Sweet cheese pasca

Sweet cheese pasca is a traditional dessert that adds a touch of joy to any celebration. Its inviting aroma and fluffy texture make this recipe a perfect choice for festive meals, as well as for everyday indulgence. Let’s embark on a journey together to prepare this delicacy step by step, ensuring we achieve a truly memorable result.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total: Approximately 2 hours
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 2 large eggs
- 35 g fresh yeast
- 100 g sugar
- 200 ml lukewarm milk
- 60 g melted butter
- 550 g all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest (preferably organic for intense flavor)

For the filling:
- 500 g cottage cheese (ideally use fresh, well-drained cheese)
- 150 g sugar
- 2 large eggs
- Grated lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon rum essence (for an extra hint of flavor)
- 100 g raisins (optional, but recommended for a sweet-tart taste)

For brushing:
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons milk

Step-by-step preparation

1. Making the dough:
In a large bowl, crumble the fresh yeast and add 100 g of sugar, gently mixing to activate the yeast. Add the lukewarm milk (not hot, or it will kill the yeast) and mix well. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until it starts to foam. This is an indicator that the yeast is active.

Meanwhile, in another bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and the grated lemon zest. Once the yeast has foamed, combine it with the egg mixture and the melted butter. Gradually start incorporating the flour, mixing with a spatula or wooden spoon.

If you have a food processor, it can make the job much easier. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour and a half, or until it doubles in size.

2. Preparing the filling:
While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese with 150 g of sugar until creamy. Add the eggs, lemon zest, rum essence, and raisins, mixing well until all ingredients are well combined. Make sure the cheese is well-drained; otherwise, the filling will be too wet.

3. Shaping the pasca:
Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface. Divide it into two equal parts. From one half, roll out a sheet to cover the bottom of a round baking pan (27 cm in diameter is ideal). Place the dough in the pan lined with parchment paper or greased with butter.

Add the cheese filling on top of the dough in the pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed. From the other half of the dough, form a braid (for example, a 5-strand braid) and place it around the edge of the pan. From the leftover dough, twist two strands and place them in the center of the pasca, forming a cross.

4. Final rising:
Let the pasca rise in a warm place for 20 minutes, covered with a towel. This will allow the dough to become even fluffier.

5. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Before placing the pasca in the oven, brush it with a mixture of egg yolk and the 2 tablespoons of milk to achieve a golden, appetizing crust. Bake the pasca for 10 minutes at high heat, then reduce the temperature to 170°C and continue baking for another 20-30 minutes, until the pasca is golden and nicely browned.

To prevent burning, I place a large baking tray in the oven during the first 10 minutes, which I remove later. This ensures that the pasca bakes evenly.

6. Cooling:
After the pasca is baked, remove it from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack. This will help maintain its fluffy texture.

Chef's tip
For an even more intense flavor, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of sour cream to the cheese filling. Additionally, a splash of vanilla extract can add a touch of sophistication.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use store-bought cottage cheese?
Yes, but make sure it is well-drained. Fresh cheese provides a better texture and flavor.

2. How can I make the pasca less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling, but keep in mind that sugar contributes to the final texture.

3. Is pasca good for freezing?
Yes, pasca can be frozen. Make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

4. What can I serve with pasca?
Pasca pairs wonderfully with fragrant tea or sweet wine. You can also enjoy it alongside a fruit sauce or vanilla ice cream.

Nutritional benefits
Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and calcium. This pasca, although a sweet dessert, can be a good choice within a balanced diet, especially when enjoyed in moderation.

Possible variations
- Chocolate pasca: Add some dark chocolate pieces to the filling for a decadent flavor.
- Fruit pasca: Replace the raisins with pieces of candied or fresh fruit, such as cherries or apricots.

Final note
This sweet cheese pasca recipe is more than just a dessert; it is a true tradition that brings together flavors and aromas, evoking pleasant memories. Whether you prepare it for holidays or a special occasion, this pasca will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Treat yourself and enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: Dough: 2 eggs, 35 g fresh yeast, 100 g sugar, 200 ml milk, 60 g butter, 550 g flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest. Filling: 500 g cottage cheese, 150 g sugar, 2 eggs, grated lemon zest, rum essence, raisins. For brushing: 1 egg yolk, 2 tablespoons milk.

 Tags:  easter bread leavened dough cottage cheese easter sweets