Sweets with sweet cheese

Semolina Pudding with Sweet Cheese - a Delicious and Comforting Recipe

A simple yet flavorful dessert, semolina pudding with sweet cheese is a recipe that evokes family meals and moments spent around the table. The origins of this recipe are deeply rooted in culinary traditions, making it a popular choice due to its simplicity and comforting taste. In this guide, we will explore each step of preparing this pudding, adding tips and variations to achieve the perfect result.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 8

Ingredients needed:
- 1 liter of whole milk
- 200 grams of semolina
- 50 grams of butter
- 500 grams of cottage cheese (ideally well-drained)
- 4 eggs
- 50 grams of flour
- Zest from one medium lemon
- 120 grams of raw sugar (or to taste)
- 100 grams of sour cream (one container)
- Powdered sugar for decoration
- Blackberry jam for serving (optional, but recommended)

Step 1: Preparing the semolina
We start by bringing the milk to a boil in a large pot over medium heat. It's important to stir constantly to prevent lumps from forming when adding the semolina. Once the milk starts to boil, we pour in the semolina in a steady stream, stirring vigorously with a wooden spatula. We continue to stir for about 15 minutes until the semolina thickens and becomes creamy. Near the end of this step, we add 3 tablespoons of sugar to give it a pleasant sweetness. It's essential not to let the semolina stick to the bottom of the pot, so we must keep stirring.

Step 2: Preparing the cheese mixture
In a large bowl, we add the cottage cheese, remaining sugar, eggs, and sour cream. We use a whisk or mixer to combine the ingredients. We mix well until we achieve a smooth consistency. Then, we add the melted butter and flour, mixing again until there are no lumps. The lemon zest is a secret ingredient that will add a fresh and invigorating flavor. Feel free to taste the mixture to adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Step 3: Assembling the pudding
We preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. In a heatproof dish, we grease the bottom and sides with butter to prevent sticking. We evenly pour the prepared semolina into the dish, leveling it with the spatula. On top of this layer, we carefully add the cheese mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed. This layer will create a creamy and delicious texture.

Step 4: Baking
We place the dish in the oven and let it bake for about 40 minutes. The pudding is ready when the surface turns golden and firm. It's important not to open the oven in the first 30 minutes to allow the pudding to rise properly. After the baking time is up, we turn off the oven and leave the dish inside for another 15 minutes, which will help stabilize the pudding.

Step 5: Serving
Once we take the pudding out of the oven, we let it cool slightly. We dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look and serve it with blackberry jam on top. This not only adds a pleasant contrast of flavors but also a splash of color to the dessert. The pudding can be enjoyed warm or cold, and each slice is equally delicious.

Tips and variations:
- If you want a healthier version, you can replace some of the sugar with natural sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, such as ricotta or goat cheese, for a unique flavor.
- You can add raisins or pieces of dried fruit to the cheese mixture for a touch of freshness.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use skim milk?
- It is recommended to use whole milk for a creamier texture, but skim milk will work. You will get a less rich pudding.

2. How can I store the pudding?
- The pudding keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.

3. Can I add chocolate?
- Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips to the cheese mixture for a decadent touch.

Nutrition:
This semolina pudding with sweet cheese is an excellent source of protein due to the cheese and eggs. The semolina provides carbohydrates, offering long-lasting energy. Each serving contains approximately 250 calories, but this number may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Enjoy every bite of this semolina pudding with sweet cheese, a dessert that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Whether served at a family meal or as a personal treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!

 Ingredients: 1 l milk, 200 g semolina, 50 g butter, 500 g cottage cheese, 4 eggs, 50 g flour, lemon zest, 120 g raw sugar, 1 small box of sour cream (about 100 g), powdered sugar, blackberry jam.