Cheese pie with sour cream and walnuts
Cheese Pasca with Sour Cream and Walnut: A Holiday Delight
Total preparation time: 2 hours
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 12-15
Introduction
Pasca is a traditional dessert often associated with Easter celebrations, but it can be enjoyed any time of the year. This recipe for cheese pasca with sour cream and walnut promises an unforgettable culinary experience. A combination of textures and flavors, pasca unites the sweet taste of cottage cheese and sour cream with the crunchy walnut meringue, offering a dessert that blends tradition with innovation.
Necessary Ingredients
*For the crust:*
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 25 g butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Flour as needed (approximately 150-200 g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
*For the cheese filling:*
- 1 kg well-drained cottage cheese
- 3-4 eggs
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons semolina
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 250 g powdered sugar
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 teaspoon rum extract
- Raisins (optional)
*For the sour cream topping:*
- 800 g thicker sour cream
- 2-3 tablespoons semolina
- 2-3 tablespoons flour
- 200 g sugar
- 5 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
*For the meringue:*
- 6 egg whites
- 10 tablespoons sugar
- 10 tablespoons ground walnuts
Preparing the Pasca
1. Preparing the sour cream
The night before making the pasca, it's important to prepare the sour cream to achieve a creamy texture. In a bowl, add the corn flour, cover it with a sieve, and place a clean kitchen towel over it. Pour the sour cream into the towel and let it drain overnight. This will result in a thicker sour cream, ideal for the sour cream topping.
2. Preparing the crust
In a bowl, mix the egg yolk with sugar and melted butter. Continue mixing until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the sour cream and oil, blending well. Gradually incorporate the baking powder, vanilla extract, and flour until you obtain a firm, non-sticky dough that can be rolled out. Form a ball with the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
3. Preparing the cheese filling
In another bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until frothy. In a separate container, mix the cottage cheese by hand to break up any large lumps, then add the beaten eggs. Incorporate the flour, semolina, lemon zest, rum extract, baking powder, and if desired, the raisins. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.
4. Preparing the sour cream topping
Once the sour cream has drained, mix it with the sugar, adding the egg yolks one at a time. Incorporate the flour and semolina, stirring until it becomes a smooth cream.
5. Assembling the pasca
Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a large baking tray, grease the bottom with margarine and line it with parchment paper. Roll out the dough into a thin sheet and place it in the tray, pricking it with a fork in several places to allow steam to escape. Pour the cheese filling evenly over the dough, followed by the sour cream topping, which should be spread evenly.
6. Preparing the meringue
Whip the egg whites until frothy, then gradually add the sugar until you achieve stiff peaks. Fold in the ground walnuts. About 10 minutes before the pasca is done, take the tray out of the oven and spread the meringue over the entire surface. Bake the pasca for another 10-15 minutes until the meringue turns golden.
7. Cooling and serving
When the pasca is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely in the tray. This delicacy can be served plain, but you may accompany it with a dollop of sour cream or fruit jam. It is just as delicious the next day when the flavors have intensified.
Useful Tips
- Make sure the cottage cheese is well-drained to avoid a watery filling.
- You can add other ingredients to the cheese filling, such as chocolate or candied fruits, for a personal touch.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.
Nutritional Benefits
This pasca offers a good source of calcium and protein due to the cottage cheese and sour cream. Additionally, walnuts add healthy fats and antioxidants. However, it is important to note that it is a relatively calorie-dense dessert, so enjoy it in moderation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with ricotta or mascarpone cheese for a different texture.
- How can I enhance the flavor of the pasca?
Use natural extracts, such as vanilla or rum, and add spices like cinnamon to intensify the flavors.
- What beverages pair well with pasca?
A sweet wine or warm fruit tea are excellent choices to complement the sweetness of the pasca.
Conclusion
This recipe for cheese pasca with sour cream and walnut is an excellent choice for any occasion, not just for holidays. With every bite, you will experience the richness of the ingredients and the tradition behind this wonderful dessert. Don't forget to experiment and add your own personal touches!
Ingredients: dough: 1 egg yolk, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 tablespoon oil, 25 g butter, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 1 baking powder, flour as needed (to make a hard, non-sticky dough, so you can roll it out), 1 vanilla essence filling: 1 kg well-drained cow cheese, 3-4 eggs, 3 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons semolina, 1 baking powder, 250 g powdered sugar, grated lemon peel, 1 rum essence, raisins (these are optional) sour cream: 1 jar 800 g thicker sour cream, 2-3 tablespoons semolina, 2-3 tablespoons flour, 200 g sugar, 5 egg yolks, 1 vanilla essence for meringue: 6 egg whites, 10 tablespoons sugar, 10 tablespoons ground walnuts
