Monday's Greek Recipe - Kaltsounia Kritis

KALTSOUNIA KRITIS

Cretan Cheese Pies

A. Ingredients

For the Pastry :

3 teacups flour

water and salt

For the Filling

400 - 500 gr / 14 oz-1lb  fresh myzithra or manouri (unsalted white cheeses made from whey)

2 tablespoons finely chopped mint

1 egg

5 tablespoons sugar

1 glass olive oil or vegetable oil for frying

B. Directions

1. Add some water and salt to 3 teacups of flour to make thick dough. Roll out the dough and cut round shapes with a pastry cutter or a glass.

2. Mix the cheese with the egg and the mint. Put a teaspoon of the cheese mixture in the middle of each piece of round-shaped pastry.

3. Fold half of the pastry ove the filling pressing the open-ends of a fork along the folded end of the pie.

4. Fry the pies in plenty of hot oil over medium fire till they are golden.

5. Place them on a platter and sprinkle with sugar.

Serve the kaltsounia as an appetizer or  as a dessert. They are also great for breakfast.

Comments

[Lakis Ioannou]

Last time I was on holiday in Crete, about 3 years ago, I had some of their delicious kaltsounia and was so delighted that I brought a lot home as we don't have them in Cyprus. In Rethymno where I was they had 2 kinds : salty and sweet ones and I was told that the big secret of their success lies in the dough. If ever you bake them, don't forget me , sugar, and send some my way.

[Lucy]

Never heard of kaltsounia before.Must be something like our pourekia tis anaris.

[Anastasia]

I haven't tried this recipe yet but I will soon. Of course I won't forget you!

[Anastasia]

That's right, Lucy. They're pretty much like our pourekia tis anaris, yet they have a very special taste due to the mint, I guess.

[Constantinos]

The Cretan kaltsounia is perhaps a temptation I can hardly resist. There was a time I could eat half a dozen! My grandmother, who was from Crete, was an expert at baking them. I love them most with cretan manouri instead of myzithra and a dash of cinammon in the filling.

[Anastasia]

I've been to Crete 5 times so far and I never tire of its many beauties and delicious cuisine including kaltsounia, of course. I love cinnamon and I'll add it to the filling. Thanks for the tip.

[Christina]

You are right, Constantine mou. Who can resist to kaltsounia? Not me!!! Thanks Anastasia for this simple recipe. I don't know why but I always thought kaltsounia is very complicated to make!

[Laura]

Great idea for breakfast! Thanks Anastasia.

[Andy]

When in Rome do as the Romans, when in Greece spoil your palate!These Cretan cheese pies look like scones to me ...without the dried fruit!

[Haruko]

Kalispera, Anastasia. I have noticed the greek word of the day in your sidebar and I hope I am using it right.I like your recipe and I will try it and see what happens! Tonight we had okonomiyaki pizza - a japanese pizza. You can put any toppings of your liking and after is cooked and while hot you can add some mayonaise. Now I will say kalinihta because is a bit late here and I am going to bed.

[Eleni]

Hi from Creta island. Congratulations for your blog which I found on google. But please can I make a correction. The right name is KALITSOUNIA not KALTSOUNIA but in Creta dialect we say kaltsounia sometimes. In Hania we use strain yogart and baking powder in the pastry, the kalitsounia becomes more fluffy (afrata). Also you can use honey in the place of sugar becose is more helthier. Polla filia apo Hania Kritis

[Sophia]

Hmmm....that's a deathly sin, I think! How many calories per piece by the way? I am on diet right now... hoping that I will fit in my last year's bikini when I go on holiday in 10 days from today!

[Anastasia]

I thought so too, Christina, but in actual fact, they're very simple to bake.

[Anastasia]

Indeed, it is, Laura! They're as tasty as pancakes or waffles!

[Anastasia]

Scones? Yes..perhaps greek scones? Oh Andy!

[Anastasia]

I'm glad you noticed my greek word of the day and you are using it very correctly. Now, honestly, I had no idea there was a japanese pizza! I'd really love to have the recipe!

[Anastasia]

Yia sou Eleni. Thank you very much for stopping by and for the correction. Also many thanks for the great Cretan tips. So, add some strained yoghurt and some baking powder to the dough.And honey instead of sugar. Many filakia to my beautiful Crete.

[Anastasia]

Sophia mou, look I don't want to know about the calories...but I guess there must be about 65 per piece? Wishful thinking ? Enjoy your holiday!