Quick and delicious pie with sweet cheese and raisins

Quick and Delicious Sweet Cheese and Raisin Pie

If you are looking for a dessert recipe that combines the sweetness of cheese with the subtle flavors of citrus and offers a perfect texture, the sweet cheese and raisin pie is the ideal choice. This classic dessert, easy to make, can quickly become a family favorite due to its delicious taste and quick preparation method. Let's embark on this enticing pie-making adventure together!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients:

*For the dough:*
- 1 cup warm water
- ½ cup oil
- A pinch of salt
- Flour, as needed (about 3-4 cups, depending on the desired consistency)

*For the filling:*
- 800 g sweet cottage cheese (preferably high quality)
- 300 g sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 5 tablespoons semolina
- 8 tablespoons sugar (or more if you prefer a sweeter taste)
- 1 essence of rum
- 1 essence of vanilla
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar
- Grated zest of one orange and one lemon (for an extra flavor)
- Raisins, to taste (about 100 g)

Useful Tips for Ingredients:
- Sweet cottage cheese: Choose fresh, well-drained cheese to avoid a too wet filling. You can use organic cottage cheese for a more intense flavor.
- Raisins: If you want an even richer taste, you can soak the raisins in a little rum or warm water for 15 minutes before adding them to the filling. This trick will enhance the flavor and add a note of juiciness.
- Sugar: You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your preferences or substitute some of the sugar with honey for a healthier option.

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Preparing the Filling:
Start by preparing the filling. In a large bowl, combine the sweet cottage cheese, sour cream, eggs, semolina, sugar, rum and vanilla essences, vanilla sugar, grated orange and lemon zest, as well as the raisins. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. It is important to ensure that all ingredients are well integrated to achieve a creamy and delicious filling.

2. Preparing the Dough:
In another bowl, mix the warm water with the oil and a pinch of salt. Then, start adding the flour gradually, mixing with a spatula or your hands, until you obtain an elastic and non-sticky dough. The dough should not be too hard, but also not too soft. This is the secret to a light and fluffy pie crust.

3. Dividing the Dough:
Divide the dough into two equal parts. Cover it with a clean towel and let it rest for 10 minutes. This will make the dough easier to roll out.

4. Rolling Out the Dough:
On a floured work surface, roll out the first part of the dough into a thin sheet, large enough to cover the bottom of a baking tray (approximately 30x40 cm). Transfer the sheet to the tray, which you can line with baking paper to prevent sticking.

5. Adding the Filling:
Pour the cheese filling onto the first sheet of dough, spreading it evenly. Then, roll out the second sheet of dough and carefully place it over the filling, sealing the edges to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.

6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the pie in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 50 minutes, or until it is golden and firm to the touch. Be careful, as the baking time may vary depending on the type of oven you are using.

7. Finishing and Serving:
After the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes. This step is essential, as it allows the flavors to settle and makes the pie easier to cut. Before serving, dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant appearance and an extra touch of sweetness.

Serving Suggestions:
The sweet cheese and raisin pie is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it with a scoop of sour cream or a portion of Greek yogurt to contrast with the sweetness of the pie. Also, a cup of herbal tea or a robust espresso pairs perfectly as accompanying drinks.

Possible Variations:
If you want to experiment, you can replace the sweet cottage cheese with ricotta or a mix of goat cheese and cottage cheese for a more intense flavor. Instead of raisins, you can add candied cherries or dried fruits for a fruity variant.

Nutritional Benefits:
This pie is not only delicious but also nutritious. Sweet cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, while semolina provides complex carbohydrates, giving you long-lasting energy. Raisins add fiber and antioxidants, contributing to digestive health.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other types of flour? Of course! You can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but you will need to adjust the proportions of water.
- How can I store the pie? You can keep it in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its crunchy texture.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans? For a vegan version, you can use tofu cheese mixed with plant-based sour cream and replace the eggs with a mixture of flax seeds.

So, don’t hesitate any longer! Start today by making this quick and delicious sweet cheese and raisin pie, and your family will be impressed by your culinary talent. Offer them a piece of this pie and let them enjoy a moment of flavor!