Cheese and chocolate pudding
Cheese and chocolate pudding is a simple yet incredibly delicious dessert that combines the creamy flavors of cottage cheese with the richness of chocolate and the freshness of orange. It’s a perfect recipe for days when you want something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Additionally, this pudding can be served warm or cold, offering versatility in how you choose to enjoy it.
Total preparation time: 1 hour (30 minutes of preparation + 30 minutes of baking)
Number of servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 350 g pasta (any preferred shape)
- 500-600 g cottage cheese (choose a quality, fresh cheese)
- 4 tablespoons sour cream (opt for a higher fat content for better taste)
- 4-5 eggs (preferably fresh, from a trusted source)
- Grated zest of one orange (make sure the orange is well washed)
- 4-5 tablespoons orange juice (freshly squeezed is always better)
- 1 teaspoon orange essence
- Sugar (adjust to taste, I used about 10 tablespoons)
- 1 vanilla essence
- 80 g milk chocolate (or dark chocolate if you prefer a more intense flavor)
Step by step:
1. Boiling the pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, tasting occasionally. When al dente, drain well and allow to cool slightly.
2. Preparing the cheese mixture: In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese with sugar, eggs, and sour cream. Use a mixer or spatula to achieve a smooth mixture. Add the grated orange zest, orange essence, and freshly squeezed juice. Don’t forget the vanilla essence, which will add a sublime flavor to the dish.
3. Adding the chocolate: Cut the chocolate into small cubes and fold them into the cheese mixture. The chocolate will partially melt during baking, creating a delicious contrast between the creamy texture of the cheese and the chocolate pieces.
4. Combining the pasta with cheese: Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the cheese mixture. Gently mix everything, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the cheese cream.
5. Preparing the baking dish: Choose a baking dish (a round shape is ideal) and grease it with a little margarine. Line the bottom and sides with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
6. Baking the pudding: Pour the mixture into the dish and level the surface with a spatula. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the dish inside. Bake the pudding for about 30 minutes or until the surface is slightly golden.
7. Cooling and serving: Once baked, let the pudding cool in the dish for 10 minutes, then carefully remove it and place it on a rack to cool completely. Serve the pudding warm or cold, alongside a chocolate sauce or a dollop of sour cream.
Useful tips:
- Choosing the cheese: A cottage cheese with a higher fat content will provide a creamier texture to the pudding. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use low-fat cottage cheese, but the taste will be different.
- Chocolate: If you are a fan of dark chocolate, replace the milk chocolate with dark chocolate for a more intense flavor and stronger contrast.
- Variations: You can experiment with other flavors, such as adding cinnamon or nutmeg, to further customize the recipe.
- Pears and apples: Add diced pears or apples to the mixture for an extra fruit boost and interesting texture.
Nutritional benefits:
This cheese and chocolate pudding provides a significant amount of protein from the eggs and cheese, while the juice and zest of the orange add vitamin C. Additionally, chocolate can offer antioxidants, especially if you choose the dark variety.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can the pudding be frozen? Yes, the pudding can be frozen. Portion it out and ensure it is well covered.
- How can I check if the pudding is baked? The pudding is ready when the edges start to pull away from the dish and the surface is slightly golden. You can also do the toothpick test: insert it in the center, and if it comes out clean, it is baked.
Serving suggestions:
For a contrast of flavors, serve the pudding with a chocolate sauce or a topping of whipped sour cream. Add a fresh touch with a few slices of orange on top.
Enjoy this simple and delicious cheese and chocolate pudding recipe, which will bring a smile to your face and that of your loved ones! It’s a dessert that not only combines flavors but also memories, making every meal a special moment.
Ingredients: 350 g pasta (any type) 500-600 g cottage cheese 4 tablespoons sour cream 4-5 eggs grated orange peel 4-5 tablespoons orange juice 1 teaspoon orange essence sugar (add to your taste, I used about 10 tablespoons) 1 vanilla essence 80 g milk chocolate
