Tiropita is a traditional Greek pastry filled with a delicious mixture of various cheeses. It is a popular snack or appetizer in Greece, and can also be enjoyed as a light meal. This recipe will guide you through the process of making tiropita from scratch, including making the dough and preparing the cheese filling. The end result is a flaky, cheesy pastry that will melt in your mouth. Serve it warm or at room temperature for the best taste.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Directions
- In a food processor, combine the flour, butter, yogurt, salt, and baking powder. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add one egg and continue pulsing until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the feta cheese, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, black pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well to combine.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a thin sheet.
- Cut the dough into equal-sized squares or rectangles.
- Place a spoonful of the cheese filling onto each piece of dough.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle or rectangle shape. Press the edges to seal.
- Transfer the tiropitas to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Beat the remaining egg and brush it over the tiropitas for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Interesting Facts
Tiropita is a staple in traditional Greek cuisine and is often served during festive occasions, such as Christmas and Easter.
The word 'tiropita' is derived from the Greek words 'tiros' meaning cheese and 'pita' meaning pie.
Tiropita is also popular in other Mediterranean countries, such as Turkey and Albania, with slight variations in the filling and preparation method.