Home Cook Together. Celebrate Life.

PakistaniAuthentic Cuisine

Pakistani Cheese Pastry 2

Serves 4 to 6 Pastry vegetarian, Breads & Pastry

Pakistani Cheese Pastry 2

Pakistani Cheese Pastry 2 is a staple at tables from Karachi to Islamabad, where it's cherished for its simplicity and rich flavors. This version stays true to the home kitchens of Pakistan, where cooks rely on intuition rather than strict measurements, judging the salt by hand and using fat generously. It's a dish that invites sharing and is often prepared for family gatherings or casual evening teas, becoming a comforting presence on the table.

Bite into this pastry, and you'll encounter a flaky, buttery crust yielding to a savory cheese filling. The richness of the butter complements the tangy cheese, creating a delicate balance that's both satisfying and indulgent. Enjoy it warm, straight from the oven, where its texture is at its best—light, crisp, and irresistibly moreish.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Start by bringing the 100 g of butter to room temperature. This will make it easier to incorporate into the dough, ensuring a smooth and even texture. Also, allow the 1 egg to come to room temperature, which helps it blend better with the other ingredients.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 300 g of flour with the softened butter. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This step is crucial for creating a flaky pastry texture.
  3. Grate or crumble the 200 g of cheese into the flour and butter mixture. Mix gently to distribute the cheese evenly throughout the dough, ensuring each bite of pastry will have a cheesy flavor.
  4. Beat the room temperature egg in a small bowl and gradually add it to the flour mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together. If the dough feels too dry, add a small splash of water until it forms a cohesive ball.
  5. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for about a minute. The dough should be smooth and pliable but not sticky. If it sticks to your hands, sprinkle a little more flour.
  6. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness using a rolling pin. Cut the dough into desired shapes, such as squares or triangles, using a sharp knife or pastry cutter.
  7. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the cut pastry pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the preheated oven until the pastry is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly, which should take about 15-20 minutes.
  8. Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve them warm, allowing the cheese to be melty and the pastry crisp, perfect for sharing around the table.
Cover of Authentic Pakistani Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Pakistani Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

Explore Pakistani cuisine