Colombian Cheese Pastry

Ingredients

• 300 gflour
• 200 gcheese
• 100 gbutter
• 1egg

Method

1. Start by bringing the butter (100 g) to room temperature. This will make it easier to incorporate into the dough. Let the egg (1) sit out as well until it reaches room temperature, which helps it blend smoothly into the mixture.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour (300 g) with a pinch of salt. Add the softened butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This technique ensures that the butter is evenly distributed, which will create a flaky texture in the pastry.
3. Grate the cheese (200 g) and add it to the flour and butter mixture. Mix gently with your hands to distribute the cheese evenly throughout the dough. The cheese adds flavor and moisture, so make sure it is well incorporated.
4. Make a well in the center of the mixture and crack the room-temperature egg into it. Use a fork to beat the egg lightly, then gradually incorporate the surrounding flour mixture until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough gently in the bowl until it comes together smoothly, but avoid overworking it to prevent toughening the pastry.
5. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). While the oven heats, lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about 1 cm thickness. Use a round cutter to shape the pastries, re-rolling scraps as needed. This thickness ensures the pastries will bake evenly and have a tender, flaky texture.
6. Place the shaped pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven until the pastries are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling slightly on the surface, which should take about 15-20 minutes. This golden color indicates that the pastry is cooked through and the cheese has melted properly.
7. Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm, as the cheese will be soft and the pastry crisp, making them perfect for sharing at the table.