Cheese pudding with dried goji berries

Cheese pudding with dried goji berries
*A simple, delicious, and nutrient-rich dessert*

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 20-30 minutes
Total time: 30-40 minutes
Number of servings: 6

A short story about cheese pudding
Cheese pudding is a classic dessert, loved in various forms around the world. Over time, this dish has been adapted to different cultures, but its essence remains the same: a creamy, delicious combination that can be enjoyed warm or cold. The addition of dried goji berries not only gives it a modern twist but also adds antioxidants and nutrients, making this dessert a healthy choice.

Ingredients
- 300 g sweet cottage cheese
- 2 tablespoons sugar (you can adjust according to your preferences)
- 1/2 teaspoon almond essence
- 1/2 teaspoon rum essence
- 1 tablespoon semolina
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon dried goji berries (for an extra burst of flavor)

Ingredient details
- Sweet cottage cheese: Choose a fresh, creamy cheese that blends easily. This is the base of the pudding and provides a smooth texture.
- Sugar: You can use white sugar, brown sugar, or even natural sweeteners like honey, depending on your preferences.
- Essences: Almond and rum essences add a subtle aroma and depth of flavor. You can experiment with other essences, such as vanilla.
- Semolina: This helps bind the mixture, giving it a firmer texture.
- Goji berries: These dried fruits not only add a slightly tangy taste but are also very beneficial for health, being high in antioxidants.

Step-by-step instructions
1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients. Make sure the sweet cottage cheese is well-drained of liquid. This step is essential to avoid a pudding that is too wet.
2. Mixing the cheese: In a large bowl, place the sweet cottage cheese and add the two tablespoons of sugar. Use a mixer or a fork to combine them well until you achieve a smooth paste.
3. Adding the essences: Incorporate the almond and rum essences, mixing continuously. The flavors will blend perfectly with the cheese, giving it a refined taste.
4. Including the egg: Crack the egg and add it to the mixture. Continue to mix until everything becomes homogeneous.
5. Adding the semolina: Sprinkle the semolina and mix well to incorporate it. This will help thicken the pudding during baking.
6. Goji berries: Add the dried goji berries to the mixture, gently mixing to distribute them evenly. If desired, you can set some aside to add on top before baking the pudding.
7. Preparing the baking tray: Line a 20x20 cm baking tray with parchment paper. This will help easily remove the pudding after baking.
8. Pouring the mixture: Pour the mixture into the tray and level the surface with a spatula.
9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat) and place the tray inside. Bake the pudding for 20-30 minutes or until it becomes golden and firm to the touch.
10. Cooling: Once baked, let it cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack.
11. Serving: Cut the pudding into squares and serve it either warm or cold, according to your preferences. You can decorate it with some goji berries or a fresh fruit sauce for an extra splash of color and flavor.

Practical tips
- Vegan version: You can replace the cottage cheese with a mixture of silken tofu and plant-based yogurt and the egg with a mixture of one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2 tablespoons of water (to create a vegan egg).
- Adding flavors: Try adding a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg for a more complex taste.
- Serving: This pudding pairs perfectly with a scoop of Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream.
- Fresh fruits: If you want to add a touch of freshness, serve the pudding with a mix of fresh fruits, such as raspberries or strawberries.
- Storage: The pudding keeps in the fridge for 3-4 days, so you can prepare it in advance to enjoy later.

Nutritional benefits
This pudding is an excellent source of protein due to the cottage cheese, while the goji berries provide a high amount of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, the semolina offers complex carbohydrates, which are essential for long-lasting energy.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with ricotta or mascarpone cheese, but make sure the textures are compatible to achieve a similar result.
2. How can I make the pudding less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar or use natural sweeteners, such as stevia or erythritol.
3. Can I add other fruits?
Sure! You can replace goji berries with raisins, dried cranberries, or even chocolate chips for a decadent taste.

Enjoy this simple recipe for cheese pudding with dried goji berries, which will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of health to your diet. It's perfect for a quick dessert but also for impressing guests!