Carrot roll with cream cheese

Carrot Roll with Cream Cheese – a Quick and Tasty Appetizer

Who doesn't love an appetizer that delights both the eyes and the taste buds? The carrot roll with cream cheese is exactly that delicacy that turns any meal into a feast. With a fluffy base, similar to that of an éclair, and a refined cream cheese filling, this appetizer is not only a healthy choice but also an explosion of colors and flavors. Here’s how you can prepare it step by step to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation Time:
- Active time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

For the base:
- 3 medium carrots (approximately 300 g)
- 2 eggs
- 5 tablespoons natural yogurt
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- A pinch of baking powder
- 300 g flour
- 100 ml vegetable oil
- 150 ml sweet milk

For the cream cheese:
- 300 g cottage cheese
- 150 g cow's telemea cheese
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 3 tablespoons thick sour cream
- Salt to taste

Necessary Utensils:
- Blender or food processor
- Baking tray (approximately 30x40 cm)
- Baking paper
- Kitchen towel
- Spatula
- Mixing bowl

A Brief Story about the Recipe

Rolls have a rich history in culinary culture, being appreciated as festive appetizers or quick snacks. This recipe combines the soft texture of the base with the creaminess of the cheese, creating a memorable culinary experience. The origins of rolls are often associated with the use of seasonal ingredients, and carrots are perfect for adding both sweetness and vibrant color.

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by peeling the carrots and cutting them into smaller pieces. This will help the blender process them more easily. Make sure you have all the ingredients ready at hand.

2. Preparing the base: In a bowl, add the chopped carrots and mix them with the eggs, yogurt, oil, and milk until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. You can use a blender or a whisk, depending on your preference. Add the salt, baking powder, and gradually the flour, mixing well to avoid lumps.

3. Baking the base: Line the baking tray with baking paper and pour the mixture evenly. Use a spatula to spread it well. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes. Check if it’s done using the toothpick method – if it comes out clean, the base is perfect.

4. Cooling the base: After baking, take it out of the oven and carefully lift it from the tray using the baking paper. Place it on a damp kitchen towel and let it cool for a minute. This step will help the base cool evenly and prevent it from cracking when you roll it.

5. Rolling the base: After a minute, roll the base using the towel, being careful not to break it. Gently remove the baking paper and let it cool completely.

6. Preparing the cream cheese: In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the crumbled telemea cheese, sour cream, and finely chopped dill. Add salt to taste. Ensure that the cream is well blended and has a creamy consistency.

7. Assembling the roll: Once the base has cooled completely, place it back on the damp towel and spread the cream cheese evenly, leaving a little space at the edges to prevent spilling. Carefully roll the base using the towel to help it roll tightly.

8. Cooling the roll: Wrap the roll in cling film and place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This step will allow the flavors to meld and the roll to firm up, making it easier to slice.

Serving:

After the roll has chilled, take it out of the refrigerator and cut it into slices of about 2 cm. You can serve it with cherry tomatoes, olives, green onions, or green garlic for an extra freshness. This combination will not only look great but will also perfectly complement the taste of the roll.

Delicious Variations:

- With beetroot: Replace the carrots with boiled beetroot for a more colorful and sweeter variant.
- With bell peppers: Add finely chopped colored bell peppers to the cream cheese for added texture and color.
- Smoked salmon: If you want to add a sophisticated touch, you can incorporate smoked salmon into the cream cheese.

Useful Tips:

- Make sure the base is completely cooled before rolling it to avoid cracking.
- Use a clean, damp towel to help the base roll more easily.
- You can replace the yogurt with a lower-fat sour cream if you prefer.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:

This roll is a healthy choice, rich in fiber due to the carrots and containing protein from the cheese. A serving can have around 150-180 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which contributes to eye health, while cheese provides essential calcium and proteins.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use other vegetables?
Yes, you can replace the carrots with other vegetables such as zucchini or courgettes, and the taste will change, but it will still be just as delicious.

2. How can I store the roll?
The roll can be kept in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days.

3. Can you help me make it lower in calories?
You can reduce the amount of oil or use low-fat yogurt to make the recipe lighter.

This carrot roll with cream cheese is perfect for any occasion, from parties to family meals. Enjoy!