Cheese pies

Cheese Pie with Burduf – A Traditional Delicacy

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Frying time: 15 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Number of servings: 14 pies

Discover the charm of cheese pies with Burduf, a dish that is so simple yet so delicious, reminiscent of family meals from childhood. These pies, with a fluffy dough and savory filling, are perfectly suited for any occasion, from a family dinner to a gathering with friends.

A Bit of History

Cheese pies have a long-standing tradition, being a popular choice in many cultures. Since ancient times, people have used cheese and dough to create snacks that are both filling and tasty. Burduf cheese, with its intense flavor and creamy texture, makes these pies special, with a taste that will captivate you from the first bite.

Ingredients

*For the dough:*
- 600 g flour (choose a high-quality flour for a fluffy dough)
- 200 ml sour cream (look for fresh sour cream with a high fat content for added flavor)
- 160 ml lukewarm water (the water should be lukewarm, not hot, to activate the yeast)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (helps activate the yeast)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt (to enhance the dough's flavor)
- 20 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- Oil for frying (choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower oil)

*For the filling:*
- Burduf cheese (or telemea, but make sure it is a low-moisture cheese)
- 1-2 eggs (to bind the filling)

Preparing the Dough

1. Activating the Yeast: In a small bowl, mix the lukewarm water with the sugar and yeast. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This is an essential step to ensure that the dough will rise properly.

2. Kneading the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour with the salt. Add the sour cream and the activated yeast mixture. Use a spatula to mix the ingredients, then switch to kneading by hand. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

3. Letting the Dough Rise: Cover the bowl with a dry cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour. The dough should double in size.

Preparing the Filling

4. The Filling: Crumble the Burduf cheese in a bowl. Add the eggs and mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. If desired, you can also add herbs or spices to customize the flavor.

Forming the Pies

5. Dividing the Dough: Once the dough has risen, divide it into 14 equal pieces of about 70 g each. Let them rise for another 10 minutes on a tray, covered with a cloth.

6. Shaping the Pies: Use a rolling pin to roll each piece of dough into a circle about 10-12 cm in diameter. Place a tablespoon of the cheese filling on one half of the circle, leaving edges free to seal.

7. Folding the Pies: Bring the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges with your fingertips to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges, giving the pies a nice appearance.

Frying the Pies

8. Heating the Oil: In a deep skillet, add oil to a depth of about 3 fingers. Heat the oil over medium heat. You can check if it's ready by adding a small piece of dough; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is perfect.

9. Frying the Pies: Add the pies to the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd them. Fry them on each side for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Place the fried pies on a platter covered with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Serving and Suggestions

Cheese pies with Burduf are delicious both hot and at room temperature. You can serve them with a glass of cold beer or, for a healthier approach, with fresh Greek yogurt. A salad of tomatoes and cucumbers also pairs perfectly with them, bringing a fresh and refreshing contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use cottage cheese instead of Burduf cheese? Yes, but cottage cheese has a higher water content, so I advise you to drain it well or combine it with drier cheese.

2. How can I store the pies? If you have leftovers from one day to the next, keep them in an airtight container. They will stay soft and tasty.

3. Can I freeze the pies? Yes, you can freeze the pies before frying them. Thaw them and fry them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes of frying.

Nutritional Benefits

These pies are a good source of protein, thanks to the cheese and eggs. Additionally, moderate consumption of oil can provide healthy fats essential for the body. Whole flour can be used to increase the fiber content, thus improving digestion.

Variations and Customization

You can experiment with different fillings, adding spinach and feta cheese for a vegetarian option or ground meat for a heartier pie. You can also add spices like pepper or dill for an extra flavor boost.

These cheese pies with Burduf are truly a delicacy worth trying. I hope you enjoy every step of making them and that they bring joy and flavor to your meals. Bon appétit!