cheese and mushroom pie

Cheese and mushroom pie

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Dosing time: 1 hour
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Who doesn't love a warm pie with inviting flavors that embrace your senses? Mushroom cheesecake is a recipe that combines the fluffy texture of the dough with the creamy, savory filling, creating a perfect lunch or dinner. This recipe is easy to make and can quickly become a family favorite. Plus, it's a great way to use cottage cheese and mushrooms, turning them into delicious comfort food.

The history of the pie is rich, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. Each area has its own variation, but the essence remains the same: crispy pastry and hearty filling stuffed with local ingredients. So, let's venture out to make this delicious mushroom cheesecake!

Ingredients for the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 25 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 50 ml oil
- 250 ml lukewarm water (approximately)

Ingredients for the filling:
- 1 kg cottage cheese (ideally well drained)
- 500 g jar mushrooms (or fresh mushrooms, boiled and chopped)
- 3 eggs
- 1 bunch fresh dill (finely chopped)
- salt to taste

Preparation instructions:

1. Preparing the dough:
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a dent in the middle and add the yeast dissolved in lukewarm water. If using dry yeast, add it directly to the flour.
- Add the oil and start mixing the ingredients until you have a smooth dough. It is important not to make it too sticky; add a little more flour if necessary.
- Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until elastic and smooth. This is a crucial step to get a fluffy texture!

2. Dough:
- Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in bulk. A great idea is to leave it in the oven off with a saucepan of hot water to create a warm, moist environment.

3. Preparing the filling:
- In a separate bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the drained and chopped mushrooms, beaten eggs, chopped dill and salt. The taste of the cheese will combine perfectly with the mushrooms, and the dill will add a fresh and aromatic touch.

4. Assembling the pie:
- Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and roll it out into the desired shape, making sure it's of uniform thickness.
- Grease a pan with oil and transfer the dough to the pan, allowing the edges to hang slightly over the edge of the pan.
- Pour the cheese and mushroom filling evenly into the pan. Then, fold the edges of the dough over the filling, creating a nice border.
- Brush the surface of the pie with a beaten egg to make a golden and appetizing crust.

5. Baking the pie:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the pie for 45 minutes or until golden and crisp. Now it's time to indulge in the delicious flavors wafting throughout the house!

6. Serving:
- Let the pie cool for 10 minutes before slicing. It is delicious hot or cold, and can be served as an appetizer or main course.

Useful tips:
- If you want to add a touch of originality, try incorporating a few slices of sautéed onion into the filling or add chopped black olives. This will add an extra dimension to the flavors.
- You can use feta or ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese for a richer version.
- The pie is great served with a fresh vegetable salad or a dill yogurt sauce to complete the dish.

Nutrition facts:
One serving of mushroom cheesecake has about 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It's a good source of protein thanks to the cheese and eggs, as well as fiber if you choose to add vegetables to the filling. This pie is a good option for a balanced meal, providing substance and flavor.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of jarred mushrooms?
- Absolutely! Fresh mushrooms will add a more intense flavor, but be sure to blanch them first to remove excess water.

2. What other fillings can I try?
- You can experiment with goat cheese, spinach or even meat, depending on your preferences.

3. How can I store the pie?
- Store the pie in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will keep fresh for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its crunchy texture.

Mushroom cheesecake is not only a tasty dish, it's also a great opportunity to gather your family around the table and enjoy some warm and cheerful moments. Try this quick and easy recipe and turn every meal into a feast!