Step 1

To prepare these delicious Greek cheese pies, start by making the dough. Add the flour into a large bowl; using your hands make a dimple in the middle and pour in the olive oil, the vinegar and salt.

Step 2

Mix and knead all of the dough ingredients by hand, whilst adding gradually the lukewarm water, until the dough is soft and smooth. If the dough is too sticky add a little bit more flour. Cover the dough with a towel and let it rest for 20-30 minutes.

Step 3

In the meantime, prepare the filling; grate the cheese and blend with the mint.

Step 4

Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough (approx. 0.2cm thick), on a floured surface, and cut some circles (about 12 cm diameter), as seen in the picture. Place a full spoon of the filling on each circle and fold the dough, creating a half-moon. Join the edges well, using a fork.

Step 5

Fry the cheese pies in hot oil, at medium-high heat; when one side becomes golden, turn them on the other side. Remove the pies with a slotted spoon and place on some kitchen paper to absorb the extra oil. Enjoy while still warm!

Step 6

Traditionally, these Greek cheese pies (pitarakia), are made with “Milos cheese”, which is a kind of yellow, dry and salty cheese produced in Milos. As it is highly unlikely to find it anywhere else, the best alternative is to use a mixture of pecorino and emmental or regato cheese. If you, like me, love feta chesse, then a really delicious variation is to use for the filling feta cheese and a nice hard yellow cheese