Moldovan Plăcintă

Introduction to Moldovan Plăcintă

Plăcintă is a traditional dish with roots deep in Moldovan and Romanian culinary history. It's a type of savory or sweet pie that has been enjoyed for generations. The word "plăcintă" originates from the Latin word "placenta," which means cake. Historically, this dish was influenced by the Roman cuisine that expanded throughout the regions of Eastern Europe. Over time, plăcintă became a staple in Moldovan households, primarily because of its versatility and the use of readily available ingredients like flour, cheese, and seasonal produce.

Ingredients for Moldovan Plăcintă

• Flour - 500g
• Water - 250ml
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Cheese (such as feta or ricotta) - 200g
• Eggs - 2
• Butter - 100g, melted
• Oil - 2 tablespoons
• Sour cream - optional, for serving
• Dill - a handful, chopped

Making the Dough

To start our Moldovan Plăcintă, we first need to prepare the classic dough. Combine the flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Gradually add water while mixing continuously until a dough forms. Knead this dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes or until it's smooth and elastic. Let it rest under a cloth for at least 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax, which will make it easier to roll out later.

Prepare the Filling

Next, prepare the filling by mixing the crumbled cheese with the beaten eggs and chopped dill. This mixture should be well-blended so that every bite of plăcintă is rich and flavorful. Set it aside while you roll out the dough.

Rolling and Filling the Dough

Divide the rested dough into even pieces, each about the size of a baseball. Roll each piece into a thin sheet, as thin as you can manage without tearing. Brush each sheet with oil, which helps create the lovely layers plăcintă is known for. Place a portion of the cheese filling on one side of the sheet, fold it over, and seal the edges by pressing them together with a fork.

Cooking the Plăcintă

Heat a generous amount of butter in a pan over medium heat. Once hot, fry each plăcintă until it's golden brown and crisp on both sides. This should take about 3-5 minutes per side — keep an eye on them and be ready with a cooking timer to ensure they don’t burn. The melted cheese should start to ooze out just a bit, creating a wonderfully appetizing aroma.

Serving Suggestions

Moldovan Plăcintă is best enjoyed warm, directly from the pan. It can be served with a side of sour cream for dipping, which adds a pleasant tanginess that complements the richness of the cheese. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or a simple tomato and cucumber salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar. If you prefer a sweeter version, you could use a fruit-based filling and sprinkle with sugar instead.

Conclusion

Plăcintă is not just a dish; it's a culinary journey through Moldovan history and tradition. It brings together simple, wholesome ingredients to create a dish that's deeply satisfying and full of character. Whether you choose to make it savory or sweet, serving plăcintă is sure to delight your family and guests, providing a little taste of Moldova in every bite.