Kalitsounia
These sweet cheese pastries are holiday tradition on the Greek island of Crete, but eaten at other times as well because they're so delicious!
Ingredients:
For the dough
1/2 cup (125 ml) extra virgin olive oil
2 cups all purpose flower
3-4 s of lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup (180 ml) lukewarm water
2 cups olive oil for frying
sugar to sprinkle
For the filling
3 cups soft white cheese, cut in small cubes
1 tsp fresh mint, finely chopped
1 egg yolk
1 Tbs sugar
1/2 tsp powder cinnamon
Procedure:
Mix flour, lemon juice, oil and warm water, in a mixer bowl with a medium speed for approximately 4 minutes, until well combined to a soft mixture. Add water or flour if needed.
Place dough on floured surface, cover with a cloth for 10 minutes.
Make the filling by mixing cheese, mint, sugar, cinnamon and egg yolk together.
Divide dough in half. Roll out to about 1/2 cm thick.
Cut rounds, 5-6 cm diameter each.
Place 1 tsp of filling in the middle.
Fold over to half moon shape and press edges together, making sure they are completely closed.
Deep fry in hot oil.
Serve immediately, sprinkled with sugar.