Vargabeles

I invite you to discover a delicious and comforting recipe that will take you on the wings of childhood memories. It is a dessert that skillfully combines crumbly dough with a creamy and flavorful filling, and the story of this recipe comes from my aunt, a true master in the art of cooking. This vargabeles recipe is a real treasure, and today I will share with you step by step how to prepare it at home.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients

*For the dough:*
- 350 g all-purpose flour
- 150 g lard (or butter)
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 50 g sour cream

*For the filling:*
- 180 g wide noodles (or your preferred type)
- 100 g raisins
- 2 eggs
- 400 g cottage cheese
- 150 g sugar
- 5 packets of vanilla sugar (about 50 g)
- 50 g powdered sugar with vanilla flavor

Recipe history

This vargabeles recipe is a traditional dessert that has been passed down from generation to generation, bringing joy and warmth to the souls of those who savor it. Its delicate flavors and pleasant texture make it ideal for any occasion, whether it's a family meal or a gathering with friends.

Ingredient details

All-purpose flour is ideal for achieving a soft and crumbly dough, perfect for the layers. Lard provides a unique flavor, but if you prefer a lighter option, butter or margarine are excellent alternatives. Cottage cheese adds a special creaminess to the filling, while the raisins give it a sweet taste and interesting texture.

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the dough: Start by sifting the flour into a large bowl. This will help aerate the flour and make the dough easier to work with. Add the baking powder and mix well. Incorporate the lard cut into cubes and knead with your fingers until you obtain a crumbly mixture.

2. Adding wet ingredients: Now, add the powdered sugar, eggs, and sour cream. Knead the dough until it becomes homogeneous. Divide it into two equal parts and wrap each part in plastic wrap. Leave them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step is essential for obtaining a dough that is easy to roll out.

3. Preparing the filling: In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Once they are ready, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let them drain well.

4. Mixing the cheese: In a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese with the sugar, 2 eggs, vanilla sugar, and raisins (make sure to wash and soak them in warm water beforehand). Mix the composition well until it becomes homogeneous. Add the noodles and mix with a wooden spoon.

5. Adding the egg whites: Beat the egg whites until stiff with a pinch of salt and the two tablespoons of reserved sugar. Gently fold the egg whites into the cheese and noodle mixture, being careful not to deflate them.

6. Assembling the dessert: Preheat the oven to 180°C. On a floured surface, roll out the first layer of dough and place it in a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Pour the cheese and noodle filling and level it evenly. Then, roll out the second layer of dough and place it on top, making a few pricks with a fork to allow steam to escape.

7. Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the dessert turns golden on top. Once done, let it cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.

Serving and combinations

Vargabeles is delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sauce of fresh fruits. Additionally, a cup of aromatic tea or a sweet wine will perfectly complement this dessert.

Possible variations

This recipe is extremely versatile! You can experiment with different types of fillings, such as goat cheese with herbs or even melted chocolate for a decadent taste. Instead of raisins, try using dried cranberries or chopped nuts for a different texture and flavor.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I replace the noodles with something else? Yes! You can use short pasta or even rice, depending on your preferences.

2. Is it possible to make the recipe without eggs? Yes, you can try using egg substitutes or omit the eggs from the filling, although the texture will be slightly different.

3. How can I store the vargabeles? Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a longer duration.

4. How many calories does a serving have? A serving of vargabeles has approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

I hope you try this vargabeles recipe and enjoy every bite! It is a dessert that will not only delight your taste buds but also transport you back in time, bringing together cherished memories and unforgettable moments spent with loved ones. Enjoy your meal!