Macedonian Pie with Leek and Urda

This cheese and leek pie reminds me of my student days when I often grabbed a pie from the bakery in the Holiday Village, thus becoming a kind of ritual. Simple and tasty, it was a perfect choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I am now glad that I discovered sheep ricotta in the supermarket, a fantastic cheese that I hadn't used until now. It brings back memories of those joyful days with friends.

To start, wash the leek well and chop it, keeping only the white bulb and a little of the green part, about one centimeter up. Chop the leek finely so that it integrates perfectly into the pie composition. In a pan, heat two tablespoons of oil and add the chopped leek. Let it sauté until it becomes soft and aromatic, then let it cool slightly. Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix the sheep ricotta with cottage cheese, beaten eggs, and if you have it, a little chopped fresh dill for a more intense flavor. This combination of cheeses will give the pie a creamy texture and an unmistakable taste.

Once the leek has cooled, add it to the bowl with the cheeses and mix the composition well. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Prepare a round baking dish, preferably a 32 cm diameter cake pan, which you line with baking paper and lightly grease with oil. Now, start layering the pie sheets: take one sheet, place it with a corner in the middle of the pan, leaving the other corners hanging over the edges.

On each sheet, add a spoonful of the cheese and leek mixture, continuing to layer the sheets, forming folds. Finally, beat an egg with yogurt and pour the mixture evenly over the pie to give it a golden and appetizing crust. Bake the pie for the first 35 minutes with the heat from below, then switch to the heat from above for another 10 minutes until it becomes beautifully browned.

This pie is served warm or cold, alongside creamy yogurt or buttermilk, making it an excellent choice for a light dinner. The flavors blend perfectly, reminding me of the beautiful moments from the past and the joy of cooking for loved ones. Enjoy your meal!