Savory cheese and cumin pastries

Cheese and Caraway Pastries – A Traditional Recipe Full of Flavor

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour
Baking Time: 15-17 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 37 minutes
Servings: 12-15 pastries

Cheese and caraway pastries are a classic dish that blends tradition with the unmistakable flavors of cheese. This dish is perfect for a hearty breakfast, a savory snack, or even a special appetizer at a festive meal. Using simple yet nutritious ingredients, you will create a delicious pastry that will delight everyone. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 800 g all-purpose flour
- 200 g whole wheat flour
- 3 eggs
- 100 ml oil
- 200 ml milk
- 150 ml buttermilk or yogurt
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 small cube of fresh yeast

For the filling:
- 500 g salty cheese (a mix of sheep cheese, telemea, and burduf cheese)
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon semolina
- Leaves from 3 green onions
- Salt (if needed)
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds

For brushing:
- 1 egg

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. Activating the yeast
In a small bowl, add the cube of fresh yeast along with a tablespoon of sugar and 100 ml of warm milk. Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active and will help the dough rise.

2. Mixing the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine both types of flour, salt, eggs, oil, the remaining milk, and buttermilk. Add the activated yeast mixture and start mixing with a spatula or your hands until the dough begins to form.

3. Kneading
Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture.

4. Rising the dough
Form the dough into a ball and place it in a bowl greased with a little oil. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it sit in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until the dough doubles in size.

Step 2: Preparing the filling

5. Preparing the cheese
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. Grate the cheese using a large grater, then add the eggs, sour cream, semolina, finely chopped green onions, and caraway seeds. Mix all the ingredients well until you have a homogeneous mixture. Taste the mixture and add salt if necessary. It's important to check the salt level since the cheese is already salty.

Step 3: Shaping the pastries

6. Dividing the dough
Once the dough has risen, divide it into two equal parts. Place one part on a lightly greased work surface.

7. Rolling out the dough
Roll out the dough into a sheet about 5 mm thick. Use a knife or spatula to cut squares approximately 10x10 cm.

8. Filling the pastries
On each square of dough, place a tablespoon of the cheese mixture. Gather the corners of the squares in the center and shape the pastries, ensuring they are well sealed.

9. Arranging on the tray
Place each pastry on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them. Cover the tray with a towel and let the pastries rise for another hour.

Step 4: Baking

10. Preheating the oven
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) before baking the pastries.

11. Brushing the pastries
Beat an egg and brush each pastry with it, making sure they are evenly coated. Sprinkle caraway seeds on top for added flavor.

12. Baking
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake the pastries for 15-17 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy. The aromas will fill the kitchen, preparing all the senses for the delicious treat to come!

Serving and Suggestions

When the pastries are ready, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These cheese and caraway pastries are delicious both warm and cold. You can enjoy them alongside a flavored yogurt or a fresh salad for a light and healthy lunch. They are also perfect for packing in a lunchbox or serving at a gathering with friends.

Variations and Tips

- Filling Variations
If you want to experiment, try adding spinach or nettles to the cheese filling for extra nutrients and an interesting flavor. You can also use different cheeses, such as feta or ricotta, to achieve a different texture and taste.

- Recommended Beverages
These pastries pair wonderfully with a fragrant tea or a refreshing white wine, which will perfectly complement the cheese flavors.

Nutritional Benefits

These pastries are rich in protein due to the cheese and eggs, and the addition of whole wheat flour provides higher fiber content, contributing to healthy digestion. Additionally, caraway is known for its beneficial effects on digestion and the immune system.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast?
Yes, you can use dry yeast, but you will need to adjust the quantity. Typically, 1 cube of fresh yeast corresponds to about 7 g of dry yeast.

- Can I freeze the pastries?
Yes, the pastries can be frozen before baking. Make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. When you want to consume them, let them thaw and then bake them according to the instructions.

- What other spices can I add?
Besides caraway, you can add dill or oregano to vary the flavors of the pastries. Each spice will bring a distinct and interesting note.

These cheese and caraway pastries are not just a delicious recipe but also a way to share culinary tradition with loved ones. So, don’t hesitate to make them and enjoy every bite! Enjoy your meal!