Shepherd's pie with sheep cheese

Shepherd's cheese pie

If you are looking for a traditional recipe that will remind you of your childhood, the shepherd's cheese pie is a perfect choice. This delicacy, known as "curly pies", was made with great love by my grandmother, who managed to make them so thin and lacy that they seemed to melt in your mouth. Let's discover together how you can recreate this savory recipe in the comfort of your home!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour
Frying time: 15-20 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 cube of fresh yeast (25 g)
- ½ teaspoon of sugar
- 50 ml warm milk
- 1 kg flour
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons oil (for kneading)

For the filling:
- 500 g sheep cheese (preferably homemade)
- 250 g burduf cheese
- 2 eggs (beaten as for an omelet)
- Salt to taste
- Optional: dill or green onion (for extra flavor)
- Oil for frying

Preparation

1. Preparing the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the fresh yeast in 50 ml of lukewarm milk, add the sugar, and stir gently. Cover the bowl and let it sit for 10-15 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This step is essential to activate the yeast and achieve a fluffy pie.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the activated yeast. Start mixing with a spoon, gradually adding the lukewarm milk until you obtain a soft dough. After incorporating all the liquid, knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. Finally, add the 3 tablespoons of oil, one at a time, continuing to knead the dough.

3. Letting the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rise in a warm place, away from drafts, for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

4. Preparing the filling: Meanwhile, prepare the filling. If using homemade sheep cheese, make sure it is well-drained and, if necessary, grated. Mix the sheep cheese with the burduf cheese, add the beaten eggs, and salt to taste. If desired, you can also add dill or green onion for a fresher taste.

5. Forming the pies: Once the dough has risen, take a piece of dough the size of a small apple and form a ball. Place the dough ball on a floured surface and let it rise for another 10-15 minutes. Continue with the rest of the dough.

6. Rolling and filling: Using a rolling pin, roll each dough ball into a thin sheet, about 25 cm in diameter. Place the cheese filling in the center of the sheet, then fold the pie by bringing the edges towards the center.

7. Frying the pies: Heat a pan over low heat and add a little oil. Place the pie in the pan and fry it for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Before flipping, brush the top with a little oil to prevent burning.

8. Serving: Serve the pies warm, alongside sour cream or yogurt, for a creamy and delicious contrast.

Practical tips

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting for the best results.
- You can experiment with alternative fillings, using sautéed cabbage or mashed potatoes with fried onion for a vegetarian option.
- If you want to impress your guests, you can sprinkle grated cheese on top of the pies before frying them.
- An interesting variation is to add a little pepper or sweet paprika to the filling for a spicier taste.

Nutritional benefits

This shepherd's pie is a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, and whole flour (if you choose to use it) will add fiber, contributing to healthy digestion. Sheep cheese is high in calcium, essential for healthy bones. Consumed in moderation, this delicacy can be a treat in your diet.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can the pies be frozen?
Yes, the fried pies can be frozen. Make sure to let them cool completely before wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in the freezer.

2. Can I use another type of cheese?
Of course! You can experiment with other types of cheese, such as cottage cheese or mozzarella, but the taste will be different.

3. How can I make the pies crispier?
To achieve even crispier pies, you can add a little cornstarch to the dough.

This shepherd's cheese pie recipe is not just a delicious dish, but also a vivid memory of family meals. So, put on your apron, prepare the ingredients, and let the aroma of nostalgia carry you away! Enjoy!