Moldovan Plăcintă cu Brânză

Name: Moldovan Plăcintă cu Brânză
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Moldova
Ingredients: Plain flour — 2 cups (250 g / 9 oz); Warm water — 1/2 cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz); Oil, plus extra for brushing — 1 tbsp; Of salt — pinch; Farmer's cheese or well-drained cottage cheese — 400 g (14 oz); Egg — 1; Sugar — 2 tbsp; Semolina — 1 tbsp (optional, to absorb moisture)

The Quirky Foodster Team

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35 min

Prep

25 min

Cook

Servings

Ingredients

Plain flour — 2 cups (250 g / 9 oz)
Warm water — 1/2 cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz)
Oil, plus extra for brushing — 1 tbsp
Of salt — pinch
Farmer's cheese or well-drained cottage cheese — 400 g (14 oz)
Egg — 1
Sugar — 2 tbsp
Semolina — 1 tbsp (optional, to absorb moisture)

Method

Combine the flour, 1 tbsp oil, salt and warm water into a smooth, soft dough; rest for 20 minutes.
Mix the cheese, egg, sugar and semolina (if using) for the filling.
Divide the dough into portions and roll each out thinly.
Spread a portion of filling over each rolled sheet, leaving a border, then fold or roll into a flat parcel, sealing the edges.
Brush with oil and place on a baking tray.
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.

Introduction: A thin, flaky pastry filled with sweetened farmer’s cheese, a beloved breakfast pastry found in bakeries and homes across Moldova.

Cultural Background: Plăcinte come in many fillings across Moldova, and the cheese version is one of the most classic, its thin, layered pastry technique passed down through generations of home bakers and sold fresh each morning at local bakeries.

Tips: Drain the cheese well before mixing, as excess moisture can make the pastry soggy. Roll the dough as thinly as possible for the traditional delicate texture.

Variations: Add raisins to the cheese filling for extra sweetness. Fry the plăcinte in a lightly oiled pan instead of baking for a different, crisper texture.

Storage: Store cooled plăcinte in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or refrigerate for 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in an oven at 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition: Per serving (approx., 1 piece): 320 kcal, 12 g protein, 12 g fat, 40 g carbohydrate.

FAQs:

Q: Can plăcinte be frozen?

A: Yes, freeze unbaked and bake directly from frozen, adding extra time.

Q: What other fillings are traditional?

A: Cabbage, potato, pumpkin and apple are all classic plăcintă