Savory > Pies > Mediterranean Pies > Cypriot Pies

Lountza and Feta Cheese Pie Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of phyllo dough
- 1 pound of lountza (smoked pork loin), thinly sliced
- 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup of chopped fresh dill
- 1/2 cup of chopped scallions
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Pastry brush

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. In a large bowl, combine the lountza, feta cheese, parsley, dill, scallions, salt, and pepper.

3. Brush the bottom of the baking dish with olive oil.

4. Lay one sheet of phyllo dough in the dish and brush it with olive oil.

5. Repeat with 5 more sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each layer with olive oil.

6. Spread half of the lountza and feta cheese mixture over the phyllo dough.

7. Repeat with 5 more sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each layer with olive oil.

8. Spread the remaining lountza and feta cheese mixture over the phyllo dough.

9. Repeat with 6 more sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each layer with olive oil.

10. Brush the top layer of phyllo dough with olive oil.

11. Using a sharp knife, cut the pie into squares or triangles.

12. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the phyllo dough is golden brown and crispy.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8-10 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 420
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 14g
Sodium: 680mg
Sugar: 1g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of lountza, you can use bacon or ham.
- Instead of feta cheese, you can use goat cheese or ricotta cheese.
- Instead of parsley, dill, and scallions, you can use any herbs you like.

Variations:
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the lountza and feta cheese mixture.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the lountza and feta cheese mixture.
- Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brush each layer of phyllo dough with olive oil to prevent it from drying out.
- Let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Storage instructions:
- Store 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 fresh herbs and lemon wedges.

Garnishes:
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs or crumbled feta cheese.

Pairings:
- Serve with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Suggested side dishes:
- Greek salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the phyllo dough tears, simply patch it up with another piece of phyllo dough and brush it with olive oil.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the pie to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that it is safe to eat.

Food history:
- Lountza is a traditional Cypriot smoked pork loin that is often used in savory pies and sandwiches.

Flavor profiles:
- The lountza and feta cheese filling is salty and savory, while the phyllo dough is crispy and buttery.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the pie as a main course for lunch or dinner, or as an appetizer for a party.

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Region: Cyprus

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Salty, Cheesy, Herbal