Savory herb cake with cheese foam and pistachios

Herb Cake with Cheese Foam and Pistachios

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 60-70 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Discover a delicious and elegant appetizer cake recipe, perfect for impressing your guests on any special occasion. This cake with herbs, cheese, and pistachios is not only tasty but also colorful and textured, making it ideal to serve alongside a selection of cold appetizers.

A Brief History

Appetizer cakes have become popular in kitchens around the world, being the savory counterpart to traditional desserts. These dishes are versatile and can be adapted based on available ingredients, making them ideal for serving at parties, brunches, or informal dinners. In our recipe, the mix of cheese and pistachios transforms the cake into a delicacy, adding a touch of elegance to your table.

Ingredients

For the cake:
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 50 g raw pistachios
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup flour (approximately 150 g)
- 1 pinch baking powder
- 1 bunch of fresh chard (or other greens like spinach or wild garlic)

For the cheese foam:
- 300 g sour cream (fermented)
- 200 g cottage cheese (country style)
- 2 tablespoons mascarpone
- Salt (to taste)
- 50 g roasted pistachios (for decoration)
- Lemon pepper (for flavor)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the baking pan: Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Choose a smaller loaf pan, lining it with baking paper to ensure the final product comes out easily.

2. Preparing the cake mixture: Use a mixer to beat the softened butter with the salt until it becomes a light foam. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to achieve a homogeneous mixture.

3. Adding the greens: Wash the chard and puree it finely in a blender, along with the raw pistachios and olive oil. Add a pinch of salt, then incorporate this mixture into the butter and egg mixture. Ensure everything is well homogenized.

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Sift the flour together with the baking powder, then gradually add it to the wet mixture. Gently mix using a spatula until you obtain a uniform mixture.

5. Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and gently tap on the counter to remove air bubbles. Then, place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Preparing the cheese foam: While the cake cools, mix the cottage cheese with a pinch of salt and mascarpone. In another bowl, whip the sour cream with a mixer until it becomes fluffy, similar to unsweetened whipped cream. Carefully fold the cheese mixture into the whipped cream.

7. Assembly: Once the cake has completely cooled, spread a generous layer of cheese foam on top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for half an hour to allow the flavors to meld.

8. Preparing the pistachios: Moisten the roasted pistachios and roll them in salt. Place them in the preheated oven for a few minutes to lightly toast, then let them cool. Coarsely chop for decoration.

9. Serving: Remove the cake from the fridge, garnish with the toasted pistachios, and sprinkle a little lemon pepper for added flavor. You can also add vegetable jelly (beet or carrot) for an attractive color contrast.

Tips and Practical Advice

- If you prefer a lighter version, you can replace the cottage cheese with ricotta, which will provide a similar creamy texture.
- Experiment with different herbs instead of chard, such as dill or basil, to completely change the flavor profile of the cake.
- Serve the cake alongside a dry white wine or mint lemonade to complement the savory flavors of the appetizer.
- If you want to turn it into a more complex appetizer, add cubes of ham or smoked salmon to the cake mixture.
- This appetizer cake can be made a day in advance of the event, making it perfect for party planning.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This recipe contains approximately 250 calories per serving (depending on serving size and ingredients used), making it a savory yet balanced option. The cottage cheese and sour cream provide a good source of calcium and protein, while the pistachios offer healthy fats and fiber. The greens add essential vitamins and minerals, making this cake not only tasty but also nutritious.

This herb cake with cheese foam and pistachios is more than just a simple recipe – it’s a culinary experience you can share with loved ones. Whether you choose to serve it at a festive meal or simply indulge yourself, it is guaranteed to become a family favorite!