Pastry without dough

Pastry without dough - A Sweet and Fluffy Delight

If you desire a dessert that combines tradition with a touch of innovation, pastry without dough is the perfect choice. This recipe is easy to make, and the final result is a fluffy cake with a rich cheese flavor and a delicate texture. Whether you serve it at a celebration or simply want to indulge yourself, this pastry will surely win you over.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 70 minutes
Total time: 90 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Ingredients
- 500 g cottage cheese
- 3 eggs
- 200 g sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- A pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons of semolina
- 80 g melted butter
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 80 g raisins

History of Pastry
Pastry was originally a dessert associated with Easter celebrations, but over time it has become popular for other festive occasions. Without dough, this version of the traditional recipe proves to be easier to prepare and lighter, while still retaining the typical flavor and aroma.

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the Egg Whites:
Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, adding a pinch of salt. This step is crucial, as the egg whites will give the cake an airy texture. Use an electric mixer to save time and effort.

2. Mixing the Inflated Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese with the sugar, vanilla sugar, egg yolks, and melted butter. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous composition. If you are using cottage cheese with lumps, you can mash it with a fork or a blender for a fine texture.

3. Adding the Dry Ingredients:
Add the flour, baking powder, salt, semolina, and raisins to the cheese mixture. Gently mix, ensuring that the ingredients are well incorporated. The raisins can be soaked in warm water or rum to soften them a bit before adding them to the mixture. This step will add extra flavor to your cake.

4. Incorporating the Egg Whites:
Now it's time to add the beaten egg whites. Gently fold in the egg whites in two batches, mixing with delicate up-and-down motions. This will keep the air in the egg whites intact, ensuring that the pastry will be fluffy.

5. Baking the Pastry:
Prepare a 26 cm diameter baking pan by lining it with parchment paper and dusting it with a little semolina. Pour the mixture into the pan, leveling the surface. Preheat the oven to a medium temperature (about 180°C) and place the pan inside. Bake for 70 minutes or until the cake turns golden and passes the toothpick test – it should come out clean.

6. Cooling and Serving:
Once the pastry is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a serving platter and, if desired, dust it with powdered sugar for an attractive appearance.

Serving Suggestions
Served plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, pastry without dough becomes a versatile dessert. You can also pair it with a fragrant tea or a glass of fresh lemonade for a refreshing experience.

Practical Tips
- Cottage cheese: Choose a low-fat cheese for a healthier option. It is important that the cheese is well-drained to avoid adding excess moisture to the mixture.
- Sugar: You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your preferences. You can also use alternative sweeteners, but make sure they are compatible with baking.
- Fruit variation: You can replace the raisins with pieces of apples, peaches, or cherries for a touch of freshness and a different taste.
- Oil instead of butter: If you prefer a lighter version, you can use sunflower oil instead of butter, but the taste will be slightly different.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Why use semolina? Semolina helps absorb moisture and adds a pleasant texture.
- How can I tell if the pastry is baked? The toothpick test is the best way to check, but also the overall appearance, which should be golden.
- Can it be frozen? Yes, the pastry can be frozen, but it is recommended to consume it fresh to maintain its fluffy texture.

Nutritional Benefits
Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium, making it a healthy choice for a dessert. Additionally, this recipe is lower in calories than many other cakes, due to the absence of dough.

This pastry without dough is more than just a simple dessert; it is a recipe that combines tradition with innovation, offering you not only a delicious taste but also a satisfying experience in the kitchen. So, put on your apron and get ready to impress everyone with this simple and quick recipe!

 Ingredients: 500g cottage cheese, 3 eggs, 200g sugar, 2 packets of vanilla sugar, 2 tablespoons of grated flour, 1 pinch of salt, 2 tablespoons of semolina, 80g melted butter, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 80g raisins

 Tags:  pastry without dough