Sour Cabbage Pie

Sauerkraut Pie - A Traditional Delicacy

I invite you to discover a delicious and comforting recipe for sauerkraut pie, perfect for any occasion! This pie is not only tasty but also nutritious, and preparing it will turn any moment into a celebration of flavors. Let's start the culinary journey!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Rising time: 60 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients

- 1 kg of wheat flour
- 1 packet of dry yeast (or 25 g of fresh yeast)
- 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil (or olive oil for a more intense flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- Warm water (about 300 ml, but it will vary depending on the humidity of the flour)
- 500 g of sautéed sauerkraut

Dough Preparation

1. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, add the dry yeast and a tablespoon of warm water. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it starts to foam. This step is essential to activate the yeast, ensuring that the pie will be fluffy and well-risen.

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 gradually pour in the activated yeast, oil, and warm water. Mix the ingredients with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to form.

3. Kneading: Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and knead for about 10-15 minutes. The dough should become elastic and smooth. If it is too sticky, you can add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it.

4. Rising: Place the dough in a bowl greased with a little oil, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.

Sauerkraut Filling

5. Preparing the sauerkraut: If you don't have sautéed sauerkraut, sauté 500 g of sauerkraut in a pan with a little oil until it becomes soft and slightly caramelized. You can also add some spices like pepper or cumin for extra flavor.

Forming the Pies

6. Dividing the dough: After the dough has risen, transfer it to a work surface and divide it into pieces the size of a tennis ball.

7. Shaping the pies: Take each piece and roll it out with a rolling pin until you get a thin disc. Add a tablespoon of the sautéed sauerkraut filling in the center of each disc.

8. Closing the pies: Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, forming a well-sealed pie. You can shape them slightly to achieve a flatter form.

Cooking the Pies

9. Frying: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the pies and fry them on both sides until they become golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet so you can easily flip them.

10. Finalizing: After removing them from the skillet, place the pies on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

Serving and Variations

Sauerkraut pies are delicious both hot and cold. Here are some serving suggestions:

- During fasting: Serve them plain or with a tomato paste on top for added flavor.
- When not fasting: Add sour cream and chopped dill on top for an irresistible combination!

Practical Tips

- Calories and Nutritional Benefits: One pie has about 250-300 calories, depending on the oil used. Sauerkraut is rich in vitamins K and C, and has probiotic properties beneficial for digestion.
- Variations: You can experiment with various fillings, such as cheese, mushrooms, or potatoes, to create a pie customized to your taste.
- Cooking techniques: If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the pies in the oven at 180°C for 25-30 minutes until golden.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but you may need more water since whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture.
- What can I use instead of sauerkraut? You can use fresh cabbage, but make sure to sauté it well with spices to enhance its flavor.

Sauerkraut pie is not only a delicious dish but also a recipe full of nostalgia and tradition. Cooking it will bring you closer to childhood memories when the aroma of freshly fried pies filled the entire house. So take a moment to relax, prepare your ingredients, and enjoy this delicacy! Enjoy your meal!