Cottage Cheese Strudel

Cottage Cheese Strudel Recipe from Romania - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Cottage Cheese Strudel is a delicious and traditional Eastern European dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This sweet treat is made with a flaky strudel dough filled with a creamy and rich cottage cheese mixture. The combination of the sweet dough and tangy cheese filling creates a mouthwatering dessert that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

The origins of Cottage Cheese Strudel can be traced back to Eastern Europe, where it is a popular dessert enjoyed during holidays and special occasions. The recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the classic dish. Cottage Cheese Strudel is a beloved dessert that is cherished for its comforting flavors and simple preparation.

Ingredients

strudel dough
confectioner's sugar with vanilla flavor

Filling

1.75 lb / 750 g cottage cheese
2 eggs
2 tbsp sugar (optional)
salt
3 tbsp melted butter or lard

How to prepare

Mix the cheese, eggs, salt, and sugar together.
Knead the mixture with your hands.
Arrange the cheese mixture at one end of the greased strudel dough.
Cover the cheese mixture with the edge of the dough and roll it up like a jelly roll.
Moisten the strudel dough with melted butter or lard.
You will get a long roll which can be cut into 2 or 3 pieces, depending on the size of your baking pan.
Arrange the pieces in the greased pan, with a little distance between them.
Grease the tops of the pieces with melted butter or lard. Bake until golden brown.
Cut the strudel into serving size portions while it is still in the pan.
When it is done, sprinkle the strudel with vanilla flavored sugar.

Variations

Add raisins or dried fruits to the cheese mixture for a sweeter and more flavorful filling.
Sprinkle chopped nuts or cinnamon on top of the strudel before baking for added crunch and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to knead the cheese mixture well to ensure a smooth and creamy filling.

- Brushing the strudel dough with melted butter or lard before baking will help create a golden and crispy crust.

- Be sure to cut the strudel into serving size portions while it is still warm to prevent the filling from oozing out.

- Sprinkling the finished strudel with vanilla flavored sugar adds a sweet and aromatic touch to the dessert.

Serving Suggestions

Cottage Cheese Strudel can be served warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling the strudel dough tightly will help prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.

- Baking the strudel at a high temperature will help create a crispy and golden crust.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ricotta cheese or farmer's cheese as a substitute for cottage cheese.

- Butter can be used instead of lard for brushing the strudel dough.

Make Ahead Tips

Cottage Cheese Strudel can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply brush the strudel with melted butter or lard before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cottage Cheese Strudel on a decorative platter and garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cottage Cheese Strudel pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Cottage Cheese Strudel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the strudel in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cottage Cheese Strudel contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cottage Cheese Strudel contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

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

Proteins

Each serving of Cottage Cheese Strudel contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cottage Cheese Strudel is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D.

Alergens

Cottage Cheese Strudel contains dairy (cottage cheese, eggs) and gluten (strudel dough).

Summary

Cottage Cheese Strudel is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in proteins and fats, making it a satisfying treat for any occasion.

Summary

Cottage Cheese Strudel is a classic and comforting dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its flaky dough and creamy cheese filling, this sweet treat is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the rich flavors and indulgent textures of Cottage Cheese Strudel with your loved ones today!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. My grandmother had passed down her love for cooking to me, and I was always eager to learn new recipes and techniques.

One day, while rummaging through a dusty old cookbook in our kitchen, I stumbled upon a recipe for Cottage Cheese Strudel. It immediately caught my eye, as I had never heard of such a dish before. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try.

I gathered the ingredients - cottage cheese, sugar, eggs, raisins, and phyllo dough - and got to work. As I mixed and rolled and baked, the sweet aroma filled our humble kitchen, and I knew I was onto something special.

When the Cottage Cheese Strudel finally emerged from the oven, golden and bubbling, I couldn't wait to taste it. The first bite was like a revelation - the creamy cheese melded perfectly with the sweet raisins, and the crisp phyllo dough added a delightful crunch. I knew I had stumbled upon a treasure.

I proudly presented the Cottage Cheese Strudel to my family, and they devoured it with gusto. My grandmother, always the toughest critic, declared it a triumph and asked for the recipe. From that day on, Cottage Cheese Strudel became a beloved staple in our household.

Over the years, I perfected the recipe, tweaking and adjusting until it was just right. I shared it with friends and neighbors, who marveled at its unique flavor and texture. It became my signature dish, the one everyone requested for special occasions and family gatherings.

As I grew older and traveled to different places, I always made sure to seek out new recipes and techniques to add to my repertoire. I learned to make Cottage Cheese Strudel from a Hungarian woman in Budapest, who showed me the secret to achieving the perfect flaky crust. I picked up tips and tricks from Italian grandmothers in Tuscany, who taught me the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients.

But no matter where I went or who I met, my heart always returned to that humble recipe I found in my grandmother's old cookbook. Cottage Cheese Strudel was not just a dish to me - it was a connection to my past, a reminder of the love and tradition that had shaped me into the cook I was today.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the comforting aromas of cinnamon and sugar, I can't help but feel grateful for all the recipes and memories that have enriched my life. The Cottage Cheese Strudel may have been a chance discovery all those years ago, but it has become so much more to me - a link to my heritage, a taste of my childhood, and a symbol of the love and passion I pour into every dish I create.

So, whenever I make Cottage Cheese Strudel now, I do it with a full heart and a smile on my face, knowing that each bite carries with it a piece of my story and a legacy of culinary excellence that I am proud to pass on to future generations.