West African Cheese Pastry

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. At the same time, take the egg out of the refrigerator to allow it to come to room temperature, which will help it blend smoothly with the other ingredients.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 300 g of flour with a pinch of salt. Cut the softened butter into small pieces and add it to the flour. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This step ensures that the pastry will be flaky and tender.
3. Grate 200 g of cheese and mix it into the flour and butter mixture. Choose a cheese that melts well and has a robust flavor, such as a local West African cheese or a sharp cheddar. The cheese should be evenly distributed throughout the mixture, which will ensure that every bite of the pastry is rich and flavorful.
4. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and crack the room-temperature egg into it. Use a fork to gently beat the egg, gradually incorporating the flour mixture until a dough begins to form. If the dough feels too dry, add a small splash of water, just enough to bring it together into a cohesive ball.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for a minute or two, just until it becomes smooth and elastic. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the pastry tough. Once smooth, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
6. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut the dough into desired shapes, such as squares or circles, using a sharp knife or pastry cutter. Arrange the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a bit of space between each piece.
7. Bake the pastries in the preheated oven until they are golden brown and the cheese is bubbling, which should take about 15-20 minutes. The pastries should have a crisp exterior and a soft, cheesy interior. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
8. Serve the West African Cheese Pastries warm, allowing the cheese to be gooey and the pastry to be at its most tender. These pastries are perfect for sharing, embodying the communal spirit of West African dining. Enjoy them as a savory snack or appetizer.