Golden Crispy Cretan Cheese Pastries

Cretan Kalitsounia (Sweet Cheese Pastries)

Overview

Cretan Kalitsounia are delightful sweet cheese pastries originating from the sun-kissed villages along the White Mountain Range in Crete. These pastries are a staple treat enjoyed throughout the island, often paired with local thyme honey or simply sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. They’re addictive in their deliciousness and perfect for any occasion, from brunch to dessert.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20 pastries

Ingredients

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
• Thyme honey, for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

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   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, olive oil, salt, and water to form a stiff dough.
   • Cover the dough and let it rest for about an hour.

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • Crumble the cheese into a separate bowl.
   • Mix in the egg, lemon zest, cinnamon, and sugar until well combined.

3. Assembly:

   • Divide the dough into two portions.
   • On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
   • Using a water glass, cut the dough into rounds approximately 3 inches in diameter.

4. Filling and Sealing:

   • Place 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture onto each round of dough.
   • Moisten the edges of the dough with a little water.
   • Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-circle and press the edges firmly together with a fork to seal.

5. Frying:

   • In a frying pan, heat enough olive oil or clarified butter to come up about 3/4 inch.
   • Fry the pastries in batches until they are golden brown on both sides, turning once.

6. Serve:

   • Once fried, remove the pastries from the pan and let them drain on paper towels.
   • Optionally, drizzle the hot pastries with thyme honey or sprinkle them with cinnamon-sugar before serving.

Enjoying Cretan Kalitsounia

These Cretan Kalitsounia pastries are best enjoyed fresh and warm, whether served as a sweet brunch delight or a delightful dessert. Their rich, cheesy filling encased in a crispy, golden crust makes them irresistible to all who try them. Whether you’re savoring them with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or presenting them as a sweet treat at a gathering, these pastries are sure to delight with every bite!

This detailed recipe for Cretan Kalitsounia ensures you can recreate these beloved Cretan pastries with ease, bringing a taste of sunny Crete to your kitchen and making any occasion a little sweeter.