Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of cornmeal
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 cup of cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup of cold water
- 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of Čvarci (pork cracklings), crushed
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup of milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch pie dish
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Oven
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, and baking powder.
3. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add the cold water and mix until the dough comes together.
5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and transfer it to the pie dish.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
7. Sprinkle half of the grated cheese and Čvarci on the bottom of the pie crust.
8. Pour the egg mixture over the cheese and Čvarci.
9. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and Čvarci on top.
10. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
11. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
5. Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
1 pie (serves 6-8)
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 380
Total fat: 28g
Saturated fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 135mg
Sodium: 630mg
Total carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 12g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of cheese you prefer.
- If you can't find Čvarci, you can substitute it with bacon bits or ham.
Variations:
- You can add chopped onions, garlic, or herbs to the filling for extra flavor.
- You can use a different type of crust, such as a puff pastry or a graham cracker crust.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter and water are cold to ensure a flaky crust.
- Crush the Čvarci into small pieces for even distribution in the filling.
- Let the pie cool for a few minutes before slicing to prevent the filling from spilling out.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the pie in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pie on a platter with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions on top of the pie for a pop of color.
Pairings:
- Serve the pie with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or carrots
- Side salad with a vinaigrette dressing
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crust is too dry, add a tablespoon of cold water at a time until it comes together.
- If the filling is too runny, bake the pie for a few more minutes until it sets.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the pie until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown to ensure it's fully cooked.
Food history:
- Čvarci and Cheese Pie is a traditional dish from Croatia, where Čvarci (pork cracklings) are a popular snack.
Flavor profiles:
- The pie has a savory and cheesy flavor with a crispy crust and crunchy Čvarci.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the pie warm or at room temperature as a main dish or appetizer.
Related Categories
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Region: Croatian
Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Crunchy, Salty, Comforting