Kaltsounia (Naxos Recipe)

Ingredients for the Dough:

2 cups of all purpose white flower

½ cup (125 ml) virgin Naxos olive oil
3-4 drops of fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup (180 ml) warm water
2 cups virgin Naxos olive oil
for frying
Sugar to sprinkle

Ingredients for the Filling:

3 cups white Naxos traditional Feta cheese, cut in small cubes

1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon fresh mint chopped into small pieces
1 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon powder cinnamon

The Dough Development:

Mix in a mixer bowl: flour, lemon juice, oil and warm water, for about 4 minutes until it is well combined to a soft mixture. Add more water or flour if needed. Place the dough on a floured surface, cover it with a cloth for 10 minutes.

The Filling of The Dough:

Mix together: cheese, egg yolk, mint, sugar, cinnamon. Divide the dough in 2 half’s and roll it out to about 1.5 cm thick. Cut it into rounds, 5-6 cm each. Place 1 teaspoon of the mixture filling in the middle. Fold it over to half moon shape and press the edges together making sure they are entirely closed. Deep fry it in hot oil and serve it immediately scattered with sugar.