Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 2 cups (8 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
- 2 cups (8 ounces) ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Special Equipment Needed:
- Rolling pin
- 9-inch pie plate
- Baking sheet
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add cold water and stir until dough forms.
3. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. Roll out dough to a 12-inch circle. Place in a 9-inch pie plate.
4. In a medium bowl, combine feta, ricotta, Parmesan, parsley, dill, mint, and eggs. Mix until well blended.
5. Spread cheese mixture evenly over dough. Fold edges of dough over cheese mixture. Brush top of dough with melted butter.
6. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool before serving.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Temperature: 375°F
Serving Size: 8
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 459
Fat: 32g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 19g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Feta cheese: cottage cheese, goat cheese, or cream cheese
- Ricotta cheese: cottage cheese or cream cheese
- Parmesan cheese: Romano cheese or Asiago cheese
- Parsley: cilantro or basil
- Dill: tarragon or chives
- Mint: basil or oregano
Variations:
- Add 1/4 cup chopped olives for a Mediterranean twist
- Substitute 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon for the Parmesan cheese
- Add 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg for a hint of sweetness
Tips and Tricks:
- For a crispier crust, brush the edges of the dough with egg wash before baking.
- To prevent the cheese from leaking out of the crust, make sure to seal the edges of the dough tightly.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cheeses and reduce the amount of butter.
Storage Instructions:
Cheese Plăcintă can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Cheese Plăcintă can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Cheese Plăcintă can be served as an appetizer or a light meal. It can be served warm or at room temperature.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh herbs
- Chopped olives
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Pairings:
- A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
- A light red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Merlot
Suggested Side Dishes:
- A green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled asparagus
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the crust is too dry, add a tablespoon of cold water at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- If the crust is too wet, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Food Safety Advice:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Discard any leftovers that have been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food History:
Cheese Plăcintă is a traditional Romanian dish that is believed to have originated in the 19th century. It is a savory pastry filled with cheese and herbs, and is often served as an appetizer or a light meal.
Flavor Profiles:
Cheese Plăcintă has a savory flavor with a hint of sweetness from the herbs and cheese. The crust is flaky and buttery, and the cheese filling is creamy and rich.
Serving Suggestions:
Cheese Plăcintă can be served as an appetizer or a light meal. It can be served warm or at room temperature.
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Region: Romanian