Lenten Cabbage Pie
Description
I personally consider Great Lent a very useful spiritual practice for every Orthodox Christian. I won’t say I follow the fasting rules one hundred percent, but overall I try to limit foods that are forbidden during Lent and eat modestly. On weekdays I can even do without hot dishes, but on weekends I treat myself to a Lenten feast for the belly and cook something substantial :) One such substantial Lenten dish is a Lenten cabbage pie. A budget-friendly pie that is quite simple to make, yet hearty and tasty—a full meal for those who observe the fast. Even if you don’t fast, it’s still worth marking the season at least symbolically by making a Lenten cabbage pie. Well then, here goes. Serve warm or chilled. Perfect with tea.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
Sift the flour into a deep bowl two or three times. While sifting, flour lumps break up, the flour mixes with oxygen, and becomes lighter and airier.
- 2
Step 2
In a glass of warm water, mix the sugar and a quarter teaspoon of salt; add the yeast as well. Let stand for 5–10 minutes until the yeast has fully proofed.
- 3
Step 3
Into the sifted flour, add the liquid mixture and vegetable oil. Stir with a spoon.
- 4
Step 4
When the dough becomes firm enough to work with by hands, transfer it from the pot to a work surface and knead it thoroughly by hand for 5–10 minutes. Knead until the dough no longer sticks to your hands.
- 5
Step 5
Return the well-kneaded dough to the pot or bowl, cover with a towel, and place in a warm spot for an hour and a half.
- 6
Step 6
Over one and a half hours, the dough will roughly double in volume. Now knead the dough thoroughly once more, return it to the pot, and place it in a warm spot under a towel for another 30 minutes.
- 7
Step 7
Meanwhile, proceed to prepare the filling. Take the cabbage and cut it into small 1 by 1 cm squares, or shred it finely (whichever you prefer).
- 8
Step 8
Heat a little oil in a skillet, add the chopped cabbage. Season with salt and pepper to taste and cook over medium heat.
- 9
Step 9
Cook, stirring, for 15–20 minutes (depending on whether you prefer your cabbage softer or crunchier). Then remove the pan from the heat.
- 10
Step 10
When the dough has risen, divide it into two roughly equal portions. Roll one portion into a flat round slightly larger than your baking dish. Grease the baking dish with oil and place the rolled-out dough round in it.
- 11
Step 11
Place the cabbage.
- 12
Step 12
Roll out the second half of the dough and cover the filling with it. Pinch the edges together to shape the pie.
- 13
Step 13
Pierce the dough in several places with a toothpick to let air escape, then brush the top of the pie with olive oil. Bake in an oven preheated to 200°C for 20–25 minutes, until the crust is golden brown.
- 14
Step 14
The fasting cabbage pie is ready. ;)