Traditional Greek Tiropetes, also known as Cheese Phyllo Pie, is a delightful dish that encapsulates the essence of Greek cuisine with its buttery, flaky phyllo pastry and rich cheese filling. This recipe, passed down through generations and sourced from “The Complete Book of Greek Cooking, The Recipe Club of St. Pauls Greek Cathedral,” promises a culinary journey into authentic Greek flavors.
Recipe Details:
- Name: Traditional Greek Tiropetes (Cheese Phyllo Pie)
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Recipe Category: Cheese
- Keywords: Greek, European, High In… (Preparation time < 60 minutes)
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
The recipe features a simple yet flavorful combination of ingredients:
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 12 ounces ricotta cheese
- 5 eggs
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Butter, for brushing
- 1 package phyllo dough (about 1 pound)
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 572.5
- Total Fat: 32.1g
- Saturated Fat: 18.6g
- Cholesterol: 273.9mg
- Sodium: 1290.8mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 41.9g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.3g
- Sugars: 3.7g
- Protein: 27.6g
Instructions:
1. Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with butter.
2. Cheese Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta and ricotta cheeses.
- Add eggs and beat thoroughly until well combined.
- Mix in the chopped fresh parsley, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
3. Assembling the Pie:
- Lay one sheet of phyllo dough in the prepared baking dish.
- Brush the phyllo sheet lightly with melted butter.
- Repeat this process, layering another sheet of phyllo and brushing with butter, until you have used a total of six sheets of phyllo.
4. Adding the Cheese Mixture:
- Spread the prepared cheese mixture evenly over the layered phyllo sheets in the baking dish.
5. Completing the Layers:
- Layer another six sheets of phyllo dough on top of the cheese mixture, following the same process of brushing each sheet with melted butter.
6. Baking:
- Place the assembled tiropetes in the preheated oven.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
7. Serving:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Cut into squares or triangles and serve while still warm, allowing everyone to enjoy the crispy layers and creamy cheese filling.
Flavor Profile:
The combination of feta and ricotta cheeses offers a perfect balance of tanginess and creaminess, complemented by the freshness of parsley. The layers of buttery phyllo dough provide a crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft cheese filling. This dish is ideal for a hearty brunch, a savory appetizer, or as part of a Greek-themed dinner.
Tips for Success:
- Ensure the phyllo dough is covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent it from drying out.
- Brush each layer of phyllo generously with melted butter for a golden, crispy finish.
- Adjust the cheese ratio according to your preference; more ricotta can be used to mellow out the stronger taste of feta.
Conclusion:
Traditional Greek Tiropetes is not just a recipe; it’s a culinary tradition passed down through generations, embodying the warmth and richness of Greek hospitality. Whether you’re new to Greek cuisine or a seasoned enthusiast, this dish promises to delight with its layers of flavor and inviting textures. Enjoy the process of creating this masterpiece in your kitchen and savor each bite of this delicious Cheese Phyllo Pie!
