Cheese Pastry
Cottage cheese pasca is a traditional dessert that envelops festive tables with its delicate aroma and fine texture. This recipe, rich in history and symbolism, is a true treat for the taste buds and a wonderful way to bring family and friends together. Whether you enjoy it during the holidays or simply want to indulge yourself, cottage cheese pasca is the perfect choice.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 80 g butter (at room temperature for easy incorporation)
- 130 g flour
- 80 g sugar
- 2 egg yolks
For the filling:
- 1 kg cottage cheese (ideally well-drained to avoid excess moisture)
- 100 g butter (melted to help homogenize the filling)
- 9 egg yolks
- 200 g sour cream (choose a rich sour cream for a fuller taste)
- 200 g sugar
- 150 g raisins (soaked in water or rum for extra flavor)
- 4 heaping tablespoons of flour
- 4 packets of vanilla sugar (or 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract)
- a pinch of salt
The Story of Pasca
Pasca has deep roots in culinary tradition, being associated with Easter celebrations. It is a symbol of rebirth and prosperity, often served in communities as a sign of celebration and unity. Each family has its own version, adapted to local tastes and traditions, but the essence remains the same: a delicious dessert that brings joy.
Preparing Cottage Cheese Pasca
1. Preparing the dough
In a large bowl, mix the 2 egg yolks with 80 g of sugar until you obtain a creamy mixture. Add the soft butter and gradually add the flour, mixing until a homogeneous dough forms. It is very important not to knead the dough too much, as it will become elastic and lose the desired texture. Form a ball from the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
2. Preparing the filling
In another bowl, mash the cottage cheese well. It is essential to be finely crushed to avoid lumps in the filling. Add the melted butter, the 9 egg yolks, sour cream, 200 g of sugar, raisins, flour, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything with a spatula or whisk until you obtain a homogeneous and creamy mixture.
3. Assembling the pasca
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a round baking pan with butter and dust it with flour. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out into a thin sheet, large enough to cover the base and sides of the pan. Use part of the dough to form a thin rope around the edge of the pan, and with the remaining dough, you can make a cross for a traditional look that will also add a pleasing visual detail.
4. Pouring the filling
Pour the cheese mixture into the pan and smooth the surface. You can use a leftover egg yolk to brush the top, giving it a golden appearance.
5. Baking
Place the pasca in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until golden and well set. It is important to check the pasca from time to time to avoid excessive browning.
6. Cooling and serving
After baking, let the pasca cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Practical Tips
- Cottage cheese: Choose a less moist cheese, well-drained, to achieve a firmer filling.
- Raisins: Soak the raisins in warm water or rum for 20 minutes to rehydrate and make them more flavorful.
- Variations: You can add lemon or orange zest for a fresher taste. You can also try replacing the raisins with chocolate or candied fruits.
- Serving: Pasca pairs wonderfully with a scoop of sour cream or a teaspoon of honey. It can also be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee, which will highlight its aroma.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I replace cottage cheese?
Yes, you can use ricotta or goat cheese for a different taste. Make sure to adjust the sugar amount according to the sweetness of the cheese you choose.
- What can I do with the leftover egg whites?
Egg whites can be used to make meringues or an omelet. Whip them with a pinch of salt and bake them at low temperature for a delicious snack.
Calories and Nutritional Benefits
A serving of cottage cheese pasca contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is a good source of protein due to the cottage cheese and egg yolks, while the sour cream adds healthy fats. The raisins provide fiber and antioxidants, making this recipe a more balanced choice than many other desserts.
Cottage cheese pasca is not just a dessert, but a tradition that brings joy and warmth into every home. Invite your loved ones to join in the cooking process and create delicious memories together with each slice of pasca enjoyed!
Ingredients: DOUGH: 80g butter 130g flour 80g sugar 2 egg yolks FILLING: 1kg cottage cheese 100g butter 9 egg yolks 200g sour cream 200g sugar 150g raisins 4 heaping tablespoons of flour 4 vanilla beans a pinch of salt
