Moderate
Pie with Cottage Cheese
This recipe promises a delightful blend of creamy texture and comforting flavors. Cottage cheese, or urda, is a treasured ingredient in Balkan cuisine, known for its rich protein and calcium content—key for strong bones and muscle repair. Incorporating cottage cheese into your pie not only boosts its nutritional value but also creates a moist, tender filling that melts in your mouth. In traditional Balkan kitchens, urda is often made from scratch, adding a touch of homemade warmth to every meal. Likewise, the dough used in Balkan pies is typically made by hand, with each household perfecting its unique recipe over generations. These traditional methods, while time-consuming, imbue the pies with authentic flavor and texture. However, if you're short on time, don't worry—store-bought filo pastry offers a convenient and effective alternative. It allows you to recreate that delicious, flaky texture with much less effort. And for the true Balkan experience, enjoy your pie with a glass of fermented milk, which pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy filling of your pie. 🥛🥧
⛰️
Easy
⏱️
1 hour
🥘
Baking
👽
4
Moderate
Pie with Cottage Cheese
This recipe promises a delightful blend of creamy texture and comforting flavors. Cottage cheese, or urda, is a treasured ingredient in Balkan cuisine, known for its rich protein and calcium content—key for strong bones and muscle repair. Incorporating cottage cheese into your pie not only boosts its nutritional value but also creates a moist, tender filling that melts in your mouth. In traditional Balkan kitchens, urda is often made from scratch, adding a touch of homemade warmth to every meal. Likewise, the dough used in Balkan pies is typically made by hand, with each household perfecting its unique recipe over generations. These traditional methods, while time-consuming, imbue the pies with authentic flavor and texture. However, if you're short on time, don't worry—store-bought filo pastry offers a convenient and effective alternative. It allows you to recreate that delicious, flaky texture with much less effort. And for the true Balkan experience, enjoy your pie with a glass of fermented milk, which pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy filling of your pie. 🥛🥧
⛰️
Easy
⏱️
1 hour
🥘
Baking
👽
4
Moderate
Pie with Cottage Cheese
This recipe promises a delightful blend of creamy texture and comforting flavors. Cottage cheese, or urda, is a treasured ingredient in Balkan cuisine, known for its rich protein and calcium content—key for strong bones and muscle repair. Incorporating cottage cheese into your pie not only boosts its nutritional value but also creates a moist, tender filling that melts in your mouth. In traditional Balkan kitchens, urda is often made from scratch, adding a touch of homemade warmth to every meal. Likewise, the dough used in Balkan pies is typically made by hand, with each household perfecting its unique recipe over generations. These traditional methods, while time-consuming, imbue the pies with authentic flavor and texture. However, if you're short on time, don't worry—store-bought filo pastry offers a convenient and effective alternative. It allows you to recreate that delicious, flaky texture with much less effort. And for the true Balkan experience, enjoy your pie with a glass of fermented milk, which pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy filling of your pie. 🥛🥧
⛰️
Easy
⏱️
1 hour
🥘
Baking
👽
4
🧺
INGREDIENTS
🔪
KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
👩🏻🍳
Preparation
Leave the filo pastry at room temperature to thaw.
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) to ensure it's perfectly hot when you're ready to bake.
Prepare the Baking Pan: Lightly grease a baking pan with butter or oil to prevent sticking. This will help your pie come out beautifully golden and crisp.
Make the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup (200 g) of cottage cheese with 5 large eggs. Cottage cheese adds a creamy, slightly tangy flavor that's a staple in many Balkan dishes.
Mix the cottage cheese and eggs thoroughly until they are well blended and smooth.
Season the mixture with a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Adjust to taste if needed.
Assemble the Pie:
Unroll 1 package (500 g) of filo pastry, handling it gently to avoid tearing. Filo pastry, with its thin, delicate layers, gives the pie a wonderfully flaky texture.
Melt ½ cup (100 g) of butter. This will be used to brush between the layers of filo pastry for that rich, golden finish.
Place the first sheet of filo pastry in the prepared baking pan, letting the edges hang over the sides. Brush it lightly and evenly with melted butter.
Continue layering the remaining filo sheets, brushing each sheet with melted butter as you go. You'll use about half of the filo sheets from the package. This layering process creates the signature crispy texture of the pie.
Once you’ve laid out the first half of the filo sheets, evenly spread the cottage cheese and egg mixture over the top layer.
Layer the remaining filo sheets over the filling, again brushing each sheet with melted butter. Fold any overhanging edges of filo over the top to seal in the filling.
Using a sharp knife, score the top layer of filo pastry into serving pieces. This makes it easier to cut the pie after baking, ensuring neat slices.
