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Peruvian Layered Pie

Serves 4 to 6 Pastry vegetarian, Breads & Pastry

Peruvian Layered Pie

Peruvian Layered Pie, known locally as Pastel de Mil Hojas, finds its origins in the heart of family kitchens throughout Peru. Traditionally prepared for casual gatherings or as a comforting weekend treat, this dish brings together layers of flaky pastry and creamy filling in a harmonious embrace. Each layer tells a story of homes where cooks rely on intuition rather than strict measurements, creating a unique version each time.

The pie should emerge from the oven with a golden, crisp exterior, yielding to a rich, buttery interior. The generous use of cheese and butter infuses each bite with a lush, savory depth, while the herbs add a subtle, aromatic lift. Best enjoyed warm, it invites diners to savor its textures and flavors, encouraging a shared appreciation at the table.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Begin by taking the 100 g of butter out of the refrigerator to soften at room temperature. This will make it easier to spread on the pastry sheets later. Also, ensure the cheese (200 g) is at room temperature for better melting and flavor integration.
  2. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). While the oven is heating, lay out your 10 pastry sheets on a clean surface. Melt the softened butter gently in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until it becomes liquid but not browned.
  3. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat each pastry sheet with the melted butter. This will help the layers adhere and create a golden, flaky texture once baked. Sprinkle a small amount of herbs over each buttered sheet to infuse the pastry with a subtle aroma.
  4. Layer the buttered pastry sheets in a baking dish, ensuring they are aligned evenly. After every two layers, sprinkle a generous portion of the room-temperature cheese evenly across the surface. This layering will create the characteristic texture and flavor of the pie.
  5. Once all the layers are assembled, place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake until the top layer turns a golden brown and the cheese has melted and bubbled through the layers, which should take about 25-30 minutes. The pie should have a crisp top and a soft, gooey interior.
  6. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack. This allows the layers to set and makes slicing easier. Serve warm, allowing the cheese to remain soft and the pastry crisp, perfect for sharing around the table.
Cover of Authentic Peruvian Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Peruvian Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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