Cottage cheese pie

Cottage Cheese Pie – A Simple, Delicious, and Flavorful Delight

When it comes to quick and tasty desserts, cottage cheese pie is an excellent choice. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also very economical, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you want to impress your guests or simply indulge in a sweet treat, this cottage cheese pie is sure to become a favorite.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients:

For the crust:
- 130 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 cup sugar (approximately 200 g)
- 1.5 cups flour (approximately 250 g)
- 1 packet of baking powder

For the filling:
- 250 g cottage cheese
- 0.5 cup sour cream (approximately 125 g)
- 2 eggs (separate yolks from whites)
- 1/2 cup sugar (approximately 100 g)

A Touch of History:

Cheese pies have been made throughout history in various cultures, symbolizing comfort and prosperity. Cottage cheese, a key ingredient in this recipe, is versatile and healthy, packed with protein and calcium. This pie, with its crumbly crust and creamy filling, beautifully blends tradition with innovation, making it an excellent choice for everyday desserts or special occasions.

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the crust:
- In a large bowl, place the butter at room temperature and mix it with 1 cup of sugar. Use a spatula or mixer to achieve a smooth and creamy mixture. This will be the delicious base of your pie.
- Add the flour and baking powder. Knead the ingredients with your hands until you obtain a crumbly dough. Don’t worry if it doesn’t become a smooth dough; the crumbly texture is essential for a perfect crust.

2. Preparing the filling:
- In another bowl, combine the cottage cheese with the egg yolks and 1/2 cup of sugar. Mix well until all ingredients are blended. The cottage cheese adds a slightly tangy note that perfectly contrasts with the sweetness of the sugar.
- Add the sour cream and mix again to achieve a creamy consistency.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually fold them into the cottage cheese mixture using a spatula, being careful to maintain the airiness of the egg whites for a fluffy filling.

3. Assembling the pie:
- Preheat the oven to 180 °C. Grease a baking dish with butter and dust with flour.
- Divide the crumbly dough into three equal parts. Place 1/3 of the dough in the prepared dish and gently press it with your fingers to form an even base.
- Pour the cottage cheese mixture over the crust, spreading it evenly.
- Grate the remaining dough over the filling to create a crispy topping.

4. Baking:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the pie for about 50 minutes or until it turns golden and nicely browned. A useful trick is to check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the pie is ready!

5. Cooling and serving:
- Once baked, let the pie cool in the dish for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack.
- Serve the pie warm or at room temperature, dusted with a little powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can pair it with a dollop of sour cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect dessert!

Interesting Variations:
- Add raisins or dried cranberries to the cottage cheese filling for an extra burst of flavor.
- Grate lemon or orange zest into the cottage cheese for a fresh citrus flavor.
- Substitute cottage cheese with ricotta for a different texture and taste.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What can I do if I don’t have cottage cheese?
- You can use ricotta or mascarpone as alternatives, but the taste will be slightly different.

2. How can I store the pie?
- The pie keeps well in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 3 days.

3. Is it suitable for vegans?
- This recipe is not vegan, but you can experiment with plant-based cheeses and flax eggs to create a vegan version.

Nutritional Benefits:
Cottage cheese pie is a good source of protein, thanks to the cottage cheese and eggs. The sour cream adds creaminess, while the sugar and flour provide quick energy. It’s a dessert that, when consumed in moderation, can be part of a balanced lifestyle.

Now that you have all the necessary details, all that’s left is to start cooking. The cottage cheese pie will fill your home with delicious aromas and bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Happy cooking!