Cheese pudding with strawberry sauce

Pasta pudding with cheese and strawberry sauce: a simple and comforting delight

Who doesn’t love a delicious pudding that brings back childhood memories? This pasta pudding recipe with cheese and strawberry sauce is a modern twist on a classic dish that delights our taste buds and offers a unique culinary experience. Let’s embark on this gastronomic adventure step by step!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the pudding:
- 200 g pasta (preferably short types like penne or fusilli)
- A pinch of salt
- 200 g cream cheese
- 200 g grated cheese
- 2 eggs
- 100 g sugar (adjust to taste)
- 100 g raisins
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- 50 g butter (for greasing the dishes and mixing with the pasta)

For the strawberry sauce:
- 250 g fresh strawberries (or frozen if out of season)
- 50 g sugar (or to taste)

Preparation:

1. Start by boiling the pasta in a pot of boiling water with a pinch of salt. Cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8-12 minutes, until al dente. Then drain and mix with 20 g of butter to prevent sticking.

2. Meanwhile, prepare the pudding mixture. In a large bowl, add the cream cheese, grated cheese, eggs, sugar, raisins, and rum essence. Mix well with a spatula or hand mixer until you achieve a smooth mixture. Ensure all ingredients are well integrated.

3. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease small ceramic dishes or a baking dish with the remaining butter, ensuring they are well coated to prevent sticking.

4. Layer a portion of the cooked pasta in the prepared dishes, followed by a layer of the cheese mixture. Continue with another layer of pasta and finish with the remaining cheese cream, making sure to evenly cover the entire surface.

5. Place the dishes in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the pudding is golden and slightly browned on top. It should smell delicious throughout the house!

6. While the pudding is baking, you can prepare the strawberry sauce. Wash the strawberries, remove the stems, and cut them in half or quarters. Place them in a saucepan over low heat with the sugar. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and release their juice. You can let the sauce simmer a bit longer for a thicker consistency or leave the strawberry pieces intact for a more rustic sauce.

7. Once the pudding has cooled slightly, remove it from the oven and serve warm, topped with a generous strawberry sauce. This combination of textures and flavors will turn each serving into a true delight.

Helpful tips:
- If you want to add a touch of freshness, you can add grated lemon zest to the cheese mixture.
- For a healthier version, you can replace the sugar with honey or maple syrup, but be careful to adjust the amount as these are sweeter.
- The pudding can also be made with other types of cheese, such as ricotta or mascarpone, for a different texture and varied flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
This pasta pudding with cheese is a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, while the pasta provides necessary carbohydrates for energy. The strawberries add vitamin C and antioxidants, contributing to a dessert that is not only delicious but also healthy.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Yes, whole wheat pasta is an excellent choice to add more fiber and nutrients.

2. How can I make the pudding less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar and, instead of raisins, you can use fresh fruits or nuts.

3. What other sauces can I use?
Berry sauce, caramel sauce, or a chocolate sauce can be delicious alternatives to accompany the pudding.

Ideal pairings:
This pudding pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm drink, such as fruit tea. Additionally, a glass of semi-dry white wine can perfectly complement a romantic dinner where the pudding is the star.

Variations:
For an exotic experience, you can replace the strawberries with mango or pineapple, and the rum essence with vanilla or orange. These variations will add a tropical note and transform the dessert into a true culinary journey.

This pasta pudding recipe with cheese and strawberry sauce is a wonderful way to experiment in the kitchen, offering a combination of flavors and textures that will impress any guest. I invite you to try it and let your imagination run wild! Enjoy your meal!