Sfakianes Pites (Cretan Cheese & Honey Pies)
A traditional sweet-savory pie from western Crete, filled with fresh cheese and topped with thyme honey.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 250 grams all-purpose flour (plus extra for kneading)
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- ½ tsp salt
- 100 ml water (plus more if needed)
- 2 tbsp tsikoudia (Cretan raki) - You can repolace it with vodka or grappa
- A few drops of lemon juice
For the filling:
- 250 grams myzithra cheese or a mix of ricotta and feta
To serve:
- Cretan thyme honey for drizzling
Instructions
Prepare the dough:
- Place the flour in a large mixing bowl and sift it well.
- Create a well in the center and add the salt, olive oil, tsikoudia, lemon juice, and water.
- Begin mixing the ingredients together and knead the dough by hand until it becomes soft, smooth, and elastic.
- Add a little more water or flour if necessary to achieve the right consistency.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for about 1 hour.
Prepare the filling:
- Form six small cheese balls from the myzithra mixture and chill them briefly in the fridge.
Assemble the pies:
- Divide the dough into six equal balls.
- Roll each out into a round sheet.
- Place a cheese ball in the center, fold the edges over to enclose the filling, and gently roll out again into a thin disc (~10 cm diameter).
Cook the pies:
- Heat a non-stick pan with a few drops of olive oil.
- Fry each pie on medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
Serve:
- Drizzle generously with Cretan thyme honey and enjoy hot.
Nutrition
Calories: 300kcal
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