Pasta pudding with cheese and plums

Pasta pudding with cheese and plums: a sweet and comforting delicacy

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

Introduction
The kitchen is a magical place, full of aromas and unforgettable moments. Today, I invite you to discover a recipe that combines the creamy texture of pasta with the juicy sweetness of plums and cottage cheese, in a delicious pudding, perfect for both dessert and a comforting snack. This pasta pudding with cheese and plums was inspired by traditional recipes, but I have elevated it by adding a few details that make it truly special.

Ingredients needed
- 400 g pasta (penne is recommended, but you can use any type of pasta you prefer)
- 400 g cottage cheese (fresh is ideal, from Lidl or a local source)
- 2 large eggs
- 7 tablespoons of sugar (you can adjust according to your sweetness preferences)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar (or a vanilla pod if you want a more intense flavor)
- 400 g plums (fresh or dried)
- A little butter for greasing the baking dishes

Step by step: how to prepare pasta pudding with cheese and plums

1. Preparing the pasta
Start by bringing water to a boil in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt and cook the pasta according to the package instructions (usually between 8 and 10 minutes). It is important not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the oven. When al dente, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. Preparing the plums
Wash the plums well, remove the pits, and cut them into small pieces. These will add a sweet-sour note to the pudding and an extraordinary aroma.

3. Mixing the cheese
In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese with 5 tablespoons of sugar and the vanilla sugar. Use a spatula or a hand mixer to achieve a smooth and homogeneous mixture. Make sure the sugar is completely dissolved.

4. Adding the eggs and plums
Incorporate the egg yolks and mix well. Then, add the chopped plums and mix again. The sweet taste of the plums will perfectly complement the cheese.

5. Combining the ingredients
Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the cheese and plum mixture. Gently mix to combine all the ingredients. The texture of the pasta will add a pleasant contrast to the creaminess of the cheese.

6. Preparing the baking dishes
Grease two heat-resistant dishes with butter to prevent the pudding from sticking. Divide the mixture between the two dishes and level the surface with a spatula.

7. Initial baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the pudding dishes inside. Let them bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the surface becomes slightly golden.

8. Preparing the meringue
Meanwhile, beat the egg whites with 2 tablespoons of sugar until you get a firm foam, similar to meringue. Make sure the bowl and whisk are completely clean, otherwise the egg whites will not whip properly.

9. Finalizing the pudding
When the pudding starts to brown, take it out of the oven and add the meringue on top, using a spoon or a piping bag. If you wish, you can create decorative shapes with the meringue. Return to the oven at minimum until the meringue turns golden.

10. Serving
Pasta pudding with cheese and plums is delicious both warm and cold. I suggest serving it with a layer of plum jam on the portion without meringue, for an extra flavor boost. You can also accompany it with a vanilla sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Useful tips
- Make sure the cottage cheese is well-drained to avoid a too-wet pudding.
- If you want to experiment, try replacing the plums with other seasonal fruits, such as apples or peaches.
- You can also add a pinch of cinnamon for a more aromatic flavor.
- If you don’t have vanilla sugar, a drop of vanilla extract can work wonders.

Nutritional information
Each serving of pasta pudding with cheese and plums contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. This recipe provides a good source of protein from the cottage cheese and carbohydrates from the pasta, being a versatile dessert that can satisfy sweet cravings without being overly rich.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other types of cheese?
Of course! Ricotta or goat cheese can offer a different but delicious taste.

- Can I prepare the pudding in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. Bake the meringue before serving.

- How can I customize the recipe?
Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for a crunchy touch or a more intense flavor.

Delicious combinations
This dessert pairs perfectly with a fruit tea or a flavored coffee. Additionally, a glass of sweet wine or prosecco would add an elegant touch to your table.

Enjoy this pasta pudding with cheese and plums, a recipe that brings together tradition and innovation, offering you a special dessert that will impress family and friends. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 400 g pasta (I had penne) 400 g cottage cheese from Lidl 2 eggs 7 tablespoons sugar 2 packets vanilla sugar 400 g plums a little butter for greasing

 Tags:  easter pudding cheese pudding