This delightful Cottage Cheese Pie is a perfect blend of creamy, rich filling and buttery, crumbly crust. Inspired by traditional Italian flavors, this recipe brings a touch of Italy to your kitchen. The combination of cottage cheese, sugar, and a hint of sour cream in the filling creates a luscious, smooth texture that contrasts beautifully with the crispness of the golden dough. Whether you’re serving it as a dessert or a special treat for guests, this pie is sure to impress.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• Butter: 200 g (softened)
  • Provides a rich, buttery base for the crust.
• Sugar: 120 g
  • Sweetens the dough and adds a light crunch.
• Eggs: 2 pcs
  • Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness to the dough.
• Flour: 430-450 g
  • Forms the structure of the dough, giving it a delicate crumb.
• Sour Cream: 1 tbsp
  • Adds a slight tang and moistness to the dough.
• Baking Powder: 1 tsp
  • Ensures the dough rises slightly, creating a light and tender crust.

For the Filling:

• Cottage Cheese: 600 g
  • The star of the filling, providing a creamy, tangy flavor.
• Egg White: 1 pc
  • Gives the filling a smooth, airy texture.
• Sugar: 100 g
  • Sweetens the filling just enough without overpowering the cheese flavor.
• Sour Cream: 1 tbsp
  • Adds creaminess and enhances the texture of the filling.
• Cornstarch: 1 tbsp
  • Thickens the filling, ensuring it sets properly.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Add the Eggs:
   • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream.
3. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the flour and baking powder to the wet mixture, stirring until a smooth dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
4. Chill the Dough:
   • Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Mix the Cottage Cheese and Sugar:
   • In a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese and sugar. Mix until well blended.
2. Add the Remaining Ingredients:
   • Stir in the egg white, sour cream, and cornstarch until the filling is smooth and uniform.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Roll Out the Dough:
   • Divide the chilled dough into two parts. Roll out one part and place it in a greased pie dish, pressing it gently to cover the bottom and sides.
3. Add the Filling:
   • Pour the cottage cheese filling over the dough, spreading it evenly.
4. Top the Pie:
   • Roll out the remaining dough and place it over the filling, sealing the edges. You can also create a lattice top if you prefer.
5. Bake the Pie:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
6. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Tips for Success

• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and results in a flakier crust.
• Smooth Filling: For a smoother filling, you can blend the cottage cheese before mixing it with the other ingredients.
• Decorative Top: For a more decorative look, use cookie cutters to create shapes from the dough scraps and place them on top of the pie.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop further over time, making it even more delicious.
• Freezing: You can freeze the pie before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 180mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
   • Yes, ricotta can be a great substitute for cottage cheese in this recipe, providing a slightly different texture but similar flavor.
2. How can I make the crust more flavorful?
   • You can add a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
3. Is it possible to make this pie gluten-free?
   • Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend to replace the all-purpose flour.

Enjoy baking this delicious treat and bringing a taste of Italy into your home!

 

Conclusion

This Italian-inspired Cottage Cheese Pie is a wonderful dessert that combines a rich, creamy filling with a buttery crust. Its delicate balance of flavors and textures makes it a perfect choice for special occasions or a comforting treat to enjoy with a cup of tea. The versatility of this recipe allows you to get creative with toppings and variations, ensuring it becomes a favorite in your recipe collection.