Ingredients

1/2 lb phyllo pastry , refrigerated
3/4 cup butter , melted
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1 egg yolk
1 cup emmenthaler cheese ( Swiss ) or 1 cup similar cheese , grated
1/2 cup feta
4 ounces ricotta cheese or 4 ounces cottage cheese
2 eggs , beaten lightly
2 tablespoons parsley , chopped
2 tablespoons of fresh mint , chopped
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Tiropitakia are small, triangular-shaped pies made with phyllo pastry and a mixture of Greek cheeses- feta, emmenthaler, and ricotta, along with fresh herbs, black pepper and eggs. They are simple to make, although they do require a bit of preparation time. Tiropitakia can be served as a snack or appetizer any time of the day, although they are traditionally served at Greek Easter celebrations and other special occasions. They are incredibly popular in Greek cafes and pastry shops and are best served hot.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 375°F.
2.In a large mixing bowl, combine emmenthaler cheese, feta, ricotta or cottage cheese, beaten eggs, parsley, mint and black pepper. Mix well.
3.Cut phyllo dough into 2 inch squares and layer 4 sheets at a time, brushing each layer with melted butter and sprinkled sesame seeds in between.
4.Add a tablespoon of cheese mixture at the center of each square. Fold into triangles, then fold again, make sure to tuck the ends.
5.Brush outside of the triangles with egg yolk mixed with 1 tbsp of water.
6.Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown in color. Serve hot.

PROS

Tiropitakia is a delicious and easy-to-prepare appetizer that makes a perfect party snack or gentle meal.

Its creamy and salty cheese filling inside crispy phyllo dough is a delightful combination.

CONS

It is not a low-fat option, so it should be eaten in moderation.

Also, the phyllo dough requires careful handling to prevent tearing and drying out during preparation.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Despite the high-fat content, Tiropitakia is a good source of protein and calcium that helps build and maintain muscle and bone mass, respectively.
The dish is also rich in vitamins A and B12, which are essential for healthy vision, skin, and nervous system.
However, due to its caloric content, it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

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