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ChineseAuthentic Cuisine

Chinese Layered Pie

Serves 4 to 6 Pastry vegetarian, Breads & Pastry

Chinese Layered Pie

Chinese Layered Pie, a staple of home kitchens, is a dish that speaks of warmth and tradition. It's crafted with layers of delicate pastry sheets, each brushed with generous amounts of butter, and sprinkled with hand-judged salt. Cheese and herbs are skillfully tucked between layers, creating a comforting pie that is both rich in flavor and simplicity. Prepared with care, this pie often finds its place at family tables, celebrating everyday moments.

The first bite reveals a symphony of buttery, flaky pastry and gooey cheese, punctuated by the fresh aroma of herbs. It's a dish that feels both indulgent and familiar, meant to be shared casually among family and friends. Each slice invites you to savor the delicate balance of textures and flavors, embodying the essence of home-cooked Chinese comfort food.

Ingredients

  • 10pastry sheets
  • 200 gcheese
  • 100 gbutter
  • herbs — chopped

Method

  1. Begin by bringing 100 g of butter to room temperature. This will make it easier to spread evenly on the pastry sheets later. If the butter is too cold, it won't spread well and could tear the delicate pastry.
  2. Grate 200 g of cheese and set it aside. This will be used to layer between the pastry sheets, providing a rich, savory flavor. Choose a cheese that melts well, as this will help bind the layers together.
  3. Lay out the 10 pastry sheets on a clean, dry surface. Brush each sheet lightly with the softened butter, ensuring even coverage to prevent the sheets from sticking together during baking.
  4. Sprinkle a generous amount of the grated cheese and a pinch of herbs over the first buttered pastry sheet. Place another pastry sheet on top and repeat the process until all sheets are layered, ending with a final sprinkle of cheese and herbs on the top layer.
  5. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Transfer the layered pastry stack to a baking dish that fits the sheets snugly. This will help the pie hold its shape as it bakes.
  6. Bake the layered pie in the preheated oven. You'll know it's done when the top is golden brown and the cheese has melted and bubbled through the layers, creating a cohesive pie.
  7. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly in the dish. This resting period allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
  8. Cut the pie into squares or rectangles and serve warm. The pie should have distinct, visible layers with a crispy top and a soft, cheesy interior, perfect for sharing at the table.
Cover of Authentic Chinese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Chinese Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Chinese Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Chinese volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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