Flaky Feta Cheese and Dill Savory Cake is a savory pastry with rich layers of buttery dough and a flavorful filling of crumbled feta cheese and fresh dill. Perfect for any occasion, this savory cake combines flaky layers with a tangy and aromatic filling, making it an irresistible treat for all.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 390g plain flour (approximately 3 1/4 cups)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 250ml warm water (about 1 cup)
- 120g melted butter (for brushing, about 1/2 cup)
For the Filling:
- 200g feta cheese (about 1 cup, crumbled)
- 30g fresh dill (about 1/4 cup, finely chopped)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
1.1 Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, add 250ml of warm water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add 390g of flour, mixing with a spatula. Add the flour in parts to ensure the mixture has a smooth consistency.
1.2 Knead the Dough
Once all the flour is added, knead the dough with your hands until it becomes smooth and elastic. Sprinkle some flour onto your work surface and continue kneading until the dough is well-formed.
1.3 Divide and Rest the Dough
Form the dough into a ball and divide it into 10 equal parts. Roll each part into a small ball. Cover the dough balls with cling film and leave them to rest for 20 minutes on the work surface.
Step 2: Layer the Dough
2.1 Prepare for Rolling
Place a plate on your workspace and cover it with cling film to make it easier to stack the dough layers. Sprinkle the work surface with flour to prevent sticking.
2.2 Roll Out the Dough
Take one dough ball and roll it out to a diameter of 22 cm using a rolling pin. Place the rolled dough on the plate and brush it with melted butter. Repeat this process until you have 6 layers stacked on top of each other, brushing each layer with butter.
2.3 Chill the Dough
Cover the stacked dough layers with cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps create the flaky texture once baked.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
3.1 Mix the Filling
In a bowl, combine 200g of crumbled feta cheese with 30g of finely chopped fresh dill. Mix well until fully combined. Set aside until ready to use.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
4.1 Roll Out the Dough Layers
After 30 minutes, remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Sprinkle your work surface with flour and roll out the stacked dough layers to a size of 40 x 35 cm.
4.2 Brush and Fold the Dough
Brush the rolled dough generously with melted butter and fold it in layers, which helps create a flaky texture. Fit the dough to a 30 cm diameter pan by rolling it again to make it slightly larger than the pan.
4.3 Add the Filling
Place the dough in a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Spread the prepared feta cheese and dill filling evenly over the dough in the pan.
Step 5: Top the Cake
5.1 Prepare the Remaining Dough Balls
With the remaining 4 dough balls, roll each out to a diameter of 28 cm. Brush each with melted butter and stack them, repeating the folding and rolling process to form layers.
5.2 Cover the Filling
Once the top dough layers are ready, place them over the filling in the pan. Gently press the edges to seal the dough and trim any excess.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
6.1 Preheat and Bake
Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F) and set it to convection mode for best results. Bake the assembled cake for 25-30 minutes or until it turns golden brown and crispy.
6.2 Serve
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly. Once it has cooled, slice and enjoy the flaky, buttery layers with the rich, savory feta and dill filling.
Tips for Making the Perfect Feta Cheese and Dill Savory Cake
- Use High-Quality Feta: The flavor of this savory cake relies on the quality of feta cheese. Opt for creamy, tangy feta for the best results.
- Rest the Dough: Letting the dough rest between steps makes it easier to roll and gives it a tender, flaky texture.
- Use Fresh Dill: Fresh dill adds a burst of flavor to the filling. If using dried dill, reduce the quantity by half to avoid overpowering the flavor.
- Generous Butter Brushing: Brushing each layer of dough with melted butter ensures a rich, flaky crust.
- Adjust Fillings to Taste: Feel free to add variations to the filling, such as olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or other herbs for a unique twist on the traditional flavor.
Nutritional Facts (Per Slice, Estimated)
- Calories: Approximately 290 kcal
- Protein: 7 grams
- Carbohydrates: 27 grams
- Fat: 18 grams
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and exact serving sizes.)
Storage Tips
Refrigeration:
Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a warm oven for a few minutes before serving to restore the flaky texture.
Freezing:
Freeze individual slices wrapped in cling film and stored in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best results.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese for this cake?
Yes! While feta cheese provides a tangy and creamy filling, you can substitute it with other cheeses like ricotta, goat cheese, or a blend of cheese types for a different flavor.
2. Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Just make sure to allow the dough to come to room temperature before working with it if it becomes too firm in the fridge.
3. Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Absolutely! You can customize the filling with ingredients like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even cooked spinach for added flavor and texture.
4. How can I make the dough flakier?
For even flakier dough, ensure you chill the dough layers before assembling and use plenty of melted butter between each layer. The folding and rolling technique also contributes to the flakiness.
5. Can I bake this cake in advance and reheat it later?
Yes, you can bake the cake in advance and store it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat it in the oven to restore its flaky texture.
Conclusion
Flaky Feta Cheese and Dill Savory Cake is a deliciously savory pastry that combines layers of buttery dough with a tangy and aromatic feta cheese filling. Its flaky texture and rich flavor make it a perfect dish for any meal or as an appetizer. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or a casual meal, this savory cake will be sure to impress.