Dish

Plăcintă cu urdă

Cottage cheese pie

Plăcintă cu urdă is made with a flaky pastry crust and a filling of cottage cheese, dill, and onions. The pastry is rolled out and cut into circles, then filled with the cheese mixture and folded over to create a half-moon shape. The edges are crimped to seal the filling inside, and the pastry is baked until golden brown. The result is a delicious and savory pastry that is perfect for a quick snack or appetizer.

European cuisine› Eastern European cuisine› Romanian cuisine

Pastry› Sweet Pastry

Origins and history

Plăcintă cu urdă has been a staple in Romanian cuisine for centuries. It originated in the Transylvania region of Romania, where cottage cheese is a common ingredient in many dishes. The dish has since spread throughout the country and is now enjoyed by people of all ages.

Dietary considerations

This dish contains dairy and is not suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Variations

Plăcintă cu urdă can be made with a variety of different fillings, including spinach, mushrooms, and bacon. Some recipes also call for the addition of eggs or sour cream to the filling.

Presentation and garnishing

Plăcintă cu urdă can be presented on a decorative plate with a sprinkle of chopped dill or a drizzle of olive oil. A slice of cucumber or tomato can also be used as a garnish.

Tips & Tricks

To prevent the filling from leaking out during baking, be sure to crimp the edges of the pastry tightly. You can also brush the edges with a beaten egg to help seal them. For a more rustic look, leave the edges uncrimped and fold them over to create a more free-form shape. If you don't have cottage cheese, you can substitute it with ricotta cheese.

Side-dishes

Plăcintă cu urdă is often served as a snack or appetizer, either on its own or with a side of sour cream or tzatziki sauce. It pairs well with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.