Peasant Pie

Peasant Pie - A Culinary Indulgence with a Taste of Home

In a busy world, peasant pie is a journey back in time, reminiscent of the bountiful meals of childhood. This recipe for a flaky pastry pie, filled with cheese, sausages, and various greens, is perfect for any occasion, from a festive meal to a simple family dinner. With a golden crust and savory filling, the peasant pie is sure to become a favorite recipe in your kitchen.

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

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 200 g cold margarine
- 450 g flour (approximately, depending on moisture absorption)
- 1 packet dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 200 ml borscht
- Breadcrumbs (to sprinkle on the bottom of the tray)

For the filling:
- 300 g cottage cheese (or feta cheese for a stronger taste)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 egg + 1 egg white
- 1 kabanos sausage (or any preferred sausage)
- 4 slices of country ham
- Leaves from 2 bunches of green onions

For brushing:
- 1 egg yolk
- Sesame seeds (for decoration)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the dough:
Start by grating the cold margarine. This step is essential as it helps maintain the flaky texture of the dough. In a large bowl, mix the grated margarine with a little flour (about 50 g) to quickly incorporate it. Add the dry yeast, salt, sugar, and borscht, mixing gently.

2. Kneading the dough:
Continue to gradually add flour until the dough becomes easy to knead. You should reach a total of about 450 g of flour. Knead the dough well until it becomes smooth and elastic but not too hard. It is important to achieve a fluffy dough that will roll out easily. Once you have the desired consistency, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.

3. Preparing the filling:
While the dough is cooling, you can prepare the filling. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the sour cream, egg, and egg white. Chop the country ham and sausage finely, and you can finely chop the green onion leaves. Add all the ingredients to the bowl with cheese and mix well to combine the flavors.

4. Assembling the pie:
After the dough has chilled, divide it into two equal parts. Roll out the first part into a thin sheet on a floured surface. Transfer the sheet to a greased and floured tray. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs on the bottom of the tray, which will help absorb the moisture from the filling.

5. Adding the filling:
Pour the cheese mixture onto the bottom of the pie, then add the ham, sausage, and green onion. Roll out the other half of the dough into a sheet and cut thin strips, which you can twist two by two, creating a beautiful decoration for the pie. Feel free to use any leftover dough to create roses or other decorative shapes.

6. Baking the pie:
Brush the pie with the beaten egg yolk and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and bake the pie for about 30 minutes, or until it becomes golden and crispy.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the cheese: If you want a stronger taste, you can use burduf cheese or feta instead of cottage cheese. These will add an extra flavor note.

- Additional greens: You can experiment with different herbs, such as dill or parsley, to vary the flavor of the pie.

- Serving: Peasant pie is served warm, alongside a fresh salad or rich sour cream for a contrast of textures and flavors.

Nutritional Benefits

This pie is a good source of protein due to the cheese and egg, and the addition of vegetables brings extra vitamins and minerals. It is also a recipe that can be adapted to include healthy ingredients, such as whole wheat flour or olive oil instead of margarine.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can the pie be frozen? Yes, the pie can be frozen before baking. Make sure it is well wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.

- What drinks can be served alongside? Peasant pie pairs perfectly with a glass of light white wine or a refreshing, flavored lemonade.

- Can I replace the sausage? Absolutely! You can use chicken or turkey meat, or even a vegetarian option, such as sautéed mushrooms or vegetables.

In conclusion, peasant pie is not just a delicious recipe but also a way to bring the family together, create memories, and savor the authentic flavors of childhood. Enjoy your meal!