when my grandmother made these pitakia for holidays. The smell of cheese and honey filled the entire house, and each bite was a journey back in time. I encourage you to cook with your heart and bring a touch of your tradition to this recipe. Every dish has a story, and you are the narrator.

In conclusion, pitakia with anthotiro, honey, and feta are not just a simple dessert, but a true culinary experience. Cook with love and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!