Cheese Pastry without Dough
Cheese Pastry without Dough – a traditional and simple delicacy, perfect for celebrating special moments in our lives. This recipe is not only extremely easy to prepare, but it also offers an explosion of flavors that will delight both family and guests. Let’s discover together how to prepare this delicious pastry!
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 1 kg sweet cottage cheese
- 200 g melted butter (reserve some for greasing the pan)
- 3 heaping tablespoons of flour
- 6 eggs
- 220 g sugar
- 1 vanilla essence
- 2 tablespoons semolina
- 1 pinch of salt
- 3 heaping tablespoons of powdered milk
- Zest of one orange (freshly grated)
- Half a packet of baking powder (~5 g)
- 100 g raisins
- Powdered sugar for decoration
A Brief History
The pastry is an emblematic dessert, often associated with Easter celebrations, symbolizing rebirth and joy. Without dough, this version is perfect for those who want to avoid wheat flour or are looking for a lighter option. This simple recipe combines tradition with modernity, offering a creamy texture and a sweet-sour taste, thanks to the cheese and orange zest.
Preparing the Pastry
1. Preparing the ingredients: Ensure that the cottage cheese is well-drained and free of large chunks. It is important to achieve a smooth consistency in the final product. Additionally, take the eggs out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you start cooking, to reach room temperature.
2. Mixing the cheese: In a large bowl, add the cottage cheese and mix it with the sugar using a spatula or mixer. It is essential to obtain a fine composition, free of lumps.
3. Adding liquid ingredients: Next, add the egg yolks and melted butter. Mix well until the composition becomes creamy. The vanilla essence and orange zest add an irresistible aroma that will transform this dessert into a true delight.
4. Including dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, semolina, powdered milk, and salt. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the cheese composition, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
5. Including raisins: Wash and soak the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain them. Add the raisins to the cheese mixture and mix well.
6. Beating the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites until you obtain a firm foam. This step will make the pastry fluffy and airy. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cheese mixture using a wooden spoon. This helps to retain the air in the egg whites, which is essential for the final texture.
7. Preparing the pan: Grease a 26 cm round pan with butter and dust it with semolina to prevent sticking. This will ensure easy removal of the pastry after baking.
8. Baking: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and place it in a preheated oven at 175 degrees Celsius. Bake for about 60 minutes, checking occasionally. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 40 minutes to allow the pastry to rise evenly.
9. Cooling and serving: Once the pastry is baked, let it cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes, then transfer it to a serving platter. Dust powdered sugar on top for an attractive appearance and sweet taste.
Practical Tips
- For an extra flavor, you can add a few drops of almond essence, which will blend perfectly with the cottage cheese.
- Variations: Try adding chopped nuts or dark chocolate to the mixture for a different flavor. Additionally, raisins can be replaced with dried cranberries for a more tart taste.
- Serving: Cheese pastry pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or fragrant tea. It is ideal both warm and cold, and the next day it becomes even tastier as the flavors have time to develop.
Nutritional Benefits
This cheese pastry is an excellent source of protein, thanks to the cottage cheese and eggs. It also contains calcium and essential vitamins, while the orange zest adds a boost of antioxidants. Therefore, it is a delicious and healthy choice to celebrate important moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use salty cottage cheese?
No, it is essential to use sweet cheese to achieve a balanced and pleasant taste.
2. How can I store the pastry?
You can keep the pastry covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the fridge for a week.
3. Is it possible to freeze the pastry?
Yes, the pastry can be frozen! Wrap it well in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. Thaw it in the fridge before serving.
In conclusion, cheese pastry without dough is an easy-to-make dessert that can become the star of any festive meal. Try this recipe and enjoy a sweet treat of tradition that will bring happiness and good cheer around the table! Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 1 kg sweet cow cheese, 200 g melted butter (keep a bit for greasing the pan), 3 heaping tablespoons of flour, 6 eggs, 220 g sugar, 1 vanilla essence, 2 tablespoons semolina, a pinch of salt, 3 heaping tablespoons of powdered milk, zest of one orange, half a sachet of baking powder ~5 g, 100 g stagide, powdered sugar for decoration.
