Italian-American Flaouna

Ingredients

Italian-American Flaouna differs from the original Cypriot Flaouna in terms of ingredients and flavors. While the original Flaouna uses a filling of halloumi cheese, mint, and raisins, the Italian-American version incorporates mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese, along with Italian herbs. This adaptation infuses the traditional Cypriot pastry with the rich and cheesy flavors of Italian-American cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Flaouna, so you can check it out.

• For the dough: For the dough:
• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon (10g) active dry yeast 1 tablespoon (10g) active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) warm milk 1 cup (240ml) warm milk
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5g) salt 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese 1 cup (250g) ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh basil 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh oregano 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper
• For the topping: For the topping:
• 1 egg, beaten 1 egg, beaten
• Sesame seeds, for sprinkling Sesame seeds, for sprinkling

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 2g
• Protein: 16g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. 3.
   Mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. 4.
   Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
5. 5.
   In the meantime, prepare the filling by combining the mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, eggs, basil, oregano, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
6. 6.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. 7.
   Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll out each portion into a circle.
8. 8.
   Spoon a generous amount of the filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
9. 9.
   Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and press the edges to seal. Crimp the edges with a fork to create a decorative pattern.
10. 10.
    Place the filled Flaouna on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds over them.
11. 11.
    Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the filling is melted and bubbly.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mozzarella — Use low-moisture mozzarella to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
• Ricotta — Drain any excess liquid from the ricotta before using it in the filling to avoid a soggy texture.
• Fresh herbs — If fresh basil and oregano are not available, you can substitute them with dried herbs, but reduce the quantity by half.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced Italian-American flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling.
• Serve the Italian-American Flaouna warm or at room temperature for the best taste and texture.
• Leftover Flaouna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.

Serving advice

Italian-American Flaouna is traditionally served as part of an Easter feast. It can be enjoyed as a main dish or as a delightful addition to a brunch or picnic spread. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or as a centerpiece on a festive table.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of Italian-American Flaouna, sprinkle some fresh basil leaves over the top before serving. The golden-brown crust and oozing cheese filling make for an inviting and appetizing sight.