A Traditional Pie That Melts in Your Mouth: A Tempting Blend of Cheese, Poppy Seeds and Shortcrust Pastry

Some cakes do not need elaborate creams, ten layers or complicated preparation to win people over from the first bite. This traditional pie relies on the combination of crumbly pastry, juicy poppy-seed filling and a delicate fresh-cheese cream.

A thin layer of jam adds a fresh fruity note. Plum, rose-hip, raspberry or another red-fruit jam can be used. The filling is then layered with poppy seeds and fresh cheese, while grated dough covers the top and turns fine and crisp in the oven.

The recipe calls for 150 grams of butter, four egg yolks, lemon zest, 350 grams of flour and sour cream for the pastry. The poppy filling uses 200 grams of ground poppy seeds, sugar and 150 milliliters of milk. The cheese layer contains 500 grams of fresh cheese, sugar and semolina.

The dough is divided into two parts, with the smaller portion placed in the freezer before being grated over the finished layers. The pie bakes at 180°C. It can be prepared in a round 27-centimeter pan or a rectangular pan measuring about 32 by 22 centimeters. It is best served well chilled, when the layers firm up and the flavors come together. Food blogger @natalija_mysticcakes shared the recipe.