Dumplings or vareniki with cottage cheese

Cheese Dumplings: The Perfect Delight for Any Meal

In the culinary world, cheese dumplings are a true treasure, maintaining their charm over time. These little treats filled with cheese are not only a delicious choice but also a way to bring family and friends together around the table. In this recipe, I will share with you the secrets to making perfect dumplings, with a fine dough and a savory filling.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 1 kg of high-quality flour
- 2 eggs
- 450 ml of warm water
- 1 teaspoon of salt

For the filling:
- 1 kg of cottage cheese
- 2 eggs
- Salt to taste
- Sugar to taste (optional)

For finishing:
- 100 g of melted butter or neutral oil

Preparing the dough

1. Sifting the flour: In a large bowl, sift the flour to remove any impurities and aerate the ingredient. Add the salt and mix well. This will help to even out the flavor.

2. Beating the eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with warm water until homogeneous. The warm water will help activate the gluten in the flour, giving the dough a perfect texture.

3. Mixing the ingredients: Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the egg-water mixture. Using a spoon, start mixing the flour with the liquid until it is completely absorbed.

4. Kneading the dough: Once you have a homogeneous mass, start kneading the dough with your hands. Continue kneading for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and easy to handle.

5. Resting the dough: Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for 15-30 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.

Preparing the filling

1. Mixing the ingredients: In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese with the eggs, salt, and sugar to taste. You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your personal preferences and how sweet you want the filling to be.

2. Homogenizing: Use a fork or a mixer to achieve a smooth and creamy mixture. Ensure there are no lumps of cheese, as they can affect the texture of the dumplings.

Forming the dumplings

1. Dividing the dough: After the resting period, divide the dough into two parts. On a floured surface, roll out one part of the dough into a thin sheet.

2. Cutting circles: Use a glass or a cutter to cut circles from the dough sheet. Make sure the circles are of uniform size to ensure even cooking.

3. Filling the dumplings: Take each circle of dough, place a teaspoon of the cheese filling in the center, and fold it over. Press the edges with your fingers or use a fork to seal them well. This step is important to prevent the filling from leaking during boiling.

Boiling the dumplings

1. Preparing the water: Fill a large pot with about 4 liters of water and bring it to a boil. Add a tablespoon of salt.

2. Boiling the dumplings: Once the water is boiling, carefully add the dumplings. They will sink to the bottom of the pot, so stir gently with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking.

3. Monitoring the boiling: After about 2 minutes, the dumplings will start to rise to the surface. Lower the temperature and let them boil for another 4-5 minutes. This is a crucial step to ensure they are cooked evenly.

4. Removing the dumplings: Use a slotted spatula or strainer to remove the dumplings from the water. There is no need to rinse them; instead, add the melted butter to a large bowl and gently toss them to coat.

Serving

Cheese dumplings can be served warm, alongside sour cream or jam, depending on personal preferences. This combination adds a touch of freshness and flavor, making them even more delicious.

Practical tips

1. Choosing the cheese: Use high-quality cottage cheese to achieve a rich and creamy filling. If you prefer a saltier taste, choose salty cheese, while for a sweeter taste, opt for sweet cheese.

2. Filling variations: Experiment with different fillings, such as mashed potatoes, mushrooms, or cabbage. These variations can transform the dumplings into a completely different dish.

3. Storing the dough: If you have leftover dough, grease it with margarine or lard, fold it in layers, and store it in the fridge for later use in other dishes, such as pies.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can the dumplings be frozen?
Yes, the dumplings can be frozen before boiling. Place them on a tray in the freezer to freeze, then transfer them to an airtight container. When you want to cook them, there is no need to thaw them; just add them directly to boiling water.

2. How can I prevent the dumplings from sticking?
Make sure to use enough flour on the work surface and between layers of dough to prevent sticking. Additionally, tossing them in melted butter after boiling will help keep the dumplings separate.

Cheese dumplings are more than just a simple meal; they are a culinary experience that brings joy and nostalgia. Try this recipe and enjoy every bite!