MINI FRIED CHEESE PIES FROM CRETE: CHEESE FILLED KALITSOUNIA

📝 Ingredients

• Oil for frying
• 3 and 1/2 -4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 and 1/2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1-pound feta cheese, crumbled
• 1-pound whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint leaves

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1To make the dough, combine all of the...: To make the dough, combine all of the dough ingredients in the bowl of a table top mixer fitted with the hook attachment. Knead for 5 minutes or until the dough is smooth. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside to rest at room temperature for an hour.
2. 2Note:This dough can be kneaded by hand as...: Note:This dough can be kneaded by hand as well. Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and knead 5-7 minutes or until a smooth ball of dough is formed adding a little flour if the dough is too sticky.
3. 3To make the filling, combine all of the...: To make the filling, combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
4. 4Cut the dough into 8 portions. Roll each...: Cut the dough into 8 portions. Roll each portion to 1/8-inch-thick rectangle on a lightly floured surface. This can also be achieved by using a pasta roller attachment. Using a 4- inch round cookie cutter, cut out rounds of dough and set aside.
5. 5Place a tablespoon of filling onto each round...: Place a tablespoon of filling onto each round and fold over to seal. Press the edges together with a fork to seal. Place on a baking tray lined with a kitchen towel that has been lightly floured so that the pies don’t stick.
6. 6Pierce 2-3 holes on the top layer of...: Pierce 2-3 holes on the top layer of dough so that steam releases while frying to prevent them from bursting open.
7. 7Fry the Kalitsounia 2-3 minutes on each side...: Fry the Kalitsounia 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden.
8. 8Set on a plate lined with paper towels...: Set on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil. Serve immediately.
9. 9Uncooked pies can be stored in the freezer...: Uncooked pies can be stored in the freezer up to a month.