Imagine biting into a golden, crispy pie that transports you straight to the sun-drenched mountains of Crete with every mouthful! Sfakianes Pites are not just a recipe; they're a delicious journey through Greek culinary tradition that will make your taste buds dance with joy. These incredible cheese-filled pies are so authentic and mouth-watering that they'll have your family and friends begging for seconds before they've even finished their first bite!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g flour
- 200ml water
- 100g olive oil
- 200g feta cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Measure out 500g of flour and place it in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine 200ml of water and 100g of olive oil. Mix well to create a cohesive liquid mixture.
- Gradually add the liquid mixture to the flour while stirring with a wooden spoon or your hands. This will help to form a dough.
- Once the mixture begins to come together, add 1 tsp of salt and 1 tsp of pepper to the dough. If desired, you can also add fresh herbs like dill or oregano for extra flavor.
- Continue kneading the dough in the bowl or on a clean surface for about 5-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This will allow the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out later.
- While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. Crumble 200g of feta cheese into a bowl. If you wish, you can mix in some chopped fresh herbs to enhance the flavor.
- After the resting period, divide the dough into four equal portions. Take one portion and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it is thin and round, about 20 cm in diameter.
- Place a generous amount of the feta filling in the center of the rolled-out dough, leaving about 2-3 cm of space around the edges.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal the pie, ensuring that the filling is securely enclosed.
- Repeat the process with the remaining portions of dough and filling until you have four filled pies.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the first pie in the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the cooked pie from the skillet and place it on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Repeat the cooking process for the remaining pies.
- Serve the Sfakianes Pites warm, either on their own or with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad. Enjoy your delicious Greek pies!
Tips
- Use high-quality olive oil and fresh feta cheese for the most authentic flavor
- Don't rush the dough resting process - letting it sit allows the gluten to relax, making rolling easier
- Keep your work surface lightly floured to prevent sticking
- Ensure pie edges are well-sealed to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking
- Cook on medium heat to achieve that perfect golden-brown crispy exterior
- Serve immediately for the best texture and taste
- Experiment with adding fresh herbs like dill or oregano to customize your filling
- If the dough feels too sticky, add flour gradually - don't overcompensate
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 40mg
