Traditional Cretan Myzithra Cheese Pies

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 250 ml water
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 30 ml extra virgin olive oil
• 20 ml Cretan raki
• 1 pinch of salt
• 500 g strong flour

For the Filling:

• 400 g xynomizithra (traditional sour Cretan myzithra cheese)

For Frying:

• Extra virgin olive oil

For Serving:

• Cretan thyme honey

Method

1. In a large bowl, combine the water, olive oil, lemon juice, raki, and salt. Mix gently.
2. Gradually add the flour, kneading thoroughly until a soft and smooth dough forms.
3. Cover with a towel and allow the dough to rest for 1 hour.
4. Once rested, divide the dough into 8 equal balls. Shape the myzithra cheese into 8 smaller balls as well.
5. Flatten one dough ball gently with your hands. Place one cheese ball in the center and carefully pull the dough around it, sealing the filling inside.
6. Lightly flour the work surface and gently press the pie flat with your hands.
7. Using a rolling pin, roll it into a thin round pie approximately the size of a plate, dusting with flour when needed.
8. Repeat the process with the remaining pies.
9. Heat a small amount of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
10. Fry each pie on both sides until beautifully golden and cooked through.
11. Serve warm with generous drizzles of fragrant thyme honey.

Kali Orexi — enjoy your meal the Cretan way!