Traditional Sfakian Pie Recipe

2022-11-02

By Christina Xenos

Greek Cuisine

Breakfast

Sfakian Pie is a traditional Greek dish that is perfect for breakfast or brunch. With only a few ingredients, this recipe is easy to follow and creates a dish that is packed with flavor. 

Cheese is the Key

Experiment with different types of cheese or combine multiple varieties for a unique flavor profile. Traditional sfakian pie typically uses graviera or mizithra cheese, but you can also try feta, goat cheese, or even a sharp cheddar for a stronger taste.

Hot Beverage Pairing

consider indulging in some regional hot beverages. Rakomelo, a warm and aromatic Cretan drink made with raki, honey, and spices, can perfectly complement the flavors of the pie. If you're looking for a creamy option, try Salep, a popular winter drink made from orchid tubers, for a cozy experience.

How to make Greek Sfakian Pie?

The Greek cheese pie is a type of savory pancake that is made with a special type of cheese called mizithra, which is similar to ricotta cheese. The pie is made with a dough that is rolled out and filled with the cheese, along with other ingredients such as herbs and spices. The pie is then fried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

What is the History of Sfakian Pie?

Also known as Sfakia cheese pie, is a traditional Greek main course dish that originated in the region of Sfakia, which is located on the southern coast of the island of Crete. Sfakia is a region known for its rugged mountains, stunning beaches, and traditional way of life.

Pitfalls on Sfakian Pie 

 Dough consistency: Sfakian Pie is a traditional Greek dish made from a homemade dough filled with cheese and honey. The challenge with Sfakian Pie is achieving the ideal consistency of the dough. It should be pliable and easy to work with, but not too sticky or dry. Be sure to follow the recipe closely and adjust flour and water amounts as necessary.

 Filling balance: Sfakian Pie has a balance of sweet and savory flavors, with a filling of cheese and drizzled honey. The challenge is in achieving the right balance of these flavors, where neither overpowers the other. Be sure to taste the filling as you make it and adjust seasoning as necessary.

 Filling texture: Sfakian Pie filling should be different than a traditional pie and should have a more dense texture. Cheese should be grated into very fine pieces. Depending on the type of cheese you choose, you may need to combine it with other dairy products, such as yogurt and sour cream, to achieve the desired texture.

 Cooking time: Sfakian Pie requires a longer cooking time than some other types of pie, due to the denser filling and thicker dough. The challenge is in finding the right balance of cooking time and heat intensity. Cooking too quickly or at too high a heat can brown the outside of the pie too much and leave the filling undercooked.

 Serving suggestion: Sfakian Pie is often served as a sweet or savory main dish, depending on the filling. It pairs well with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of sea salt. The challenge in serving Sfakian Pie is finding the right balance of flavors between the pie and any accompaniments. Experimentation and tasting will help you find the perfect pairing for your Sfakian Pie.

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 3/4 cup lukewarm water

• 1 lb Greek mizithra cheese, crumbled

• 1/4 cup Greek honey

• 1 tbsp cinnamon

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and salt. Mix together.

2. Slowly pour in the water and knead the dough until it comes together and is smooth.

3. Form the dough into a ball and let it sit for 10 minutes.

4. Divide the dough into six equal pieces.

5. Roll each piece into a thin circle.

6. In a large saucepan, heat the crumbled mizithra cheese until melted.

7. Add a spoonful of the melted cheese onto one half of each circle, fold over, and press the edges together to seal.

8. In a large skillet, cook the pies on both sides until lightly browned.

9. Serve hot drizzled with Greek honey and sprinkled with cinnamon.

Preparation Time 30 min

Cook Time 60 min

Total time 90 min

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 276

Fat: 10 g

Saturated Fat: 5 g

Carbohydrates: 40 g

Fiber: 1 g

Sugar: 11 g

Protein: 8 g

Regional Ingredients Variations of Sfakian Pie 

Crete, they may use a mix of local cheeses, such as graviera, myzithra and kefalotyri, and add some mint to the filling, creating a dish known as "Sfakiani Pita me Tyri kai Dyosmo".

Thessaly, they may use spinach and feta cheese filling instead of the traditional cheese, creating a dish known as "Sfakiani Pita me Spanaki kai Feta".

Epirus, they may add some sausage and smoked cheese to the filling, creating a dish known as "Sfakiani Pita me Loukaniko kai Fume Tyri".

Ionian Islands, they may use a mix of local cheeses and add a bit of honey for a sweet and savory taste, creating a dish known as "Sfakiani Pita me Tyri kai Meli".

Peloponnese, they may use a mixture of feta and goat cheese, along with some dill, for a tangy flavor, creating a dish known as "Sfakiani Pita me Feta kai Mpoutsari".

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