Rice and walnut cake

Rice and walnut cake is a simple dessert with a sophisticated taste that combines creamy and crunchy textures in perfect harmony. It is a recipe that can evoke a touch of nostalgia, reminding us of moments spent around the table with loved ones. This cake is not just a delicious choice for a snack, but also an excellent way to make use of simple pantry ingredients.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients
- 350 g cottage cheese (ideally well-drained to avoid excess liquid)
- 7 eggs (at room temperature for better incorporation)
- 10 tablespoons sugar (you can adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar (for a fragrant taste, you can also use vanilla extract)
- 10 tablespoons oil (use sunflower or canola oil for a neutral taste)
- 450 g flour (sifted for a finer texture)
- 1 packet baking powder (make sure it is fresh)
- 500 ml milk (you can use whole milk for a richer flavor)
- 150 g rice (long-grain rice is ideal)
- 150 g walnuts (finely chopped to add a crunchy note)

Preparation

1. Cooking the rice: Start by cooking the rice. Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch, then add it to a pot with 500 ml of milk. Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice absorbs the milk and becomes soft, about 15-20 minutes. Finally, add 3 tablespoons of sugar and the vanilla sugar, mixing well. Let it cool.

2. Preparing the cheese mixture: In a large bowl, mix the cottage cheese with 3 eggs, 10 tablespoons of sugar, oil, flour, baking powder, and 5 tablespoons of milk. Use a mixer or spatula to achieve a smooth and homogeneous batter. Ensure there are no lumps of cheese.

3. Preparing the rice: After the rice has cooled, add the 4 egg yolks, finely chopped walnuts, and the egg whites beaten with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Gently mix to avoid losing the air from the egg whites, which will help the cake be fluffy.

4. Assembling the cake: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease a baking dish with butter and dust it with flour. Pour the cheese batter into the dish, smoothing it out. Then, add the rice and walnut mixture on top, spreading it evenly.

5. Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the cake for about 40 minutes, or until the surface turns golden and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the dish before cutting.

Serving and suggestions
Serve this cake as a dessert after a hearty meal or enjoy it alongside a cup of fragrant tea or coffee. You can add a drizzle of honey or a berry sauce to enhance the flavors. Additionally, vanilla ice cream can turn this dessert into a true delicacy!

Calories and nutritional benefits
This cake contains approximately 250 calories per serving, being a good source of protein due to the cottage cheese and eggs. The walnuts add healthy fats and essential nutrients, while the rice provides complex carbohydrates, ensuring long-term energy.

Possible variations
If you want to experiment, you can add raisins or other dried fruits to the rice mixture. An interesting variation would be to replace the walnuts with almonds or hazelnuts, thus offering a variety of textures and flavors.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use another type of cheese?
Yes, you can try ricotta cheese or goat cheese for a distinct flavor.

- Can the cake be stored?
Yes, it keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can warm it slightly before serving to restore its fluffy texture.

Final notes
Rice and walnut cake is not just a dessert, but a story of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. Whether you prepare it for a family gathering or simply to indulge your taste buds, it will surely be a success. Enjoy!