Appetizers made from cow cheese

Cottage Cheese Appetizers - A Delicious and Healthy Choice for the New Year

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Serving Time: 10 minutes
Number of Servings: 4

Every year, at the beginning of January, we wish to move away from heavy meals and, why not, bring a fresh breath into our diets. These cottage cheese appetizers are not only easy to prepare but also extremely healthy. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and vitamins, and when combined with fresh herbs and flavors, you get a refined appetizer that will impress anyone.

Here’s how to prepare two delicious cottage cheese mixes, perfect for serving on toasted bread, alongside cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil.

Ingredients:
- 500 g cottage cheese
- 4-5 tablespoons of kefir (or yogurt)
- 3-4 green onion stalks, finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 bunch of fresh dill, chopped
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Salt and white pepper, to taste
- 8-10 olives (optional, for garnish)
- 1 red bell pepper, for decoration
- Bread (preferably whole grain or rye) for serving
- Cherry tomatoes, for serving
- Olive oil, for drizzling

Preparation Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Cottage Cheese with Green Onion Mix
1. In a large bowl, add 250 g of cottage cheese.
2. Pour 2-3 tablespoons of kefir over the cheese. This will add a pleasant creaminess and a slightly tangy flavor.
3. Add the finely chopped green onion stalks. The green onion will provide a fresh and crunchy note to the mix.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and sweet paprika to taste. The paprika will add a touch of color and a subtle flavor, while the salt will enhance all the other flavors.
5. Using a fork, mix the ingredients well until you achieve a homogeneous composition.

Step 2: Preparing the Cottage Cheese with Garlic and Dill Mix
1. In another bowl, repeat the process with the remaining 250 g of cottage cheese.
2. Add 2-3 tablespoons of kefir, salt, pepper, and the crushed garlic cloves. The garlic will provide an intense and characterful flavor.
3. Add the chopped dill and mix well, ensuring that all ingredients are well incorporated.

Step 3: Preparing the Bread
1. Slice the chosen bread (preferably whole grain or rye) and toast it in a toaster or in a skillet until golden and crispy.

Step 4: Assembling the Appetizers
1. On each slice of toasted bread, place a generous portion of the cottage cheese with green onion or the one with garlic and dill.
2. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and olives, if using.
3. Drizzle everything with a bit of olive oil for added flavor and a velvety texture.

Serving Suggestions
These cottage cheese appetizers are perfect for serving at a festive meal or as a healthy appetizer for an evening with friends. You can accompany the dish with a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing cocktail, such as a gin and tonic with lemon.

Personal Note
These recipes are extremely versatile! You can experiment with various herbs, such as basil or tarragon, to add a personal touch. You can also replace cottage cheese with feta cheese for a heartier version.

Nutritional Benefits
Cottage cheese is an excellent choice for those looking to maintain their weight, being low in fat and calories (approximately 98 calories per 100 g). It is rich in protein (about 11 g per serving), making it ideal for a healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes, you can use feta cheese or goat cheese for a different taste.

2. What other garnishes can I use?
- You can add olives, bell peppers, or even avocado for a creamy texture.

3. How can I adapt the recipe for vegans?
- Substitute cottage cheese with soft tofu and use soy yogurt instead of kefir.

These cottage cheese appetizers are not only delicious but also a healthy choice, perfect for starting the year off strong. Give them a try and enjoy the fresh flavors and energy they provide!