Imagine biting into a golden, crispy hand pie that transports you straight to the sun-drenched islands of Greece. Kalitsounia are not just pastries; they're a culinary love letter from Crete, packed with creamy cheese and wrapped in a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust that will make your taste buds dance with joy! These irresistible savory pies are about to become your new obsession, promising a gourmet experience that's surprisingly simple to create in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 40 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 300g all-purpose flour
- 100g butter, melted
- 1/2 cup water
- 200g cheese (like mizithra or ricotta)
- 1 egg
- Salt to taste
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt. Create a well in the center of the flour mixture.
- Gradually add the melted butter and water to the flour, mixing with your hands until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes soft and pliable.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax.
- Meanwhile, prepare the cheese filling by mixing the cheese (mizithra or ricotta) with the beaten egg. Season with a pinch of salt and mix until well combined.
- After resting, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 2-3mm thickness. Use a round cookie cutter or glass to cut out 10-12 circular dough pieces.
- Place a small spoonful of the cheese mixture in the center of each dough circle, leaving a border around the edges.
- Fold the edges of the dough over to create a half-moon shape, carefully pressing the edges to seal the filling inside. You can crimp the edges with a fork for a traditional look.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the prepared kalitsounia on the baking sheet, leaving some space between each pie.
- Brush the tops of the pies with olive oil to help them achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pies turn a beautiful golden brown color.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Kalitsounia can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Tips
- • Ensure your dough rests for the full 30 minutes - this is crucial for developing a tender, elastic texture. • Use high-quality, fresh cheese like authentic mizithra for the most authentic flavor. • When sealing the pies, press the edges firmly to prevent the filling from leaking during baking. • Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give each pie some breathing room for even browning. • For extra flavor, consider adding some fresh herbs like mint or dill to your cheese filling. • If you don't have a round cookie cutter, a wine glass works perfectly for cutting dough circles. • Let the pies cool slightly before serving to allow the cheese filling to set and prevent burning your mouth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 55mg
