Plăcintă Recipe – Moldova's Delicious Pastry

Name: Plăcintă
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 3-5 servings
Cuisine: Moldova
Ingredients: all purpose flour; cheese farmer’s cheese; chives; egg; for the dough; for the filling; herbs e.g. dill parsley; packet 7g yeast; pepper; ricotta; salt; sugar; vegetable oil; warm water

Plăcintă is a beloved traditional pastry from Moldova, often filled with various ingredients such as cheese, potatoes, or fruit. This dish holds cultural significance, commonly enjoyed during family gatherings and celebrations. Whether served as a snack or a main dish, Plăcintă embodies the warmth and hospitality of Moldovan cuisine.

⚡ Medium 🔥 ~320 kcal / serving

Ingredients

For the Dough:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup warm water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon sugar
1 packet (7g) dry yeast
For the Filling:
2 cups fresh cheese (farmer’s cheese or ricotta)
1 cup finely chopped fresh herbs (e.g., dill, parsley, or chives)
1 large egg
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until frothy.

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and vegetable oil.

Mix until a dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Prepare the Filling

In a bowl, mix the cheese, chopped herbs, and egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Plăcintă

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal parts.

Roll out one portion of the dough into a rectangle on a floured surface.

Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

Roll up the dough tightly from one end to the other, sealing the edges.

Place the rolled dough seam-side down on a greased baking sheet. You can shape it into a coil or keep it as a log.

Brush with a little oil or milk.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cool

Allow to cool slightly before slicing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Plăcintă?

Plăcintă is a traditional Moldovan pastry, often stuffed with a variety of fillings, from savory to sweet. It's known for its flaky crust and delicious taste.

Where does Plăcintă come from?

Plăcintă originates from Moldova, where it is a staple in local cuisine and often associated with cultural festivities.

What are the main ingredients in Plăcintă?

Key ingredients include all-purpose flour, warm water, vegetable oil, salt, sugar, and dry yeast for the dough, along with various fillings.

How long does Plăcintă take to make?

Plăcintă takes approximately 105-125 minutes to prepare and cook.

What do you serve with Plăcintă?

Plăcintă can be enjoyed with sour cream, a fresh salad, or as part of a traditional Moldovan meal.

Plăcintă