A dough, multiple variations

Delicious pies with various fillings - A family recipe

The preparation of pies is an ancient tradition, deeply rooted in many cultures, where the dough and filling come together perfectly to create a savory dish. Whether you choose a savory or sweet filling, these pies are perfect for any occasion, from festive meals to everyday snacks. In this recipe, I will show you how to prepare a simple yet versatile dough, along with several filling options, including sautéed cabbage, cheese, and sweet filling.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total: 2 hours
Number of servings: 8-10 pies

Ingredients for the dough:

- 1 kg of flour
- 2 packets of dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 3 tablespoons of oil
- 500 ml of warm water

Filling options:

1. Savory filling with sautéed cabbage:
- 1 piece of cabbage
- 2 large onions
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of pepper
- 1 teaspoon of hot paprika
- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
- 2 tablespoons of oil

2. Cheese filling:
- 300 g of grated cheese (preferably Făgăraș cheese)

3. Sweet filling:
- 500 ml of milk
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar
- 100 g of fine semolina
- 3-5 eggs
- 1 tablespoon of rum
- 1 plate of blueberries or raisins

Instructions for preparation:

1. Preparing the dough:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour with the dry yeast. Let it sit for 15 minutes to activate the yeast.
- Meanwhile, in another container, combine the salt and 1 teaspoon of sugar with the warm water and oil. Mix well to dissolve the salt and sugar.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the flour and yeast. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.
- Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

2. Preparing the filling:
- For the cabbage filling:
- Chop the cabbage and onion finely. In a pan, add the oil and sauté the onion until golden, then add the chopped cabbage.
- Add the cumin, pepper, paprika, and coriander. Sauté until the cabbage becomes soft, then let it cool.
- For the cheese filling:
- In a bowl, mix the grated cheese with a little salt and pepper, if desired.
- For the sweet filling:
- Boil the milk with sugar and semolina, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. When the mixture becomes thick, let it cool.
- Add the vanilla sugar, the previously beaten eggs, and the rum, mixing well. Finally, you can add the blueberries or raisins.

3. Forming the pies:
- After the dough has risen, knead it a little to release the air. Divide it into equal-sized balls.
- Roll each ball of dough on a floured work surface, forming thin discs.
- Add the chosen filling in the center of each sheet and fold the edges over the filling, sealing the pie well.
- Place the pies in a greased baking tray, leaving a little space between them. Cover them with a towel and let them rise for 30 minutes.

4. Baking the pies:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Beat an egg and brush the pies with it to give them a golden color when baked.
- Bake the pies for 30-40 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
- After removing them from the oven, brush them with butter to keep them soft and flavorful. Cover them with a clean towel to keep them warm.

5. Serving:
- Serve the pies warm, alongside sour cream or yogurt, for an extra touch of flavor. Sweet-filled pies can be dusted with powdered sugar for a decorative and delicious appearance.

Useful tips:
- Rise in warmth: If you live in a cooler environment, you can let the dough rise in an oven preheated to 30°C, but turned off.
- Choose quality ingredients: Use good quality flour and fresh ingredients for the best results.
- Vary the fillings: You can experiment with other fillings, such as minced meat, vegetables, or even creative combinations of cheese and herbs.
- Freezing: The pies can be frozen before baking. Place them on a tray and put them in the freezer. Once frozen, you can transfer them to freezer bags. When you want to prepare them, let them thaw and then bake them according to the instructions.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
A serving of savory pies contains approximately 300-400 calories, while sweet ones can reach 450-500 calories, depending on the filling and quantities used. These pies are a good source of carbohydrates, protein (especially with cheese filling), and vitamins from vegetables, providing energy and satiety due to the flour and egg content.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast? Yes, you can use fresh yeast. Use about 30 g of fresh yeast for this recipe.
- How long can I keep the pies? Baked pies can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven to restore their crispy texture.
- What drinks go well with the pies? Savory pies pair wonderfully with a dry white wine or a light beer, while sweet pies go perfectly with fruit tea or warm milk.

Regardless of the filling chosen, these pies will surely impress anyone who tastes them. Don't forget to put your personal touch in each recipe, and every meal will turn into a celebration of flavors!