Jâñu Siers

Jâñu Siers Recipe - Traditional Latvian Vegetarian Delight

Region / culture: Latvia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 10 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Jâñu Siers is a traditional Latvian cheese dish that is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. This dish is perfect for special occasions or gatherings with friends and family. The process of making Jâñu Siers may seem daunting at first, but with the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a delicious and authentic dish that will impress your guests.

History

Jâñu Siers has been a staple in Latvian cuisine for centuries. It is often made during the summer solstice festival, known as Jâñi, which is a celebration of the longest day of the year. The dish is typically enjoyed with fresh bread, butter, and a glass of cold milk. The rich and creamy texture of Jâñu Siers makes it a popular choice for special occasions and gatherings.

Ingredients

4 – 5 lb (2.27 kg) of dry cottage cheese or ricotta
10 qt (9.46 liter) of milk
1 tsp of yellow food colouring (optional)
2 – 3 tbsp of oil
cheesecloth
5 – 6 oz (170 g) of butter
6 eggs
1 tbsp of caraway seeds
1 tbsp of salt
1 – 2 tsp of lemon juice (may be unnecessary)

How to prepare

Drain any liquid from the cottage cheese.
Process the cottage cheese in a food processor or blender until finely ground.
Use a large Dutch oven or stock pot.
Add oil to the pot and pour in the milk.
Heat the mixture until it reaches boiling point.
Then, add the cottage cheese and continue stirring.
If the milk mixture does not curdle within approximately 5 minutes, add the lemon juice.
Once curdled, strain off any excess liquid.
Place the cheese mass in cheesecloth (gauze) and squeeze out any remaining moisture.
Melt the butter in the pot, then add the cheese mass and heat until hot.
Meanwhile, beat the eggs together with salt and caraway seeds.
Gradually add the beaten egg mixture to the heated cheese mass.
Mix well and continue stirring until the mixture forms into balls and becomes slightly stretchy.
Remove from heat and pack the mixture into several small round-bottomed bowls (alternatively, shape into small cheese wheels and wrap in cheesecloth).
Cover the bowls or cheese wheels and keep them cool.

Variations

Add herbs or spices such as dill or garlic for extra flavor.
Use different types of cheese or milk for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the cottage cheese before processing it.

- Use a large Dutch oven or stock pot to heat the milk and cottage cheese mixture.

- Be patient when curdling the milk mixture, as it may take a few minutes for the curds to form.

- Squeeze out any remaining moisture from the cheese mass using cheesecloth.

- Gradually add the beaten egg mixture to the heated cheese mass to prevent curdling.

- Pack the cheese mixture into small round-bottomed bowls or shape into cheese wheels for a traditional presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Jâñu Siers with fresh bread, butter, and a glass of cold milk for a traditional Latvian meal.

Cooking Techniques

Process the cottage cheese until finely ground for a smooth texture.

- Gradually add the beaten egg mixture to the heated cheese mass to prevent curdling.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use whole milk or cream instead of regular milk for a richer dish.

- Substitute caraway seeds with fennel seeds or cumin for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Jâñu Siers can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Pack the cheese mixture into small round-bottomed bowls for an elegant presentation. - Shape the cheese mixture into cheese wheels and wrap in cheesecloth for a traditional look.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Jâñu Siers with a crisp white wine or a cold beer for a refreshing combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Jâñu Siers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the cheese mixture in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Jâñu Siers contains approximately 200 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

Jâñu Siers is a low-carb dish, with approximately 2 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Jâñu Siers is a high-fat dish, with approximately 15 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

Jâñu Siers is a moderate source of protein, with approximately 8 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Jâñu Siers is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D.

Alergens

Jâñu Siers contains dairy and eggs.

Summary

Jâñu Siers is a rich and creamy dish that is high in fat and protein, making it a satisfying and indulgent treat.

Summary

Jâñu Siers is a delicious and traditional Latvian cheese dish that is perfect for special occasions or gatherings. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a rich and creamy dish that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a warm summer day, just like any other, and I was rummaging through old cookbooks in the attic. As I flipped through the pages of one particularly dusty book, a small slip of paper fell out and fluttered to the ground. Curious, I picked it up and saw that it was a recipe for Jâñu Siers, a traditional Latvian cheese dish.

I had never heard of Jâñu Siers before, but the ingredients listed on the paper intrigued me. Cheese, eggs, milk, butter, and a touch of sugar - it sounded like the perfect combination of sweet and savory. I knew right then and there that I had to try making it.

As I read through the recipe, I saw that it had been handwritten in elegant script, with little notes and adjustments scribbled in the margins. It was clear that this was a recipe that had been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own flair to it.

I decided to make Jâñu Siers for our family dinner that evening. I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen, following the instructions on the paper to the letter. As the cheese melted and the eggs whisked together with the milk, a fragrant aroma filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

When the dish was finally ready, I took it out of the oven and set it on the table, a golden-brown masterpiece that looked almost too good to eat. But eat we did, and the taste was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. The creamy cheese paired perfectly with the sweet sugar, creating a flavor profile that was both comforting and decadent.

My family raved about the Jâñu Siers, asking me where I had learned to make such a delicious dish. I simply smiled and told them that it was a recipe I had stumbled upon by chance, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Since that day, Jâñu Siers has become a staple in our household, a dish that we enjoy on special occasions and lazy Sunday mornings alike. I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, spreading the joy of this traditional Latvian dish far and wide.

Every time I make Jâñu Siers, I think back to that warm summer day in the attic, when I found a slip of paper that would forever change the way I cooked. It serves as a reminder that the best recipes are often found in the most unexpected places, waiting to be uncovered and shared with those we love. And for that, I am forever grateful.