Cheese dumplings with tomato sauce

Cheese dumplings with tomato sauce

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

When it comes to traditional dishes, cheese dumplings with tomato sauce are an excellent choice, full of flavors and comfort. This dish combines the slightly fluffy texture of the dumplings with a flavorful tomato sauce, creating a delightful culinary experience. Although the recipe has deep roots in culinary traditions, each family adds a personal touch, making it unique.

Ingredients needed

For the dumplings:
- 250 g cheese (preferably fresh)
- 2 large eggs
- 50 g cheese (choose a cheese that melts well)
- 5 tablespoons of flour
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

For the tomato sauce:
- 1 cup homemade tomato juice (or store-bought, but make sure it's of good quality)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin for a more intense flavor)
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
- 4 sprigs of fresh dill (for added flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup of water

Preparation

1. Preparing the dumplings: Start by placing the cheese in a large bowl. Make sure it is well kneaded to achieve a uniform consistency. Add the two eggs and mix well with a spatula or your hands. Incorporate the grated cheese, then season with salt, pepper, and dried basil. Mixing the ingredients can be done by hand to better feel the texture.

2. Adding the flour: Begin to add the flour gradually, mixing after each addition. You will obtain a slightly sticky dough, which is normal for this recipe. Do not add too much flour, as the dumplings will become dense.

3. Boiling the dumplings: Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Place the pot on the heat, and when the water starts to boil, reduce the temperature to medium. Form the dumplings from the dough, making sure they are the size of a walnut. Gently drop them into the boiling water. Let them boil for about 10 minutes or until they rise to the surface.

4. Preparing the tomato sauce: In a pan, add the olive oil and let it heat slightly. Add the tomato juice and a cup of water. Season with salt, pepper, dried basil, and chopped fresh dill. Mix well and let the sauce simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce reduces and becomes more concentrated.

5. Assembling the dish: When the dumplings are ready, remove them with a spatula and place them on a platter. Pour the tomato sauce over the dumplings and serve hot, sprinkled with a little fresh dill for an appealing look and enhanced aroma.

Serving suggestions

To turn this dish into a feast, you can add some slices of melted cheese or grated Parmesan on top. Also, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving will intensify the flavors. These dumplings pair perfectly with a fresh green salad or a tomato salad.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use cottage cheese instead of cheese? Yes, but cheese offers a fluffier texture and a more delicate taste. If you use cottage cheese, make sure it is well-drained.

2. Can I freeze the dumplings? Absolutely! The dumplings can be frozen before being boiled. After shaping them, place them on a tray and let them freeze. Later, you can store them in an airtight container.

3. How can I make the sauce spicier? If you like a sauce with a bit of heat, you can add a little ground chili pepper or chili flakes during the sauce preparation.

Nutritional benefits

Cheese dumplings are an excellent source of protein due to the cheese and eggs. Additionally, cheese is rich in calcium, essential for bone health. The tomato sauce provides an important supply of antioxidants, especially lycopene, which has multiple health benefits.

Possible variations

To bring a touch of innovation to the recipe, you can experiment with various fillings, such as sautéed spinach or mushrooms, added to the cheese mixture. You can also try adding spices like turmeric or sweet paprika to give the dumplings a different flavor.

In conclusion, cheese dumplings with tomato sauce are a simple and delicious recipe, perfect for a family meal or to impress guests. With such a versatile dish, every meal becomes a special occasion. So, dare to experiment and bring your own variations! Enjoy your meal!