Home Cook Together. Celebrate Life.

West AfricanAuthentic Cuisine

West African Cheese Pastry 2

Serves 4 to 6 Pastry vegetarian, Breads & Pastry

West African Cheese Pastry 2

West African Cheese Pastry 2 brings the comforting flavors of home-cooked meals to the table, with a recipe that reflects the intuitive and generous approach of West African family cooks. The pastry is rich and savory, with a balance of salt and fat that is judged by hand, making it a staple at home gatherings where sharing is key.

This dish is enjoyed across West Africa, where cheese, butter, and flour come together to create a flaky, satisfying pastry. The cheese adds a creamy depth, while the butter ensures a tender crumb, all bound together by the richness of an egg. It's a simple yet indulgent treat that captures the essence of home cooking.

Ingredients

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

Method

  1. Begin by bringing the 100 g of butter to room temperature. This will make it easier to incorporate into the dough. Also, take the egg out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature, which helps it blend smoothly into the mixture.
  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 step ensures the butter is evenly distributed, which will create a flaky texture in the pastry.
  3. Grate 200 g of cheese and add it to the flour and butter mixture. Gently mix the cheese into the dough with your hands, ensuring it is evenly dispersed. The cheese will melt during baking, adding flavor and moisture to the pastry.
  4. Crack the room temperature egg into a small bowl and beat it lightly with a fork. Add the beaten egg to the flour, butter, and cheese mixture. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix until a dough forms. The dough should be soft but not sticky; if it feels too dry, add a tablespoon of water.
  5. Once the dough is formed, transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently for about a minute to ensure everything is well combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the pastry tough.
  6. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll out the dough to about 1 cm thickness on the floured surface. Cut into desired shapes using a knife or pastry cutter. Place the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each piece.
  7. Bake the pastries in the preheated oven until they are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling slightly, which should take about 15 to 20 minutes. The aroma of baked cheese will be prominent, and the pastries should feel firm to the touch.
  8. Remove the pastries from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. This will allow them to firm up a bit more and make them easier to handle. Serve warm, allowing the cheese flavor to be at its most intense, perfect for sharing at the table.
Cover of Authentic West African Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic West African Cuisine

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

Available soon on Amazon…

Explore West African cuisine