Pasta pudding with cheese and caramelized apples

Easter Pasta Pudding with Cheese and Caramelized Apples: A Comforting Delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Welcome to the world of culinary delights! Today, I will share with you a recipe for pasta pudding with cheese and caramelized apples, a dessert that perfectly combines the sweet taste of apples with the creaminess of cottage cheese, all on a bed of fine pasta. This recipe is not only simple but also full of nostalgia, evoking childhood memories where every meal was a celebration. Get ready to delight the taste buds of your loved ones!

Ingredients

For the pudding:
- 1 liter of milk
- 225 g stelline pasta (or any other small pasta you prefer)
- 1/2 vial of vanilla essence
- 2 eggs
- 75 g sugar
- 250 g cottage cheese
- Zest of one lemon

For the caramelized apples:
- 5 tablespoons of sugar
- 4 apples (preferably sweet-sour apples like Granny Smith)
- Cinnamon (to taste)
- 2-3 tablespoons of apricot jam (or other preferred jam)

Detailed Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the pasta

1. In a large pot, bring the milk to a boil with a pinch of salt. This addition will help enhance the flavors.
2. When the milk begins to boil, add the pasta. Cook the pasta for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the pasta is al dente, turn off the heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Flavoring

1. After the pasta has cooled, add the sugar, vanilla essence, and lemon zest. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. The lemon will add a fresh taste and balance the sweetness.

Step 3: Preparing the caramel

1. In a frying pan, add the 5 tablespoons of sugar and let it caramelize over medium heat. Do not stir the sugar; instead, tilt the pan to help distribute the heat evenly. When the sugar turns golden, quickly pour it into the prepared pudding dish, covering the bottom evenly.

Step 4: Preparing the apples

1. Peel the apples and slice them thinly. Arrange the apple slices over the caramel in the dish, making sure to cover the entire surface. Sprinkle cinnamon over the apples to add extra flavor.

Step 5: Combining the ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the flavored pasta. Add the two eggs and mix well until all ingredients are fully integrated.

Step 6: Assembling the pudding

1. Pour the pasta and cheese mixture over the apples in the dish, making sure it is evenly distributed. On top, add the apricot jam to prevent the pasta from drying out during baking. This addition will not only keep it moist but will also add a delicious flavor.

Step 7: Baking

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Place the pudding dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the pudding is golden and firm to the touch.

Step 8: Serving

1. Once the pudding is ready, let it cool slightly in the dish to set properly. Then, carefully invert it onto a plate. If you have patience, let it cool completely before cutting, but it is just as delicious warm!

Serving Suggestions

For an extra burst of flavor, serve the pudding with a blackberry syrup or vanilla ice cream on the side. This combination will transform the dessert into a unique and refined experience.

Practical Tips

- Types of pasta: Stelline pasta is excellent for this dessert, but you can also experiment with other small pasta types like orzo or macaroni.
- Cottage cheese: Make sure to use fresh cottage cheese for better flavor. If desired, you can substitute cottage cheese with ricotta or goat cheese for a more intense taste.
- Caramel: Be careful with the caramel, as it can burn quickly. If you're not familiar with the caramelization process, it's better to start with a smaller amount of sugar to master the technique.

Nutritional Information

This pasta pudding contains approximately 350 calories per serving, being a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs. The apples add fiber and essential vitamins, while the milk contributes calcium.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole grain pasta?
Yes, whole grain pasta is an excellent choice, adding fiber and extra nutrients.

2. How can I make the pudding vegan?
You can substitute the milk with almond or soy milk, cottage cheese with soft tofu, and the eggs with a mixture of flaxseeds and water.

3. What other fruits can I use?
Instead of apples, you can use pears or peaches, and the flavors will be just as delicious.

4. How can I store the pudding?
The pudding stores well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Make sure to cover it to prevent drying out.

This pasta pudding with cheese and caramelized apples is not only a simple recipe but will also bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Experiment, adapt, and transform the recipe to your preferences – cooking is an art that improves through creativity!