Brush the top of the pie with the remaining melted butter to achieve a beautiful, golden brown finish as it bakes.
Bake the Pie: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The pie is ready when the top is golden brown and crisp. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the pie to set, making it easier to cut into slices.
Serve: Serve it alongside a glass of fermented milk for a traditional Balkan touch. You can also enjoy it with fresh vegetables, cured meats, pickled peppers, or Ajvar. 🥛🥗🌶️
Leave the filo pastry at room temperature to thaw.
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) to ensure it's perfectly hot when you're ready to bake.
Prepare the Baking Pan: Lightly grease a baking pan with butter or oil to prevent sticking. This will help your pie come out beautifully golden and crisp.
Make the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup (200 g) of cottage cheese with 5 large eggs. Cottage cheese adds a creamy, slightly tangy flavor that's a staple in many Balkan dishes.
Mix the cottage cheese and eggs thoroughly until they are well blended and smooth.
Season the mixture with a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Adjust to taste if needed.
Assemble the Pie:
Unroll 1 package (500 g) of filo pastry, handling it gently to avoid tearing. Filo pastry, with its thin, delicate layers, gives the pie a wonderfully flaky texture.
Melt ½ cup (100 g) of butter. This will be used to brush between the layers of filo pastry for that rich, golden finish.
Place the first sheet of filo pastry in the prepared baking pan, letting the edges hang over the sides. Brush it lightly and evenly with melted butter.
Continue layering the remaining filo sheets, brushing each sheet with melted butter as you go. You'll use about half of the filo sheets from the package. This layering process creates the signature crispy texture of the pie.
Once you’ve laid out the first half of the filo sheets, evenly spread the cottage cheese and egg mixture over the top layer.
Layer the remaining filo sheets over the filling, again brushing each sheet with melted butter. Fold any overhanging edges of filo over the top to seal in the filling.
Using a sharp knife, score the top layer of filo pastry into serving pieces. This makes it easier to cut the pie after baking, ensuring neat slices.
Brush the top of the pie with the remaining melted butter to achieve a beautiful, golden brown finish as it bakes.
Bake the Pie: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The pie is ready when the top is golden brown and crisp. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the pie to set, making it easier to cut into slices.
Serve: Serve it alongside a glass of fermented milk for a traditional Balkan touch. You can also enjoy it with fresh vegetables, cured meats, pickled peppers, or Ajvar. 🥛🥗🌶️
Leave the filo pastry at room temperature to thaw.
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C) to ensure it's perfectly hot when you're ready to bake.
Prepare the Baking Pan: Lightly grease a baking pan with butter or oil to prevent sticking. This will help your pie come out beautifully golden and crisp.
Make the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup (200 g) of cottage cheese with 5 large eggs. Cottage cheese adds a creamy, slightly tangy flavor that's a staple in many Balkan dishes.
Mix the cottage cheese and eggs thoroughly until they are well blended and smooth.
Season the mixture with a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Adjust to taste if needed.
Assemble the Pie:
Unroll 1 package (500 g) of filo pastry, handling it gently to avoid tearing. Filo pastry, with its thin, delicate layers, gives the pie a wonderfully flaky texture.
Melt ½ cup (100 g) of butter. This will be used to brush between the layers of filo pastry for that rich, golden finish.
Place the first sheet of filo pastry in the prepared baking pan, letting the edges hang over the sides. Brush it lightly and evenly with melted butter.
Continue layering the remaining filo sheets, brushing each sheet with melted butter as you go. You'll use about half of the filo sheets from the package. This layering process creates the signature crispy texture of the pie.
Once you’ve laid out the first half of the filo sheets, evenly spread the cottage cheese and egg mixture over the top layer.
Layer the remaining filo sheets over the filling, again brushing each sheet with melted butter. Fold any overhanging edges of filo over the top to seal in the filling.
Using a sharp knife, score the top layer of filo pastry into serving pieces. This makes it easier to cut the pie after baking, ensuring neat slices.
Brush the top of the pie with the remaining melted butter to achieve a beautiful, golden brown finish as it bakes.
Bake the Pie: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The pie is ready when the top is golden brown and crisp. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the pie to set, making it easier to cut into slices.
