Indulge in the divine flavors of Greece with Galatopita, a traditional Greek dessert that will transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. Galatopita, meaning "milk pie," is a luscious custard-filled pastry made with layers of phyllo dough and infused with aromatic hints of vanilla and cinnamon. Each creamy bite melts in your mouth, leaving behind a blissful sensation that lingers long after the last crumb is gone. Whether enjoyed as a decadent dessert or a delightful treat with a cup of Greek coffee, Galatopita captures the essence of Greek culinary craftsmanship and promises a truly unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Here's a recipe for Greek Galatopita, a delightful dessert reminiscent of rice pudding, but made with semolina instead:
Ingredients:
For the Custard:
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup fine semolina
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Phyllo Dough Layers:
- 1 package (about 16 ounces) phyllo dough, thawed if frozen
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
For Serving:
- Ground cinnamon, for dusting
Instructions:
Prepare the Custard:
1- In a large saucepan, bring the milk to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Be careful not to let it boil.
2- Gradually whisk in the semolina, stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
3- Cook the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency, about 10-15 minutes.
4- Stir in the sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, until the sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Prepare the Phyllo Dough Layers:
1- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.
2- Lay a sheet of phyllo dough in the prepared baking dish and brush it lightly with melted butter. Repeat this process, layering about 8-10 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each sheet with butter.
3- Pour the prepared custard over the phyllo dough layers, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Create the Top Phyllo Layer:
1- Layer the remaining sheets of phyllo dough on top of the custard, brushing each sheet with melted butter as before. Make sure to tuck in the edges neatly.
Bake the Galatopita:
1- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
Serve:
1- Once baked, remove the Galatopita from the oven and let it cool slightly.
2- Before serving, dust the top with ground cinnamon.
3- Cut into squares or diamond shapes and serve warm or at room temperature.
Enjoy the creamy and comforting flavors of Greek Galatopita, a delightful dessert that's perfect for any occasion!
Nutritional Values:
Here are approximate nutritional values for the main ingredients in the Greek Galatopita recipe:
For the Custard:
Whole Milk (4 cups):
- Calories: 600
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Sugar: 48g
benefits:
- Excellent source of calcium, promoting bone health.
- Provides high-quality protein for muscle repair and growth.
- Contains vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D and potassium.
Semolina (1 cup):
- Calories: 601
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 129g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 27g
benefits:
- Good source of energy due to its high carbohydrate content.
- Contains some protein, aiding in muscle repair and growth.
- Provides dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup):
- Calories: 774
- Carbohydrates: 200g
benefits:
- Quick source of energy, though it should be consumed in moderation.
- Enhances flavor and sweetness of the dessert.
For the Phyllo Dough Layers:
Phyllo Dough (16 ounces):
- Calories: 1600
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 320g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 8g
benefits:
- Low in fat and cholesterol compared to traditional pastry dough.
- Contains some protein and carbohydrates for energy.
- Adds a crispy texture to the dessert.
Unsalted Butter (1 cup):
- Calories: 1628
- Fat: 184g
Total Nutritional Values (approximate) for the entire Galatopita:
- Calories: ~4603
- Protein: ~84g
- Fat: ~255g
- Carbohydrates: ~745g
- Fiber: ~15g
- Sugar: ~83g
Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on factors such as brand of ingredients and specific recipe variations.
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