Cheese pie

Cheese Pie - A Delicious, Simple and Quick Recipe

Do you dream of a cheese pie that delights your taste buds and reminds you of beautiful moments spent with loved ones? This cheese pie is perfect for enjoying during tea with friends, but also as a dessert after a hearty dinner. Moreover, it is a versatile recipe that you can adapt to your tastes. Below, I will present the necessary steps to prepare it, along with useful tips and information about the ingredients.

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 2 large eggs
- 14 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower oil or olive oil)
- 150 g yogurt (you can opt for Greek yogurt for a creamier texture)
- 1 packet of dry yeast (or 25 g fresh yeast)
- 7-8 tablespoons of flour (type 000 or 00)
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 300 g cottage cheese (or feta cheese for a more intense flavor)
- 2 tablespoons of semolina
- 200 ml milk (whole milk or plant-based milk, according to preferences)
- 250 g sugar (you can reduce the amount if you prefer a less sweet pie)
- Vanilla essence to taste (or a vanilla pod for an authentic flavor)

A Brief History

Cheese pie has a long history, being a beloved dessert in many cultures. It has been made for generations, often associated with holidays and special moments. Its versatility means that each family has its own recipe, adapted to the tastes and available ingredients. Regardless of the chosen version, cheese pie remains a favorite for everyone.

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. In a large bowl, beat the 2 eggs with a whisk or fork, then add 14 tablespoons of oil. Make sure to mix well so that the ingredients are fully integrated.
2. Add the yogurt and yeast, mixing again. You can use a spatula or a hand mixer to achieve a homogeneous composition.
3. Start incorporating the flour, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough becomes elastic and no longer sticks to your hands. When you reach the desired consistency, add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.

Step 2: Creating the pie crust

1. Separately, in a small bowl, rub 4 tablespoons of flour with 7 tablespoons of oil. This mixture will be used to grease the dough and give it a flaky texture.
2. Divide the dough into two equal parts. On a clean surface, roll out the first part of the dough into a thin sheet.
3. Grease the sheet with the flour and oil mixture, then carefully roll it up, forming a cylinder. Let it rest for 15 minutes, covered with a clean towel.

Step 3: Preparing the filling

1. In a bowl, beat the 3 eggs with the sugar until you obtain a fluffy, light-colored mixture.
2. Add the cottage cheese (or feta cheese) and semolina, mixing to combine the ingredients. You can use a fork to crumble the cheese, ensuring a uniform texture.
3. Thin the mixture with milk and add the vanilla essence. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous filling.

Step 4: Assembling the pie

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
2. Roll out the second part of the dough into a sheet similar to the first. Place the first sheet of dough in a greased baking dish.
3. Pour the cheese filling evenly over the sheet and cover with the second sheet of dough. Lightly seal the edges so that the filling does not escape during baking.
4. Use a knife to cut the pie into squares, leaving space for steam to escape.

Step 5: Baking

1. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the pie for 45 minutes or until it becomes golden and crispy.
2. Let the pie cool in the dish for 10 minutes before cutting it completely, allowing the filling to set.

Serving Suggestions

Cheese pie is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or with a dollop of sour cream, which adds a touch of freshness. If you want to give it a special touch, try serving it with a berry sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These combinations will turn your dessert into a true delicacy.

Nutritional Information

This pie is a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, averaging about 250 calories per serving. It also contains healthy fats from the oil, and the yogurt contributes to the calcium intake. If you want to reduce the calorie count, you can replace the sugar with a natural sweetener or use less sugar, depending on your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta, ricotta, or even soy cheese for a vegan option.

2. How can I enhance the flavor?
Adding herbs like dill or parsley to the filling can bring a fresh note to your pie.

3. What can I do with leftover dough?
If you have leftover dough, you can make mini-pies with various fillings or freeze the dough for later use.

4. Can I prepare the pie a day in advance?
Absolutely! The pie keeps well in the fridge and can be reheated before serving.

So, I invite you to gather your ingredients and enjoy the magic of cooking. This cheese pie is not just a dessert, but an experience full of flavor and memories. Try it and be surprised by how simple and delicious it can be!