Savory Urdă Pie with a Chinese Twist

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we infuse the traditional Romanian Plăcintă cu urdă with Northeastern Chinese flavors. The original recipe is modified by incorporating Chinese spices such as ginger, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns. Additionally, scallions are added to enhance the flavor profile. The cooking technique remains similar, with the pie being baked until golden brown. We alse have the original recipe for Plăcintă cu urdă, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) cold water 1/2 cup (120ml) cold water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 200g Urdă cheese, crumbled 200g Urdă cheese, crumbled
• 2 scallions, finely chopped 2 scallions, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, crushed 1/2 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 12g (6g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 40g (2g sugars)
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Gradually add the cold water while kneading until a smooth dough forms.
2. 2.
   Divide the dough into two equal portions and roll each portion into a thin circle.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, mix the crumbled Urdă cheese, chopped scallions, grated ginger, minced garlic, crushed Sichuan peppercorns, salt, and black pepper.
4. 4.
   Place half of the cheese mixture onto one of the rolled dough circles, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. 5.
   Carefully place the second rolled dough circle on top of the cheese mixture and press the edges together to seal.
6. 6.
   Brush the top of the pie with the beaten egg to create a glossy finish.
7. 7.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the pie for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown.
8. 8.
   Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Urdă cheese — If Urdă cheese is not available, you can substitute it with feta cheese or a similar crumbly cheese with a tangy flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the cheese mixture.
• Serve the Urdă pie warm with a side of chili sauce or soy sauce for dipping.
• Experiment with different fillings such as mushrooms, spinach, or minced meat to create your own variations.
• Make sure the dough is rolled thin enough to ensure a crispy crust.
• Leftover Urdă pie can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for a quick and delicious snack.

Serving advice

Serve the Urdă pie as a main dish accompanied by a fresh salad or pickled vegetables. It can also be enjoyed as a savory appetizer or a delightful addition to a brunch spread.

Presentation advice

Present the Urdă pie on a decorative platter, allowing the golden-brown crust to shine. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped scallions or a dusting of Sichuan peppercorns for an extra touch of elegance.