Europe > Estonian > Pies

Estonian Cheese Pie Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 cups farmer's cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch pie dish
- rolling pin
- mixing bowls
- whisk
- pastry cutter or fork

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Add the sour cream and mix until the dough comes together. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth.

4. Roll out the dough to fit the 9-inch pie dish. Place the dough in the pie dish and trim the edges.

5. In another mixing bowl, combine the crumbled farmer's cheese, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Whisk until well combined.

6. Pour the cheese mixture into the prepared pie crust.

7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.

8. Let the pie cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- 8 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 350
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 10g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of farmer's cheese, you can use ricotta cheese or cottage cheese.
- Instead of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk.

Variations:
- Add chopped herbs, such as dill or parsley, to the cheese mixture for added flavor.
- Add sliced mushrooms or sautéed onions to the cheese mixture for a savory twist.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter and sour cream are cold to ensure a flaky crust.
- Use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust before adding the filling to prevent it from puffing up.
- Let the pie cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing to allow the filling to set.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pie with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped herbs.

Garnishes:
- Chopped herbs, such as dill or parsley
- Sour cream

Pairings:
- Serve the pie with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette dressing
- Roasted carrots and parsnips

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.
- If the filling is not setting, bake the pie for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to refrigerate any leftovers promptly to prevent foodborne illness.

Food history:
- Estonian cheese pie, also known as "kohupiirak," is a traditional Estonian dish that is typically served as a dessert or snack.

Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the pie warm or at room temperature.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Estonian

Taste: Savory, Rich, Creamy, Cheesy, Tangy, Nutty