• --- 2 tablespoons (12ml) orange juice (optional)
For the Filling
• --- 1 kg (9 ½ cups) flaouna cheese (or anari), grated on the fine side of the grater
• --- 3 cups (350g) goat and sheep village halloumi, grated on the fine side of the grater
• --- 1 tablespoon (14g) sugar
• --- 1 teaspoon (8g) baking powder
• --- 1 teaspoon (3g) ground mastic
• --- 1 ½ cups (250g) raisins
• --- 4 tablespoons (60g) Village Flour
• --- 4 tablespoons (60g) coarse semolina
• --- 1 1/3 cups (40g) fresh mint, finely chopped
• --- 6 eggs (M)
For the Topping
• --- 1 well-beaten egg
• --- 2 tablespoons (18g) sesame seeds
METHOD
1. Two days before, grate the flaouna cheese and place it in a bowl.
2. Cover it with plastic wrap and stir it occasionally to bring the cheese from the bottom to the surface.
3. This way, the cheese will dry out and 'absorb' more eggs.
First, let's make the dough:
1. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, mahlepi, and sugar. Pour in the oil and stir. Add the egg and yogurt, then knead well.
2. If needed, add the orange juice or water and knead until you have a fluffy dough.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set it aside for 30 minutes.
Now, let's prepare the filling:
1. In a bowl, combine the flaouna cheese, halloumi, sugar, baking powder, and mastic. Stir, then add the raisins, flour, semolina, and mint. Mix well, then add the eggs. Knead thoroughly.
2. Take a rectangular glass baking dish (23x32cm) and preheat the oven to 180°C. Cut a piece of parchment paper to cover the base and 2/3 of the sides of the baking dish you will use, and place it on your work surface.
3. Place a towel underneath to prevent it from moving. Place 2/3 of the dough in the center of the parchment paper and roll it out with a rolling pin to cover the entire surface.
4. Transfer the dough sheet to the baking dish, covering the base and sides. Pour the filling over it and spread it evenly.
5. Roll out the remaining dough sheet and cover the filling. Cut the flaounopita into pieces and brush the surface with the egg. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Bake the flaounopita in the preheated oven for 50 minutes or until golden brown.
