When visiting Sfakia, or anywhere beyond, don't miss the chance to try this delicious dish!
Savor these warm treats topped with honey and a hint of cinnamon.
Discover Crete:
The standout dish of Chora Sfakion in Crete is the Sfakian pie, or Sfakianopita. This delicate pie is filled with soft cheese and traditionally baked in a pan without using oil. Historically, they were cooked on a flat plate over an open flame with a touch of pure sheep butter, earning the nickname ‘plakopites’.
Ingredients:
- ½ kilo ‘xinomizithra’ or ‘pichtogalo’ from Chania (fresh soft cheeses with a smooth creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor)
- ½ kg all-purpose flour
- 1 shot of raki or lemon juice
- 1 cup lukewarm water
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Honey for serving
Procedure:
Step 1: In a bowl, combine water, raki, olive oil, and salt. Gradually add the flour, kneading until you form a soft dough. Cover the dough with a warm cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Shape the xinomizithra into equal-sized balls.
Step 3: Divide the dough into equal portions and shape them into balls. Arrange on a towel, cover, and allow them to rest for another 30 minutes.
Step 4: Gently flatten each dough ball in your hand and roll it into a small circle. Place a ball of xinomizithra in the center and fold the dough around it to seal, creating a new ball with cheese in the center. Cover with a warm cloth and let rest for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Use your fingers to start flattening the pie, then continue on a floured surface with a rolling pin. Roll out each pie evenly until it's thin and reaches the size of a medium plate.
Step 6: Heat a non-stick frying pan and cook each pie over low heat for about one minute on each side.
Serve them warm, drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon.