Cottage Cheese Dumplings Recipe

Cottage cheese dumplings are a delightful dish that can be enjoyed as a sweet treat or a comforting meal, making them a versatile addition to any culinary repertoire. Easy to prepare, they come together quickly and require minimal ingredients. They are loved by many for their soft, pillowy texture and mild, comforting flavor. These dumplings can be enjoyed with a variety of toppings, such as jam, sour cream, or melted butter, allowing for customization based on personal preferences. The key to perfect dumplings lies in the balance of ingredients, ensuring a smooth dough that holds its shape during cooking. They are especially popular in Eastern European cuisine, where they are cherished for their simplicity and nostalgic appeal. Unlike other dumplings, these do not require fancy techniques, making them accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. Prepared in advance, they can be frozen, offering a convenient option for quick meals or unexpected guests. Dive into this recipe for a delightful taste of comfort.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 3 packs cottage cheese (3x180g)
• 2 eggs
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 200-250g flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon butter

Preparation Time

20 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Cottage Cheese Mixture: Begin by placing the cottage cheese in a large mixing bowl. Add the salt and sugar, then mix well until the ingredients are evenly combined.

2. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the cottage cheese mixture. Stir well to incorporate.

3. Beat the Eggs: Lightly beat the eggs in a separate bowl. Add them into the cottage cheese mixture and mix thoroughly until smooth.

4. Mix in the Flour: Gradually add the flour into the mixture, using your hands or a wooden spoon to combine. Knead gently until you have a uniform dough that does not stick to your hands. Ensure it is not too wet to prevent falling apart during cooking.

5. Shape the Dumplings: Divide the dough into quarters. Roll each portion into a long log, about the thickness of your thumb. Cut these logs into small pieces, approximately 2 cm in length.

6. Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water.

7. Cook the Dumplings: Carefully drop the dumplings into the boiling water. Avoid overcrowding the pot. Once they float to the surface after 2-3 minutes, they are cooked. Use a slotted spoon to remove them.

8. Serve with Toppings: Serve the dumplings warm with your choice of jam, sour cream, or melted butter. Each option offers a unique twist to enhance the dumplings' flavors.

9. Freezing Option: If you have extra uncooked dumplings, place them in a plastic container and freeze for later use. They can be cooked directly from frozen when needed.

10. Enjoy Your Meal: Relish these delightful cottage cheese dumplings as a sweet or savory dish, catered to your taste preference.

Tips

• Dough Consistency: Ensure the dough is neither too sticky nor too dry for best results.
• Delicate Flavor: For a unique touch, consider adding vanilla essence or lemon zest to the dough.
• Nutty Twist: A sprinkle of nutmeg can add a warm, aromatic flavor to the dumplings.

Nutritions

Calories: 250 per serving
Protein: 12g
Fats: 8g
Carbs: 32g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan Option: Use flaxseed meal as an egg replacement and plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free version.

Serving Suggestions

• Sweet Pairings: Serve with berry compote for a dessert-like variant.
• Savory Additions: Pair with a side of lightly sautéed spinach or peas.

Best Places

1. Riga’s Cheese Delight Cafe – Known for their exquisite cheese-based dishes. Location: 12 Elizabetes iela, Riga, Latvia.
2. The Dumpling House – A popular spot for innovative dumpling recipes. Location: 5 Market Street, Melbourne, Australia.
3. Cheese & More – Famous for their cheese-inspired menu. Location: 34 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
4. Vienna’s Comfort Kitchen – Offers a homemade taste of traditional dishes. Location: 23 Neubaugasse, Vienna, Austria.
5. Polish Dumpling Bistro – Specializes in various dumpling types. Location: 10 Warsaw Road, Warsaw, Poland.
6. Budapest Bites – Celebrated for their fusion of traditional and modern flavors. Location: 45 Andrássy út, Budapest, Hungary.
7. Swiss Alpine Eatery – Features a range of cheese specialties. Location: 68 Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland.
8. Berlin Brunch & Bakes – Known for their brunch dumplings menu. Location: 14 Potsdamer Platz, Berlin, Germany.
9. Helsinki's Savory Stop – Offers a range of savory and sweet dumplings. Location: 77 Mannerheimintie, Helsinki, Finland.
10. Cheese Delicacies Cafe – Renowned for their fluffy, cheesy dishes. Location: 21 Main Street, Tallinn, Estonia.