Pogacsa (pogaci)

Pogăci – Fluffy Cheese Delights

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15 pogăci

If you're looking for a simple and quick recipe for a delicious appetizer or snack that will impress, pogăci are the ideal choice. They are fluffy, flavorful, and perfectly crispy on the outside, making them suitable for any occasion. Here’s how you can prepare these delights step by step!

Ingredients:
- 250 g grated cheese (choose a quality cheese, such as Telemea or Sibiu Cheese, for a more intense flavor)
- 100 g margarine (or butter for a richer taste)
- 500 g flour (use type 000 flour for a fine texture)
- 25 g fresh yeast (or 7 g dry yeast)
- 50 ml warm water
- A pinch of salt
- 1 egg (for brushing)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the cheese mixture: In a large bowl, add the grated cheese. Add the cubed margarine and mix well until you have a homogeneous mixture. It’s important that the margarine is cold so it doesn’t melt. This step will help achieve a fluffy dough and a pleasant texture.

2. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the yeast with 50 g of flour and add warm water to obtain a smooth paste. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy. This is a crucial step to ensure your pogăci rise beautifully.

3. Preparing the dough: In the bowl with the cheese and margarine mixture, add the yeast mixture and the remaining flour. Add the salt and knead the dough until it becomes elastic and homogeneous. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as the pogăci may become tough.

4. Resting the dough: Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rise for 30 minutes in a warm place. This step will help achieve fluffy pogăci.

5. Shaping the pogăci: Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out with a rolling pin until you get a thick sheet about 1 cm thick. Cut circles with a glass or a cookie cutter. You can also cut them into more interesting shapes, such as triangles or squares.

6. Baking: Place the pogăci on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them. Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush each pogăcă for a golden crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden and fluffy.

7. Serving: Let the pogăci cool slightly before serving. You can accompany them with fresh cheese or a yogurt and dill sauce for a delicious combination. These pogăci are also perfect for serving at parties or family meals.

Personalized suggestion: For a special touch, you can add some chopped olives or herbs like oregano or basil to the cheese mixture. These variations will add extra flavor and transform your pogăci into a gourmet appetizer.

Enjoy these fluffy and tasty pogăci, perfect for any occasion!