Alivanca

Delicious Savory Alivanca Recipe - a Traditional Cheese Dish

If you are looking for a quick and tasty recipe that perfectly complements a steak, you have come to the right place! Alivanca is a popular dish that combines cow cheese with sheep cheese in a delicious mix, infused with the natural flavors of the ingredients. This savory version is easy to prepare and can quickly become a star on your table, regardless of the occasion.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Your ingredients are as follows:
- 300 g cow cheese
- 100 g sheep cheese
- 3 eggs (separate the yolks from the whites)
- 50 g sour cream
- 60 g cornmeal
- 30 g white flour
- 40 g soft butter (plus extra for greasing the dish)
- a pinch of salt

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. It is important for the cheese to be fresh to achieve the richest flavor. If you do not have sheep cheese, you can use only cow cheese, but the flavor will be different. The cornmeal adds a special texture, so do not skip it!

Step 2: Mixing the cheeses
In a large bowl, combine the cow cheese and sheep cheese. Use a fork to mash and mix them well.

Step 3: Adding the wet ingredients
Add the egg yolks, sour cream, and soft butter to the bowl with the cheese. Mix everything with a mixer or a wooden spoon until you achieve a smooth and creamy mixture.

Step 4: Incorporating the dry ingredients
Sprinkle the cornmeal and flour over the cheese mixture. Use a spatula or spoon to combine the ingredients, being careful not to form lumps.

Step 5: Beating the egg whites
In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they become frothy and reach a firm consistency. This step is essential to give the alivanca an airy texture.

Step 6: Combining the mixtures
Using a spatula, gently fold the egg whites into the cheese mixture. It is important to do this gently to avoid losing the air from the egg whites.

Step 7: Preparing the baking dish
Grease a heat-resistant dish with butter, ensuring a generous thickness to prevent sticking. You can use a dish with a diameter of 20 cm and a small one for individual portions.

Step 8: Baking
Pour the mixture into the greased dish, leveling the surface well. Place the dish in the preheated oven at 180°C and let it bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the alivanca has a golden crust on top. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 20 minutes to avoid letting the warm air escape.

Step 9: Cooling and serving
When ready, remove the alivanca from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. This will allow it to stabilize a bit, making it easier to cut. Serve it warm, alongside a spoonful of sour cream, which will add a creaminess and freshness to each portion.

Serving suggestions and variations
Alivanca can be served as an appetizer or as a side dish with meat. You can also experiment by adding herbs like dill or parsley to the cheese mixture for an extra flavor boost. If you prefer a slightly spicier version, you can add a few thin slices of chili pepper.

Calories and nutritional benefits
A serving of alivanca has approximately 220-250 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, while the cornmeal adds complex carbohydrates. Sheep cheese is rich in calcium, essential for bone health.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use soy cheese instead of cow cheese?
Yes, but the taste will be different. Cow cheese provides a unique creamy texture.

2. Can I add vegetables to the mixture?
Absolutely! Spinach or zucchini are excellent options to diversify the recipe.

3. How can I store alivanca?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave.

Enjoy this easy and delicious savory alivanca recipe! I encourage you to experiment and find the combination you like best. Perhaps a glass of white wine or fresh lemonade would perfectly complement the meal. Bon appétit!