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    Home » Eat Like A Greek » Kasseri Cheese Pie With Pastourma - Pita Ceasarias

    Kasseri Cheese Pie With Pastourma - Pita Ceasarias

    Last updated November 11, 2021. Originally posted May 4, 2019 By Jenny Skrapaliori-Graves. 12 Comments.

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    Traditional kasseri cheese pie with pastourma is scrumptious, easy to make, and will win glorious reviews at your dinner party or Sunday brunch.

    Two pieces of pastourmadopita pie o a plate with a fork and knife, a whole pie on a serving dish at the back.

    My grandma Evgenia always made this kasseri cheese pie with pastourma for Christmas dinner, and it was the star of the dinner table. Grandma was a fierce cook, and this pie would have serious competition, including roasts, decadent potatoes, and cheese pies. It would always win, with many competing for the remaining slices. 

    Two pieces of pie o a plate with a fork and knife.

    What is a pita Ceasarias?

    Pita Ceasarias is a Greek/Turkish phyllo pie with kasseri cheese, tomato slices, and pastourma (or pastirma) meat slices. It is named after Ceasaria (Kayseri), a big Turkish city near Cappadocia. Greeks also called pastourmadopita.

    What is pastourma or pastirma?

    Pastourmas or pastirma mostly called in English, is a kind of cured meat, usually beef. It is salted and cured with a spice paste of ground fenugreek seeds, Turkish red pepper, and mashed garlic.

    Ingredients for greek Pastourmadopita pie.

    How to make this pie

    Pastourmadopita - cheese pie with pastourma and kasseri is easy to make. Ingredients are phyllo sheets, a little butter, tomatoes, kasseri cheese, and pastourma. If you can't find kasseri you can use sliced provolone.

    • A black strainer with tomato slices.

    I thinly slice the tomatoes, about 2-3 mm each slice. I pat them dry with a paper towel or drain them in a strainer for 5 minutes to remove excess moisture.

    The kasseri cheese gets thinly sliced also.

    I butter a phyllo sheet and place it on the bottom of the pan. I add a couple of more buttered sheets and then layer kasseri cheese, pastourma, and tomato slices. I follow with another round of cheese slices cover with phyllo. I score it, sprinkle black sesame seeds (or poppy seeds) all over the top, and bake.

    Two pieces of Pastourmadopita pie on a plate, and a bite on a fork and knife.

    Detailed measurements, as well as instructions, can be found on the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

    What are the best tomatoes to use in the winter?

    I live in the Northeast, so in the winter, I like to use Campari tomatoes. They are the closest in taste to Greek tomatoes and can be found all year round in grocery stores. There are also organic options available. Camparis are small, so I use about 6-7 of them).

    What if I cant find kasseri cheese?

    You can use provolone, it has a similar taste and texture to kasseri and will work great in this pie.

    Where can I find pastourma?

    I get mine from Titan Foods, a Greek market in Astoria, NY. You can look for it in Syrian-Middle Eastern markets. Another option is to order it from Amazon.

    Can I make my own pie crust?

    Sure you can. You can use the pie crust from this spanakopita recipe if you like. You can also use puff pastry for this pie.

    It is impossible to find pastourma where I live, and I do not like to order online. What else can I use?

    You can substitute it with thinly sliced pastrami.

    You might also like:

    • The classic Greek spinach pie – spanakopita is a great dish all year round.
    • For an easy and yummy appetizer, try these feta cheese puff pastries with leeks and dill.
    • A savory and delicious pie is the Cretan boureki – potato & zucchini pie.
    • This Greek ratatouille – briam is SO good and can be a main or a side dish.

    Check out my Greek pantry staples 

    Cooked this? Rate this recipe! You can also leave a comment below. I love hearing from you!

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    Two pieces of Pastourmadopita pie o a plate with a fork and knife.

    Kasseri Cheese Pie With Pastourma - Pita Ceasarias

    by Jenny | The Greek Foodie
    This savory pie has phyllo sheets, kasseri cheese, tomato slices, and pastourma.
    5 from 12 votes
    Print Recipe
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    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 50 mins
    Course Main, Side Dish
    Cuisine Greek
    Servings 12
    Calories 767 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 phyllo sheets
    • 20 slices kasseri cheese
    • 20 slices pastourma pastirma from beef
    • 2 tomatoes thinly sliced.
    • 5 tablespoons butter melted
    • Cumin

    For the top

    • black sesame seeds optional
    • poppy seeds optional

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 380 F.
    • Lightly butter bottom of pan and sides.
    • Sprinkle butter all over a phyllo sheet. Place it on the bottom of the pan with sides hanging out. Butter another and place on top of first phyllo in a cross way.
      Repeat with two more buttered phyllo sheets using the same method.
    • Add a layer of kasseri cheese. Add a layer of pastourma. Add a layer of tomato slices.
    • Sprinkle a pinch of cumin all over tomatoes.
      Add the remaining slices of kasseri. Cover with 4 buttered phyllo using the criss-cross method.
    • Bring in the excess phyllo and roll it in to create a border. You can trim it a little if you need to before rolling it in.
    • Lightly butter the top and score it. Sprinkle black sesame seeds all over the top.
      You can also use poppy seeds, regular sesame seeds, or nothing at all.
    • Bake until top is a light golden brown (about 50 min depending on your oven)

    Notes

    Keep your phyllo sheets covered with a damp kitchen towel while you are working. Once you put them in the pan, make sure they are buttered all over the sides. You can spray very lightly water on the sides to keep them moist.
     
    Nutritional Info – Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided is only an estimate and can vary based on products used.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 767kcalCarbohydrates: 101gProtein: 31gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 57mgSodium: 1712mgPotassium: 340mgFiber: 4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 597IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 268mgIron: 8mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @thegreekfoodie__ or tag #thegreekfoodie__
    Kasseri Cheese Pie With Pastourma - Pita CeasariasKasseri Cheese Pie With Pastourma - Pita CeasariasKasseri Cheese Pie With Pastourma - Pita CeasariasKasseri Cheese Pie With Pastourma - Pita Ceasarias
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    Hi there!

    I am Jenny, a Greek expat living in the greater New York City area. I like to say I am a beauty art director turned foodie, aka the Greek foodie. Born and raised in Greece, my fondness for good food goes hand in hand with my heritage. My absolute favorite thing to do is cook delicious food to enjoy with family and friends.... Find out more about me here…

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