Sweet cheese and raisin pie

Sweet cheese and raisin pasca

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Discover the magic of sweet cheese and raisin pasca, a traditional dessert that combines the flavor and aroma of simple yet characterful ingredients. This recipe is not just a delicious dish, but also a way to bring the family together around the table, evoking memories of celebration and joy. Whether it's Easter or any other occasion, pasca is always an inspired choice!

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 350 g flour
- 3 egg whites (whipped)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 8 tablespoons oil (for kneading at the end)
- 1 cup milk (slightly warm)
- A pinch of salt
- 10 g yeast

For the filling:
- 500 g sweet cheese
- A handful of raisins (about 100 g)
- 1 packet vanilla essence
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 3 eggs

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by preparing the dough, and this step is essential for obtaining a fluffy pasca. In a large bowl, add the warm milk, powdered sugar, salt, and yeast. Mix well until the yeast is completely dissolved. It is important that the milk is warm, not hot, so as not to kill the yeast.

2. Kneading the dough:
After the yeast has activated, gradually add the flour, mixing continuously with a wooden spoon or your hands. Knead the dough for about 10-15 minutes until it becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it!

3. Adding the oil:
After kneading the dough well, gradually add the oil. Knead again to incorporate the oil. This step will give the dough a soft and fluffy texture.

4. Adding the egg whites:
Beat the 3 egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add them to the dough, mixing carefully to preserve the air in the egg whites. If desired, you can also add 1-2 egg yolks for extra color and flavor.

5. Letting it rise:
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 45 minutes, until it doubles in volume.

6. Preparing the filling:
Meanwhile, you can prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the sweet cheese with sugar, eggs, vanilla essence, and vanilla sugar. Make sure the cheese is well mashed and that all ingredients are well combined. Start by hydrating the raisins in warm milk for about 10 minutes, then add them to the cheese mixture.

7. Assembling the pasca:
After the dough has risen, divide it into two parts. Roll out a sheet from one part and place it in a greased and floured round pan. Pour the cheese mixture into the pan. From the remaining dough, divide it into 4 parts and form thin strips. Braid them and place them around the edge of the pan, and you can cut two of them into a cross shape on top of the filling.

8. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the pasca for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the pasca cool slightly before removing it from the pan.

Useful tips:
- For an even more intense flavor, you can add lemon or orange zest to the cheese mixture.
- If you prefer a fluffier pasca, you can add a pinch of baking soda to the cheese mixture to help it rise.
- Pasca can be served warm or cold, and it is delicious alongside a fruit sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Each serving of pasca contains approximately 350-400 calories. It is a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, while the raisins contribute fiber and antioxidants. However, moderate consumption is recommended, considering the sugar content.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can pasca be made without raisins?
Yes, if you don't like raisins, you can omit them or replace them with dried cranberries or nuts.

2. Can I use cottage cheese instead of sweet cheese?
Yes, you can use cottage cheese, but make sure to drain it well from the whey.

3. How can I keep pasca fresh longer?
Keep pasca in an airtight container at room temperature, or you can freeze it to enjoy later.

Now that you have all the necessary details, it's time to start cooking! This sweet cheese and raisin pasca will surely become a favorite in your family. Enjoy!