Leek Pie

Leek Pie - a recipe that brings joy and comfort

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Leek pie is a simple and comforting delight, combining a crispy texture with a soft and flavorful filling of leek and cheese. This recipe brings together basic ingredients to create a savory dish, perfect for a family meal or a gathering with friends. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, this pie is sure to impress with its delicious taste.

A bit of history

Over time, pies have been an excellent way to utilize available ingredients, and leek, with its delicate flavor, has always been appreciated in the kitchen. This leek pie recipe is based on old culinary traditions, transforming a simple ingredient into something truly special.

Necessary ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour
- 250 ml water
- 35 ml sunflower oil
- 5 g salt

For the filling:
- 500 g cleaned leek (only the white part)
- 250 g cheese (preferably cow's cheese or feta cheese)
- 2 eggs
- salt and pepper, to taste

Useful tips for ingredients

- Choose fresh leeks with firm and clean stalks. Avoid leeks that have spots or are yellowing, as this can affect the pie's taste.
- Cheese can be adapted to your preferences; you can use goat cheese or even a cheese blend for a more complex flavor.
- The water for the dough should be at room temperature to facilitate mixing the ingredients.

Preparing the dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour with the salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the water and sunflower oil.
2. Mix with a spatula or by hand until the ingredients start to come together. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add a little flour until it becomes a smooth and elastic mass.
3. Shape the dough into a ball and cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Let it rest for 30 minutes to relax the gluten and make it easier to roll out.

Preparing the filling

4. Meanwhile, wash the leeks and slice them into approximately 2 cm pieces.
5. In a large pot, add the sliced leeks, a little water, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cover with a lid and cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the leeks become soft and reduce in volume (about 10-15 minutes).
6. Once the leeks are ready, remove them from heat and add the crumbled cheese and the two eggs. Mix well until the ingredients are well integrated. Let the filling cool until ready to use.

Assembling the pie

7. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions, each the size of a tennis ball.
8. On a floured surface, roll out the first portion of dough into a thin sheet, large enough to cover the bottom and sides of the baking dish. Repeat the process with two more portions, brushing each sheet with a little sunflower oil before placing it in the dish.
9. Once the three sheets are placed, add the leek and cheese filling, spreading it evenly over the surface of the sheet.
10. Roll out the other three portions of dough, brushing them with oil, and place them over the filling, just as you did with the first three sheets. Make sure the top sheet is well brushed with oil.
11. Using a sharp knife, cut the pie into squares or diamonds, making it easier to slice after baking.

Baking the pie

12. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees Celsius. Place the pie in the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
13. After 10 minutes, reduce the temperature to 190 degrees Celsius and bake for 30 minutes or until the pie is golden and crispy.
14. Once the pie is baked, let it cool for about 30 minutes before serving. This waiting time allows the flavors to settle and the pie to become easier to cut.

Serving and combinations

Leek pie is served warm and can be accompanied by a fresh salad or a yogurt sauce with garlic and dill for an extra burst of flavor. It pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing lemonade.

Possible variations

- For a touch of freshness, add some herbs to the filling, such as dill or parsley.
- If you want a more intense flavor, try adding some thin slices of crispy bacon to the filling.
- You can experiment with different types of cheese to achieve a pie with unique flavors.

Calories and nutritional benefits

Leek pie is an excellent choice for a balanced meal. Leek is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, and cheese provides essential proteins. A serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the type of cheese used and the amount of oil added.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other vegetables instead of leeks?
Yes, you can replace leeks with spinach, cabbage, or onion, adjusting the cooking time according to the chosen ingredients.

2. How can I store the pie for later consumption?
The pie can be stored in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven to restore its crispy texture.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, for a vegan version, you can use a mixture of tofu and nutritional yeast instead of cheese and eggs.

I hope this leek pie recipe becomes a favorite in your kitchen! Cooking is an art, and every recipe is an opportunity to experiment and create special moments with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!