Romanian Orthodox Easter Food

cottage cheese

🥗Healthier: ricotta cheese

💰Cheaper: cream cheese

Ricotta offers a similar texture with lower fat content.

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil provides a dairy-free option with a unique flavor.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Honey adds natural sweetness and moisture.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water

Almond milk is a lighter alternative for dairy-free diets.

Dissolve yeast in warm milk and let it sit until frothy, about 5-10 minutes.

Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.

Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla to the flour mixture.

Pour in the yeast mixture and combine until a dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth, about 10 minutes.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled, about 1-2 hours.

Prepare the filling by mixing cottage cheese, sugar, egg yolks, lemon zest, and raisins in a separate bowl.

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into two parts.

Roll out one part of the dough and place it in a greased baking dish, forming a base.

Spread the filling evenly over the base of the dough.

Roll out the second part of the dough and place it on top of the filling, sealing the edges.

Brush the top with egg wash and make a few slits for steam to escape.

Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 30-40 minutes.

Let cool before slicing and serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens