Cheesecake with meringue
Cheese and Meringue Tart: A Sweet Delight for Every Occasion
Who doesn't love a dessert that brings a smile to their face? The cheese and meringue tart is a perfect choice to impress family and friends. This delicious recipe combines the creamy texture of cottage cheese with the airy sweetness of meringue, creating a truly delightful dessert. Plus, it's a simple recipe that doesn't require advanced cooking skills but will look impressive on the holiday table.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Ingredients
For the tart crust:
- 100 g sour cream
- 1 egg
- 200 g margarine
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 300-350 g flour (approximately)
For the cheese filling:
- 500 g cottage cheese (preferably sweet)
- 2-3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 vial vanilla essence
- A pinch of salt
- Zest of one lemon
- 50 g raisins (soaked in 50 ml alcohol)
- 3-4 eggs
- 1.5 tablespoons semolina
For the meringue:
- 6 egg whites
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- A drop of lemon juice
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the tart crust
1. In a bowl, mix the sour cream with the egg and powdered sugar. Gradually add the softened margarine and mix until you get a smooth composition.
2. Start adding the flour little by little until you obtain an elastic dough that no longer sticks to your hands. It is important not to use too much flour, as this can make the dough too stiff.
3. Form a ball from the dough, wrap it in cling film, and place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step helps the dough cool, which will give the tart a perfect texture.
Step 2: Preparing the cheese filling
1. In a large bowl, place the cottage cheese and mash it with a fork to ensure there are no lumps.
2. Add the eggs, sugar, vanilla essence, salt, lemon zest, and semolina. Mix well until all ingredients are fully integrated.
3. Incorporate the raisins along with the alcohol into the cheese mixture. This will add a subtle and aromatic flavor.
Step 3: Baking the tart
1. Preheat the oven to 180-200 °C.
2. Roll out the dough on a floured surface and place it in a round tart pan, ensuring that the dough evenly covers the edges.
3. Prick the base of the dough with a fork to prevent air bubbles from forming during baking.
4. Bake the dough for 15-20 minutes, or until it turns slightly golden. Remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Step 4: Filling the tart
1. Pour the cheese mixture over the baked dough and smooth the surface with a spatula.
2. Put the tart back in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the filling is well set.
Step 5: Preparing the meringue
1. In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer on high speed, adding a drop of lemon juice to stabilize the foam.
2. When the egg whites become soft peaks, begin to gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you obtain a firm and shiny meringue.
3. Once the tart is baked, remove it from the oven and spread the meringue evenly on top. Return the tart to the oven for another 10-15 minutes or until the meringue becomes golden and crispy.
Serving
Let the tart cool completely before cutting. It can be served plain or with a dollop of sour cream on top for an extra creaminess. You can also add some fresh fruits or fruit sauce for a contrast of flavors.
Helpful Tips
- You can replace the raisins with other dried fruits like apricots or cranberries to add a note of freshness.
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of almond extract to the cheese mixture.
- It is important to use low-fat cottage cheese to keep the dessert light and healthy.
- If you don't have margarine, you can use butter, but make sure it is at room temperature to incorporate easily into the dough.
Nutritional Information
This tart offers a good combination of protein from the cottage cheese and egg whites, while the raisins provide a source of antioxidants. Each serving contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients. It is a dessert that, when consumed in moderation, can be part of a balanced diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use store-bought cottage cheese?
Yes, it is recommended to choose fresh cottage cheese, but you can also use store-bought cottage cheese.
2. How can I store the tart after it has been baked?
The tart keeps well in the refrigerator, covered with cling film, for up to 3 days.
3. Can the tart be frozen?
Yes, the tart can be frozen, but it is recommended to freeze it without the meringue. The meringue can be prepared fresh before serving.
Now that you have all the necessary details, all that's left is to get cooking! The cheese and meringue tart will surely become a favorite in your home. Enjoy!
Ingredients: 500g sweet cheese, 2-3 tablespoons of sugar, 1 vial of vanilla essence, a pinch of salt, zest from one lemon, 50g raisins soaked in alcohol (50ml alcohol), 3-4 eggs, 1 and a half tablespoons of semolina. For the tart dough: 100g sour cream, 1 egg, 200g margarine, 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar, flour 300-350g. For the meringue: 6 egg whites, 6 tablespoons of sugar.