Serve: Serve it alongside a glass of fermented milk for a traditional Balkan touch. You can also enjoy it with fresh vegetables, cured meats, pickled peppers, or Ajvar. 🥛🥗🌶️
⭐️
Bonus recipe
🥧 Gibanica or Gužvara
Gibanica or Gužvara is similar to this pie, with just a few small differences. The filo pastry is arranged differently. Start by placing one sheet of filo pastry in a baking pan, reserving another for the top. Add a little milk to the mixture to create a thin consistency. Crinkle one filo sheet, dip it into a mixture, and place it in the baking pan. Repeat with the rest of the sheets, creating folds and layering them close to each other. Once the pan is filled, press and adjust the layers with your fingers. Pour any remaining mixture over the layered sheets, add the cottage cheese (or any white, fresh cheese), and sprinkle lightly with salt. Cover with the reserved sheet, sprinkle with melted butter, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 30 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool slightly and serve!
🥧 Gibanica or Gužvara
Gibanica or Gužvara is similar to this pie, with just a few small differences. The filo pastry is arranged differently. Start by placing one sheet of filo pastry in a baking pan, reserving another for the top. Add a little milk to the mixture to create a thin consistency. Crinkle one filo sheet, dip it into a mixture, and place it in the baking pan. Repeat with the rest of the sheets, creating folds and layering them close to each other. Once the pan is filled, press and adjust the layers with your fingers. Pour any remaining mixture over the layered sheets, add the cottage cheese (or any white, fresh cheese), and sprinkle lightly with salt. Cover with the reserved sheet, sprinkle with melted butter, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 30 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool slightly and serve!
🥧 Gibanica or Gužvara
Gibanica or Gužvara is similar to this pie, with just a few small differences. The filo pastry is arranged differently. Start by placing one sheet of filo pastry in a baking pan, reserving another for the top. Add a little milk to the mixture to create a thin consistency. Crinkle one filo sheet, dip it into a mixture, and place it in the baking pan. Repeat with the rest of the sheets, creating folds and layering them close to each other. Once the pan is filled, press and adjust the layers with your fingers. Pour any remaining mixture over the layered sheets, add the cottage cheese (or any white, fresh cheese), and sprinkle lightly with salt. Cover with the reserved sheet, sprinkle with melted butter, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 30 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool slightly and serve!
This recipe promises a delightful blend of creamy texture and comforting flavors. Cottage cheese, or urda, is a treasured ingredient in Balkan cuisine, known for its rich protein and calcium content—key for strong bones and muscle repair. Incorporating cottage cheese into your pie not only boosts its nutritional value but also creates a moist, tender filling that melts in your mouth. In traditional Balkan kitchens, urda is often made from scratch, adding a touch of homemade warmth to every meal. Likewise, the dough used in Balkan pies is typically made by hand, with each household perfecting its unique recipe over generations. These traditional methods, while time-consuming, imbue the pies with authentic flavor and texture. However, if you're short on time, don't worry—store-bought filo pastry offers a convenient and effective alternative. It allows you to recreate that delicious, flaky texture with much less effort. And for the true Balkan experience, enjoy your pie with a glass of fermented milk, which pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy filling of your pie. 🥛🥧
This recipe promises a delightful blend of creamy texture and comforting flavors. Cottage cheese, or urda, is a treasured ingredient in Balkan cuisine, known for its rich protein and calcium content—key for strong bones and muscle repair. Incorporating cottage cheese into your pie not only boosts its nutritional value but also creates a moist, tender filling that melts in your mouth. In traditional Balkan kitchens, urda is often made from scratch, adding a touch of homemade warmth to every meal. Likewise, the dough used in Balkan pies is typically made by hand, with each household perfecting its unique recipe over generations. These traditional methods, while time-consuming, imbue the pies with authentic flavor and texture. However, if you're short on time, don't worry—store-bought filo pastry offers a convenient and effective alternative. It allows you to recreate that delicious, flaky texture with much less effort. And for the true Balkan experience, enjoy your pie with a glass of fermented milk, which pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy filling of your pie. 🥛🥧
This recipe promises a delightful blend of creamy texture and comforting flavors. Cottage cheese, or urda, is a treasured ingredient in Balkan cuisine, known for its rich protein and calcium content—key for strong bones and muscle repair. Incorporating cottage cheese into your pie not only boosts its nutritional value but also creates a moist, tender filling that melts in your mouth. In traditional Balkan kitchens, urda is often made from scratch, adding a touch of homemade warmth to every meal. Likewise, the dough used in Balkan pies is typically made by hand, with each household perfecting its unique recipe over generations. These traditional methods, while time-consuming, imbue the pies with authentic flavor and texture. However, if you're short on time, don't worry—store-bought filo pastry offers a convenient and effective alternative. It allows you to recreate that delicious, flaky texture with much less effort. And for the true Balkan experience, enjoy your pie with a glass of fermented milk, which pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy filling of your pie. 🥛🥧
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