Munajuusto

Munajuusto Recipe - A Delicious Vegetarian Dish from Finland

Region / culture: Finland | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Munajuusto, also known as Finnish egg cheese, is a traditional Finnish dish that is made from milk, sour milk, eggs, and salt. This creamy and flavorful cheese is a popular dish in Finland and is often enjoyed as a dessert or snack.

History

The history of Munajuusto dates back to ancient times in Finland, where it was a common dish made by Finnish families. The recipe has been passed down through generations and is still enjoyed today as a traditional Finnish delicacy.

Ingredients

3 liters of milk
1 liter of sour milk
4 eggs
1 tsp of salt

How to prepare

Heat the milk until it is almost boiling.
In a separate bowl, combine the eggs and sour milk. Then, add this mixture to the hot milk while stirring gently.
Continue to cook the milk over low heat, stirring it until it curdles.
Remove the saucepan from the stove and let the whey separate in a warm place for half an hour.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the curds to a sieve that is lined with muslin.
Gently press out the whey from the curds.
Add the salt to the curds and stir it in well.
Place a light weight on the cheese and let it stand in a cold place overnight.
The next day, turn the cheese onto an ovenproof dish.
Brush the cheese with beaten egg and bake it at 250°C until it turns nicely brown.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cheese before baking for a warm and spicy flavor.
Mix in some chopped nuts or dried fruits for added texture and sweetness.
Serve the Munajuusto with a dollop of yogurt or crème fraîche for a creamy and tangy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to heat the milk slowly and gently to avoid scorching.

- Stir the milk constantly while adding the egg and sour milk mixture to ensure a smooth consistency.

- Let the whey separate for at least half an hour to ensure proper curdling.

- Press out the whey gently to avoid breaking up the curds.

- Brushing the cheese with beaten egg before baking will give it a nice golden brown color.

Serving Suggestions

Munajuusto can be served warm or cold, and is often enjoyed with a drizzle of honey or jam on top. It can also be served with fresh berries or whipped cream for a delicious and indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for making Munajuusto include curdling the milk, pressing out the whey, and baking the cheese until golden brown.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have sour milk, you can substitute it with buttermilk or yogurt. You can also use whole milk instead of sour milk for a milder flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Munajuusto can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Munajuusto on a decorative platter with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Munajuusto pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee, or a glass of cold milk. It can also be enjoyed with a glass of sparkling wine for a special occasion.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Munajuusto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven at 250°C until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Munajuusto contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Munajuusto contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Munajuusto contains approximately 8 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Munajuusto contains approximately 12 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Munajuusto is a good source of calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus.

Alergens

Munajuusto contains dairy and eggs.

Summary

Munajuusto is a nutritious dish that is rich in proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy and delicious option for a snack or dessert.

Summary

Munajuusto is a delicious and creamy Finnish egg cheese that is easy to make and full of flavor. With its rich texture and nutritious ingredients, it is a perfect dish for any occasion. Enjoy this traditional Finnish delicacy with your family and friends for a truly special treat.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Munajuusto. It was a cold winter day, and I had been invited to a friend's house for a traditional Finnish dinner. As soon as I walked in, I could smell the delicious aroma of the Munajuusto baking in the oven.

My friend's grandmother, who was an expert in Finnish cuisine, had graciously agreed to teach me how to make this special dish. She had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations.

As we gathered in the kitchen, my friend's grandmother began to explain the history of Munajuusto. She told me that it was a traditional Finnish cheese dish that was often served during special occasions and celebrations. The name Munajuusto literally translates to "egg cheese" in Finnish, and it is made with just a few simple ingredients - eggs, milk, and a touch of sugar.

I watched intently as my friend's grandmother cracked the eggs into a bowl and whisked them together with the milk and sugar. She then poured the mixture into a baking dish and placed it in the oven to bake.

As the Munajuusto baked, the kitchen filled with the most amazing aroma. The sweet smell of the eggs and milk mingled with the sugar, creating a scent that was both comforting and tantalizing.

After it had finished baking, my friend's grandmother carefully removed the Munajuusto from the oven and allowed it to cool. She then cut it into squares and served it to us on small plates.

The first bite of Munajuusto was pure bliss. The creamy texture of the eggs and milk paired perfectly with the subtle sweetness of the sugar. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

My friend's grandmother saw the look of delight on my face and smiled. She could tell that I had fallen in love with Munajuusto, just as she had many years ago.

Over the following weeks, I spent countless hours in my own kitchen, perfecting the recipe for Munajuusto. I experimented with different ratios of eggs to milk, varying the amount of sugar, and even adding a hint of vanilla for extra flavor.

Each time I made Munajuusto, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. I loved sharing this special dish with my family and friends, watching their faces light up as they took their first bite.

As the years passed, I continued to make Munajuusto for every special occasion. It became a beloved tradition in our family, a dish that was passed down from one generation to the next.

Now, when I make Munajuusto, I think back to that cold winter day when I first discovered this amazing recipe. I am grateful to my friend's grandmother for sharing her knowledge and expertise with me, and I am proud to carry on the tradition of making Munajuusto for my own loved ones.

In every bite of this delicious Finnish cheese dish, I taste the love and history that has been passed down through the generations. And I am filled with gratitude for the culinary journey that has brought me to this moment of joy and connection.