Pancakes with cottage cheese and dill

Delicious pancakes with cheese and dill filling: A simple and comforting recipe

Who can resist a warm plate of pancakes? This recipe for pancakes filled with cheese and dill is a true delight, combining the fluffy texture of the pancakes with a creamy and flavorful filling. It is a dish that evokes family meals, moments spent around the table, and the simple joys of life. Moreover, it is a versatile recipe, perfect for a weekend brunch, a dessert, or even a comforting lunch.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients for pancakes:
- 1 liter of fresh milk
- 500 g of flour
- 1 egg
- a pinch of salt
- 1-2 tablespoons of sugar
- grated zest of a lemon or lime

Ingredients for the filling:
- 500 g of fresh cheese (or cottage cheese, if preferred)
- 2 eggs
- 3 large tablespoons of sour cream
- 4 tablespoons of sugar (or more, depending on preferences)
- a small bunch of fresh chopped dill

Ingredients for the egg foam:
- 2-3 eggs
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of milk
- 2 tablespoons of soft butter (for greasing)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the filling:
We start with the filling, as it will need some time to take on flavor. In a bowl, mash the cheese with a fork until it becomes a smooth paste. Add the two eggs, sugar, sour cream, and chopped fresh dill. Mix well, ensuring all ingredients are integrated. The fresh taste of dill will provide a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the sugar, creating a delicious filling.

2. Preparing the pancake batter:
In another large bowl, add the milk, a pinch of salt, sugar, and lemon zest. Using a whisk, mix vigorously until the egg is fully incorporated. This step is essential to achieve a smooth batter without lumps. Then, gradually add the flour, continuing to mix with the whisk. A good technique is to start with a few tablespoons of flour, mixing, and then add the rest to avoid lumps.

3. Cooking the pancakes:
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a little oil or butter. For each pancake, pour a ladle of batter, spreading it evenly in the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the pancakes turn golden. Place them on a platter and continue with the remaining batter. This step may seem simple, but perfect pancakes have a soft texture and an even color.

4. Filling the pancakes:
Once you have finished cooking the pancakes, take each pancake and fill it with the cheese mixture. Roll them carefully and place them in a greased baking dish. This step is essential to prevent the pancakes from sticking to the dish and to give them a rich flavor.

5. Preparing the egg foam:
In a bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with 2 tablespoons of sugar until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, cream the yolks with 2 tablespoons of sugar and one tablespoon of milk until they become a light-colored cream. Gently fold in the beaten egg whites, mixing carefully with a spatula to avoid losing volume. This foam will add a light texture to the pancakes and create a pleasant contrast.

6. Final baking:
Over the pancakes in the dish, add a tablespoon of soft butter, then pour the egg foam on top. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and bake the pancakes for 15 minutes. In the last 10 minutes, check if the foam is turning slightly golden. This will give a crispy note to the dish.

7. Serving:
Once the pancakes are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm, with a spoonful of sour cream on top or with a portion of Greek yogurt. You can also add a drizzle of honey or a fruit sauce for extra flavor.

Useful tips for a perfect result:
- Make sure the milk is at room temperature before adding it to the batter for a smoother texture.
- If you want to experiment, try adding some pieces of fresh or dried fruit to the filling, such as raisins or cherries.
- You can replace the dill with other fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a different variation.
- The pancakes can be frozen between layers of parchment paper and reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick and delicious breakfast.

Nutritional benefits:
These pancakes are an excellent source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, and dill adds beneficial vitamins and minerals. By using sour cream and olive oil, you add a note of healthy fats that help with nutrient absorption.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I replace the cheese with another type of cheese?
Yes, you can use cottage cheese or even ricotta, depending on your preferences.
- How can I make the pancakes less caloric?
Replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt and reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.
- Can I make the pancakes gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour to achieve a similar batter.

These pancakes with cheese and dill filling are more than just a simple dish; they are a culinary experience that brings together flavors and memories! Enjoy them with your loved ones and savor every bite!