Flaounes (Cypriot Cheese Pastries)

Ingredients

• 500 g strong white bread flour
• 1 tsp dried yeast
• 200 ml warm milk
• 500 g halloumi cheese, grated
• 200 g graviera or kefalotyri cheese, grated
• 3 eggs
• 2 tsp mahleb, ground
• 1 tsp mastic, crushed
• 50 g semolina
• 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
• 1 cup sesame seeds

Method

1. 1

   In a large bowl, mix the flour, yeast, and warm milk to form a soft dough. Knead for 10 minutes until smooth, cover, and let rise for 1-2 hours.

2. 2

   Combine the grated halloumi, graviera, eggs, mahleb, mastic, semolina, and mint in a bowl. Cover and let the mixture sit for at least an hour so the semolina can absorb the moisture.

3. 3

   Roll the dough out thin and cut into 15cm squares.

4. 4

   Roll the edges of each square in sesame seeds, then fold the edges inward slightly to create a square frame.

5. 5

   Place a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture into the center of each pastry.

6. 6

   Brush the edges with egg wash and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30-40 minutes, or until deep golden brown.