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Vietnamese Cheese Pastry

Serves 4 to 6 Pastry vegetarian, Breads & Pastry

Vietnamese Cheese Pastry

Vietnamese Cheese Pastry is a delightful nod to the adaptability and creativity of Vietnamese home cooking. While it may not have the historical roots of age-old recipes, it finds its place on the table as a comforting snack or light meal. Traditionally crafted with a keen eye for balance, this pastry is a reflection of the home cook's intuition, where ingredients are measured by feel and taste rather than strict guidelines.

Biting into the golden, flaky crust reveals a rich, savory filling, with the cheese lending a creamy texture that complements the buttery layers. It's a dish that invites casual sharing, embodying the warmth of home gatherings without fanfare. This pastry is best enjoyed warm, its flavors and textures reaching their peak as they emerge fresh from the oven.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Start by taking 100 g of butter out of the refrigerator and letting it sit at room temperature until it becomes soft and pliable. This will make it easier to incorporate into the dough. At the same time, bring 1 egg to room temperature to ensure it mixes smoothly without curdling.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 300 g of flour with the softened butter. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This technique ensures that the butter is evenly distributed, which will result in a flaky texture.
  3. Grate 200 g of cheese and add it to the flour and butter mixture. Mix gently with your hands or a spatula until the cheese is evenly incorporated. The cheese will add a savory flavor and moisture to the pastry.
  4. Crack the room-temperature egg into the mixture and gently fold it in using a spatula or your hands. Mix until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overwork it, as this can make the pastry tough. The dough should be smooth and slightly sticky.
  5. Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough gently for a minute or two until it becomes smooth and elastic. This step helps to develop the gluten, which will give the pastry structure.
  6. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll the dough out to about 1 cm thickness on a floured surface. Cut the dough into desired shapes using a knife or pastry cutter. This thickness ensures the pastry will cook evenly and have a tender crumb.
  7. Place the cut pastry shapes onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven until the pastries are golden brown and the cheese has melted and bubbled slightly, which should take about 15-20 minutes. The pastries should have a crisp exterior with a soft, cheesy interior.
  8. Remove the pastries from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm, allowing the cheese flavor to shine, and enjoy them as a delightful snack or appetizer.
Cover of Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

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