Potato, cabbage, or cheese pie

Potato, Cabbage, or Cheese Pie: A Traditional Delicacy

The potato, cabbage, or cheese pie is a recipe that evokes pleasant childhood memories, bringing together flavors and textures that blend tradition with the comfort of a homemade dish. This pie is versatile and can be adapted based on available ingredients, providing a perfect opportunity to experiment in the kitchen.

Preparation time: 45 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 6 servings

Ingredients:

- 1 kg of flour
- 700 g of potatoes
- 1 head of sauerkraut
- 300 g of telemea or sheep cheese
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- warm water (as needed)
- 30 ml of oil (for the dough)
- oil for processing and baking

Preparing the dough:

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the flour and salt. Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed. Start adding warm water gradually, mixing continuously. The goal is to achieve a soft but not sticky composition.

2. Kneading: Once you have a homogeneous mass, knead the dough for 20 minutes. This stage is essential as it develops the gluten, which will give the pie a perfect texture. While kneading, gradually add the oil, as you would for mayonnaise.

3. Resting the dough: Once you have kneaded the dough well, cover it with a damp towel and let it rest for 15 minutes.

Preparing the filling:

1. Boiling the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes. Boil them in salted water until soft, then drain and mash them with a fork or a potato masher.

2. Preparing the cabbage: If using sauerkraut, make sure to wash it well to reduce the salt. Chop the cabbage finely and sauté it in a pan with a little oil until it becomes soft and reduces in volume.

3. Cheese: If you opt for cheese, grate it finely and mix it with a little pepper or dill for added flavor.

Assembling the pie:

1. Dividing the dough: On a lightly floured surface, turn out the dough. Divide it into pieces the size of an apple, then let them rest for 15 minutes to relax the gluten.

2. Rolling out the sheets: Using oil to grease each piece of dough, roll out each sheet as thin as possible, using your fingers or a rolling pin.

3. Filling: On one edge of the rolled-out sheet, add a layer of filling, whether it is potatoes, sautéed cabbage, or cheese. Carefully roll the sheet, tightening it well, then form a round spiral.

4. Shaping: Gently flatten the spiral with a rolling pin until it reaches the size of the pan where you will bake them.

Baking the pies:

1. Heating the pan: Heat a pan with a little oil. You can use a non-stick pan or a cast-iron one for a perfect result.

2. Baking: Place the pies in the pan and bake them on both sides until golden and crispy, about 15 minutes on each side. If necessary, add a little oil during baking.

3. Finishing: Once the pies are baked, brush them on top with a little sour cream for added creaminess and flavor.

Serving and suggestions:

The pies can be served warm, alongside a fresh salad or a yogurt sauce with dill. Additionally, a cold drink, such as fruit compote or herbal tea, can perfectly complement the meal.

Useful tips:

- Filling variations: You can experiment with different fillings, such as mushrooms, spinach, or even minced meat. Each variation will give a unique taste to your pie.
- Dough: If you want an even more tender dough, you can replace part of the water with warm milk.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of pie contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the filling. Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates, while cabbage offers essential fibers and vitamins.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but you may need to adjust the amount of water.
- How do I store the pies? You can store baked pies in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or freeze them for later consumption.
- Can they be prepared in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day before, and the dough can be kept in the refrigerator.

This potato, cabbage, or cheese pie recipe is not only simple but also full of possibilities. Whether you choose to prepare it for a special occasion or simply for a family meal, each bite will bring joy and warmth to the soul. Enjoy!