Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
Special Equipment Needed:
- Rolling pin
- 9-inch pie dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the cold water to the mixture and stir until the dough comes together. Knead the dough a few times until it is smooth and elastic.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it is about 1/4 inch thick. Place the rolled-out dough into a 9-inch pie dish, trimming the edges as needed.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Add the crumbled feta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, grated mozzarella cheese, and ricotta cheese to the egg mixture. Stir until well combined.
6. Add the black pepper, paprika, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, coriander, and red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture. Stir until the spices are evenly distributed.
7. Pour the cheese mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
8. Bake the pie for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
9. Let the pie cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Temperature:
375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 320
Total fat: 21g
Saturated fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 570mg
Total carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary fiber: 1g
Total sugars: 1g
Protein: 13g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of cheese you prefer in place of the feta, Parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta cheeses.
- If you don't have all the spices listed, you can use a pre-made spice blend such as Italian seasoning or Greek seasoning.
Variations:
- Add cooked spinach or kale to the cheese mixture for a healthier twist.
- Use a different type of crust, such as a phyllo dough crust or a puff pastry crust.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is cold when you cut it into the flour to ensure a flaky crust.
- Don't overwork the dough when you're kneading it, or it will become tough.
- Let the pie cool for a few minutes before slicing to ensure the filling sets properly.
Storage Instructions:
- Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat individual slices of pie in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the pie with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Garnish the pie with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil.
Pairings:
- This pie pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts
- A side salad with mixed greens and a vinaigrette dressing
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.
- If the filling is still liquidy after the recommended cooking time, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and any utensils or surfaces that come into contact with raw eggs or cheese to prevent the spread of bacteria.
Food History:
- Tounjski cheese is a type of cheese that is traditionally made in the Tounj region of Croatia. It is a semi-hard cheese that is made from cow's milk and has a slightly tangy flavor.
Flavor Profiles:
- This cheese pie has a savory and slightly spicy flavor from the combination of cheeses and spices used.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this cheese pie as a main dish for lunch or dinner, or as a side dish for a brunch or potluck.
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Region: Serbian