Giouzlemedes
Fried cheece pies
Ingredients
For the pastry dough
- 1 cup ACAIA or Aeolian Olive extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup water
- 3 – 4 cups cups flour
- 1 pinch of dry yeast
- 1 pinch of salt
For the filling
- 1.1 lb 500 g crumbled feta cheese
- 1 egg beaten
- freshly ground pepper to taste
- fresh dill finely chopped, to taste
For deep frying
- ACAIA or Aeolian Olive extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- To prepare filling, combine all the filling ingredients in a large bowl. Set aside.
- To prepare the pastry dough, combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and knead with your fingertips, adding flour gradually until the dough is not sticky. When done, wrap dough tightly in plastic wrap and let it sit for 1 hour.
- Place pastry dough on a floured surface and start rolling from the center outward, lifting and turning the pastry occasionally to keep it from sticking. If the pastry begins to stick, add more flour, a little at a time, on both the flat surface and the rolling pin.
- Cut the dough into round-shaped pieces using a teacup. Place 1 tbs of the filling on half the pieces and use the remaining pieces to cover them. Gently press the edges of the dough to stick the top and bottom together, using a small spoon or your fingertips.
- Deep-fry the giouzlemedes in a saucepan until light brown. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Notes
The giouzlemedes can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated several hours before frying. Cover with a towel.
For a sweet flavor, you may omit the dill and instead sprinkle with honey and sesame seeds after frying.