Cottage cheese and orange tart

Cheese and Orange Tart - a sweet and fresh indulgence

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 80 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Welcome to the world of sweet delights! Today, I will entice you with a recipe that combines the fine texture of cottage cheese with the vibrant flavors of oranges, resulting in a tart that not only sweetens your soul but also offers a splash of fresh energy. The cheese and orange tart is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family dinner, a picnic on the green grass, or simply a relaxing afternoon with loved ones.

History and Inspiration

Cheese tart recipes have a long history, often prepared in various cultures as a way to make the most of dairy products and fresh fruits. Combining cottage cheese with citrus fruits, such as oranges, brings not only a delicate taste but also a note of freshness that makes each slice a true explosion of flavors.

Let's start our culinary journey!

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 250 g flour (we recommend Pambac for a perfect result)
- 125 g butter, at room temperature
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- vanilla essence
- a pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 5 oranges (you will need the juice and zest)
- 200 g sugar
- 4 eggs
- 250 g fresh cottage cheese
- zest of one lemon
- mint essence
- vanilla essence
- 3 teaspoons semolina

Preparation

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the two egg yolks and sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them until the mixture becomes creamy and light in color. This is when the sugar will dissolve and add an airy texture.

2. Incorporating the dry ingredients: Add the softened butter, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix everything with a spatula or with the mixer on low speed until the ingredients are well combined. This step is essential for achieving a uniform and tasty dough.

3. Adding the egg whites: Separately, beat the two egg whites until you achieve a firm foam. This is the secret to a fluffy dough, so don’t skip this step! Once the egg whites are ready, carefully fold them into the dough mixture using a spatula to maintain the air in the foam.

4. Chilling the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step will help firm up the butter and make the dough easier to roll out.

5. Preparing the filling: In another bowl, add the cottage cheese, the four eggs, lemon zest, mint essence, vanilla essence, and sugar. Mix well with a mixer or spatula until you achieve a smooth composition. Make sure the cottage cheese is fresh and creamy for a delicious filling.

6. Preparing the oranges: Peel the oranges and slice them thinly. You can also use organic oranges to add an extra touch of natural flavor.

7. Assembling the tart: Preheat the oven to 180°C. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1 cm thick. Transfer it to a tart pan, making sure to cover the edges as well. Sprinkle the semolina evenly on the bottom of the tart; this will absorb moisture from the filling.

8. Adding the filling: Pour the cottage cheese mixture into the pan, then arrange the orange slices on top in a ray-like pattern. This will not only look spectacular but will also add a delicious taste.

9. Baking: Place the tart in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes or until the tart becomes golden and firm to the touch. A trick to check if it’s done is to insert a toothpick in the middle; if it comes out clean, the tart is perfectly baked.

10. Cooling and serving: After removing the tart from the oven, let it cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut it into slices and enjoy it plain or with a drizzle of whipped cream.

Useful tips:

- For an even more intense flavor, try adding a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cheese filling.
- Use fresh cottage cheese, as it provides a better texture and a more pleasant taste.
- You can replace oranges with other citrus fruits, such as grapefruit or lemons, for a more tangy version.
- Serve the tart alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce for a truly decadent dessert.

Nutritional information:

The cheese and orange tart is a lighter choice compared to other desserts due to the cottage cheese, which brings protein and calcium. Additionally, oranges are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy immune system. A slice of tart has approximately 250 calories, but the nutritional value may vary depending on the chosen ingredients.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use store-bought cottage cheese?
Yes, but make sure to choose a low-fat cottage cheese for a healthier option.

2. How can I store the tart?
The tart can be stored in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 3 days.

3. Is it possible to freeze the tart?
It is recommended to freeze only the unbaked tart, and after thawing, bake it. The baked tart may crumble during freezing.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to embark on this culinary adventure. The cheese and orange tart awaits you to discover it! Enjoy!