Cottage Cheese Dumplings

Cottage Cheese Dumplings Recipe from Moldova and Romania

Region / culture: Moldova, Romania | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10-15 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Cottage Cheese Dumplings are a delicious and comforting dish that originated in Eastern Europe. These dumplings are made with a simple dough filled with creamy cottage cheese, making them a perfect combination of savory and satisfying flavors.

History

Cottage Cheese Dumplings have been a popular dish in Eastern European countries such as Poland, Hungary, and Ukraine for centuries. They are often served as a main course or a side dish, and are enjoyed by people of all ages.

Ingredients

12 oz (350 g) of flour
1 egg
0.5 cup of water
salt
0.5 lb (250 g) of cottage cheese mixed with 1 egg and a little salt
2 tbsp of butter
1 cup of sour cream

How to prepare

Sift the flour and create a well in the center. Place the egg and salt in the well.
Mix the egg with a small amount of flour, adding some water as well.
Knead the dough until it becomes stiff.
Form the dough into a ball, cover it with a cloth, and let it rest for 10 – 15 minutes.
Roll out the dough into a thin sheet and cut it into 3-inch squares.
Place some cheese onto each square and fold them to form triangles, ensuring the edges are well sealed.
As you make the dumplings, place them on a floured surface and cover them with a cloth.
Once all the dumplings are prepared, place them in boiling salted water.
Allow them to boil until they rise to the surface.
Drain the dumplings, rinse them with tepid water, and then place them on a plate. Pour melted butter over them.
You may also serve them with sour cream.

Variations

Add herbs such as dill or parsley to the dough for extra flavor.
Use different types of cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to seal the edges of the dumplings well to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.

- Boil the dumplings in salted water until they rise to the surface, ensuring they are cooked through.

- Serve the dumplings with melted butter and sour cream for a rich and creamy finish.

Serving Suggestions

Cottage Cheese Dumplings can be served as a main course with a side salad or as a side dish with a hearty stew.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the dumplings in salted water until they rise to the surface, then drain and serve with melted butter and sour cream.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the cottage cheese with ricotta cheese or farmer's cheese for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time and assemble the dumplings just before cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Cottage Cheese Dumplings on a platter garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cottage Cheese Dumplings pair well with a crisp white wine or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cottage Cheese Dumplings contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cottage Cheese Dumplings contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cottage Cheese Dumplings contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cottage Cheese Dumplings contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cottage Cheese Dumplings are a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D.

Alergens

Cottage Cheese Dumplings contain dairy and gluten.

Summary

Cottage Cheese Dumplings are a balanced dish that provides a good amount of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Cottage Cheese Dumplings are a classic Eastern European dish that is easy to make and full of comforting flavors. Enjoy these dumplings as a main course or a side dish for a delicious and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Cottage Cheese Dumplings. It was a warm summer day, much like today, and I was visiting my dear friend Agnes in her cozy kitchen. Agnes was known for her delicious home-cooked meals and I always looked forward to our visits.

As we sat at her kitchen table sipping on tea, Agnes pulled out an old, tattered recipe book. She flipped through the pages with a twinkle in her eye and landed on a page that was marked with a faded ribbon. "Ah, here it is," she exclaimed, pointing to a recipe for Cottage Cheese Dumplings.

Agnes explained that this recipe had been passed down through generations in her family and was a cherished favorite. She invited me to help her prepare the dumplings and I eagerly accepted.

We gathered the ingredients - flour, cottage cheese, eggs, and a touch of sugar - and got to work. Agnes showed me how to mix the dough just right, so that it was soft and pliable. We rolled out the dough and cut it into small squares, then filled each square with a dollop of sweet cottage cheese filling.

I watched in awe as Agnes expertly folded the dough around the filling, forming perfect little dumplings. She boiled them in a pot of hot water until they floated to the surface, then served them up with a drizzle of melted butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

As I took my first bite of the warm, pillowy dumplings, I was transported back to my childhood. I remembered my own grandmother making similar dumplings for me and my siblings, filling our bellies and hearts with love.

From that day on, Cottage Cheese Dumplings became a staple in my own kitchen. I made them for my children, who devoured them just as eagerly as I did. Over the years, I experimented with different variations of the recipe, adding in raisins or nuts for extra flavor.

I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, who all raved about the unique and comforting taste of the dumplings. Some even asked for copies of the recipe to make for their own families.

As I grew older, my love for cooking only deepened. I continued to collect recipes from various sources - cookbooks, magazines, and even online blogs. But the recipe for Cottage Cheese Dumplings always held a special place in my heart.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, surrounded by the comforting aroma of simmering dumplings, I can't help but feel grateful for all the wonderful experiences and memories that cooking has brought me. And I know that as long as I have this recipe in my repertoire, I will always be able to share a piece of my heart with those around me.