Yogurt Pie - Greek

Greek Yogurt Pie: A Flavorful Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 8

The history of yogurt pie is fascinating, as it is a recipe that has crossed generations, becoming a symbol of hospitality and culinary joy. This pie, with a creamy interior and a crispy exterior, is perfect for any occasion. Once you try it, it will surely become a favorite in your kitchen.

The ingredients needed for this recipe are simple, but each plays an essential role in creating a truly delicious dessert. Let's get started!

Ingredients

For the pie:
- 400 g phyllo dough (make sure it is of good quality)
- 300 g Greek yogurt (choose a creamy yogurt for a good result)
- 200 g sugar
- 4 large eggs (preferably at room temperature)
- 150 ml oil (sunflower oil is ideal)
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon

For the caramel syrup:
- 7 tablespoons sugar (brown sugar adds a deeper flavor)
- 500 ml water
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Lemon juice to taste

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the Phyllo Dough:
- Start by thawing the phyllo dough if frozen. It is important to leave it at room temperature to avoid tearing when handling.
- Cut the sheets into small pieces, approximately 5x5 cm. These will be easy to mix into the yogurt mixture.

2. Preparing the Mixture:
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar using a whisk or mixer until frothy and light in color. This step will help achieve an airy texture.
- Add the oil and baking powder and continue mixing.
- Incorporate the Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix everything until well combined.
- Finally, add the cut phyllo sheets and mix gently with a spatula, being careful not to break the sheets too much.

3. Baking the Pie:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Choose a longer heat-resistant dish to allow the pie to rise evenly. A dish that is too small will make the pie too high and unevenly baked.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and level the surface.
- Bake the pie for 40 minutes or until golden and firm to the touch.

4. Preparing the Syrup:
- In a pan, caramelize the 7 tablespoons of sugar over low heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Wait until it turns a golden color.
- Carefully add 500 ml of water, being cautious not to splash. Let it boil until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Add the lemon zest and let it boil for 5-10 minutes, then remove from heat. After it cools slightly, add the vanilla extract and lemon juice to taste.

5. Final Assembly:
- After the pie has been removed from the oven, pour the hot syrup over it, ensuring it is evenly distributed. The pie will absorb the delicious syrup, becoming moist and full of flavor.
- Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. This will allow the flavors to develop and the texture to stabilize.

Serving Suggestions

Greek yogurt pie is a versatile dessert that can be served plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce. You can also add some fresh fruit for a pleasant contrast (for example, raspberries or blueberries).

Tips and Variations

- Yogurt Variations: Instead of Greek yogurt, you can try natural yogurt for a slightly different texture or even soy yogurt for a vegan option.
- Alternative Sweeteners: You can use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar, but you will need to adjust the proportions.
- Flavor Additions: Experiment with adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture for an extra flavor boost.

Nutritional Benefits

Greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein and calcium, and brown sugar can provide antioxidants. This pie, although sweet, contains ingredients that can offer health benefits, as long as it is consumed in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can the pie be frozen?
Yes, the pie can be frozen. I recommend slicing it and wrapping it well before placing it in the freezer. When you want to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator for a few hours.

- How can I make it less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet taste, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the mixture and syrup.

- What can I use instead of oil?
You can use melted butter for a richer flavor, but you will need to slightly reduce the amount of butter compared to oil.

Whether you serve it at a gathering with friends or keep it for a quiet evening at home, this Greek yogurt pie will bring a touch of joy to every bite. Enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and savor the final result!