Kalitsounia | Cretan Sweet Cheese Pies
Sweet cheese pies from Crete
- Prep time
- 30 min
- Cook time
- 20 min
- Yield
- 17 servings
- Difficulty
- HARD
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- --Dough--
- 1 1/2 cups flour (plus extra for kneading surface)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 tablespoon brandy (optional)
- --Filling--
- 7 ounces Ricotta cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 teaspoon oregano (optional)
- --Egg Wash--
- 1 egg
- Splash of water
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and sugar, mix.
- 2
Add in all remaining ingredients under dough sections in order listed, one at a time.
- 3
Mix until all ingredients are combined then place on floured surface and knead until soft dough is formed.
- 4
Set dough aside. Start on filling.
- 5
In a bowl, add all filling ingredients, mix until well combined.
- 6
Take dough ball and place on floured surface, roll out to rectangle, about 1/2 inch thick.
- 7
Taking a cup, create circle cutouts in the dough. Remove remaining dough so you are left with just the circle cutouts.
- 8
Add 1 tablespoon of cheese filling to center of each circle, and either fold over to close, or pinch sides to create shapes - it's up to you here, be creative.
- 9
Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- 10
Roll remaining dough back out and repeat until all dough is used.
- 11
Once done, brush each cheese pie with egg wash (combine egg and water, mix).
- 12
Place in preheated oven at 350F for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- 13
Remove, sprinkle with cinnamon. Enjoy!