Melopita

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Servings: 6 Difficulty: Advanced
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A classic Greek honey pie with a delicate, flaky pastry and a rich, custard-like cheese filling.
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Melopita

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 6 Calories: 486.1

Description

Melopita, or honey pie, is a beloved traditional Greek dessert that offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes. The base is a tender, buttery pastry that encases a luscious filling made from smooth white cheese, enriched with eggs and sweetened with honey and sugar. The result is a dense, creamy interior that contrasts beautifully with the crisp, flaky crust. This pie is best served at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to soften slightly. It is an ideal centerpiece for festive gatherings, holiday tables, or a quiet afternoon with coffee. The subtle hint of cinnamon and lemon juice brightens the rich dairy notes, making it an unforgettable treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Sift the flour, salt, and caster sugar into a large mixing bowl.
  2. Add the cold butter and cut it into the dry ingredients using two knives or your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
  3. In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk with the lemon juice and cold water, then stir this mixture into the flour blend using a knife until the dough just begins to cling together.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a surface and knead lightly until smooth, then cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  5. While the dough rests, prepare the filling by beating the cheese until completely smooth, then gradually beat in the honey and sugar.
  6. Beat the eggs into the cheese mixture along with the lemon juice and cinnamon, stirring until well combined.
  7. Preheat your oven to 200&# 194;°C (400ðF) and grease a 25 cm (10 inch) springform tin or pie plate.
  8. Roll out the rested pastry on a lightly floured surface to form a 30 cm (12 inch) circle.
  9. Carefully line the prepared tin with the pastry, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides.
  10. Lightly beat the reserved egg white and brush a thin layer over the bottom and sides of the pastry case.
  11. Pour the cheese filling into the pastry case and smooth the top with a spatula.
  12. Bake in the hot oven for 15 minutes.
  13. Reduce the oven temperature to 160ðC (325ðF) and continue baking for a further 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden.
  14. Turn off the oven heat and leave the door slightly ajar.
  15. Allow the pie to cool completely inside the oven to prevent cracking.
  16. Once cool, dust the top with the remaining cinnamon and serve cut into wedges or traditional diamond-shaped pieces.
  17. Store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 486.1kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 17.1g27%
Saturated Fat 10.4g52%
Cholesterol 43.0mg15%
Sodium 97630.5mg4068%
Total Carbohydrate 72.3g25%
Dietary Fiber 2.4g10%
Sugars 4.1g
Protein 9.2g19%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: greek, pie, honey, cheese, pastry, dessert, melopita, baking, traditional, custard, flaky, lemon, cinnamon, vegetarian, holiday, filling, crust, homemade, indulgent, classic
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