Cheese and raisin triangles, fried

Cheese and Raisin Triangles - a delicious and comforting recipe

If you're looking for a quick dessert that combines the flavor of cottage cheese with the sweetness of raisins, and frying them gives a crunchy texture, you've come to the right place. Cheese and raisin triangles are a classic dish that brings together childhood memories and moments of culinary indulgence. Let's begin our culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 12 triangles

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g white flour
- 25 g fresh yeast (about one cube)
- 250 ml warm borscht
- 100 ml oil (sunflower or olive)
- 1 teaspoon salt

For the filling:
- 500 g fresh cottage cheese (you can also use well-drained cottage cheese)
- 200 g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 75 g raisins (you can use golden raisins for a milder taste)
- Grated zest of one lemon (for a fresh aroma)

For frying:
- Oil (enough to cover the bottom of the pan)

For decoration:
- Vanilla sugar (or powdered sugar)

Step-by-step preparation

1. Sifting the flour: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This step is essential as aerating the flour will make the dough fluffier.

2. Activating the yeast: Make a well in the center of the flour and add the fresh yeast, dissolved in half of the warm borscht. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes until the yeast starts to bubble. You will smell the pleasant aroma of the activating yeast.

3. Forming the dough: Once the yeast has risen, add the remaining borscht, oil, and salt. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to mix well until the ingredients combine. Then, knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth.

4. Proofing the dough: Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise for 30 minutes in a warm place. You will notice it doubling in volume.

5. Preparing the filling: In a separate bowl, mix the cottage cheese with sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and raisins. Use a fork or a hand mixer to achieve a homogeneous mixture.

6. Forming the triangles: After the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface. Roll it out with a rolling pin to about 0.5 cm thick. Cut the sheet into 3 strips lengthwise.

7. Filling and wrapping: On the corner of each strip, place a generous tablespoon of the cheese filling. Fold the dough to form a triangle and continue wrapping until the end. Make sure the edges are well sealed so that the filling does not leak during frying.

8. Frying the triangles: Heat the oil in a deep pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the triangles, two or three at a time, to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.

9. Finishing the dish: Remove the fried triangles with a spatula and place them on an absorbent towel to remove excess oil. Sprinkle vanilla sugar on top for a sweet and aromatic finish.

10. Serving: Serve the triangles warm, especially alongside a berry sauce or a scoop of sweet cream. They can also be enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack.

Suggestions and variations:
- You can add chopped nuts or almonds to the filling for extra crunch.
- If you like more intense flavors, try adding a few drops of vanilla essence to the filling.
- For a healthier version, you can replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour.

Nutritional benefits:
These triangles are an excellent source of protein due to the cottage cheese and eggs. Raisins add a good dose of antioxidants and fiber, while the flour provides the necessary carbohydrates for energy. Although fried, they can be enjoyed in moderation, being a better choice compared to other desserts high in sugar and fats.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use store-bought cottage cheese? Yes, make sure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
2. Can I freeze the fried triangles? Yes, you can freeze them and reheat them in the oven to bring them back to life.
3. What drink pairs best with the triangles? A cup of hot tea or a glass of fresh milk are ideal alongside these desserts.

I hope this recipe inspires you to try it! Don't forget to share your culinary experience with friends and family, and may every bite be an explosion of flavor and nostalgia! Enjoy!