Savory Potato and Cottage Cheese Casserole

This delightful casserole combines the comforting flavors of potatoes and cottage cheese with a hint of herbs and spices, creating a dish that's both hearty and satisfying. It's perfect for both family gatherings and casual dinners, delivering a blend of textures and tastes in each bite. Made with soft-boiled potatoes and a creamy cottage cheese mixture, this dish also includes the savory addition of smoked meat and sautéed onions. The preparation is straightforward, allowing even novice cooks to achieve impressive results. A topping of sour cream and baked potatoes adds an extra layer of flavor, making it hard to resist. This recipe offers flexibility in terms of ingredients, which means it's easy to adapt to your liking. Served warm from the oven, it's a wonderful comfort food choice, especially during colder months. Pair it with a fresh salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

8 medium potatoes
300 g cottage cheese
100 g smoked meat
1 onion
4 eggs
3 tbsp sour cream

Spices and Sauces

1 tsp Russian mustard
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp salt

Preparation Time

Total Time: 50 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Begin by washing the potatoes thoroughly and boiling them with their skins until they are tender. After boiling, allow them to cool down, peel them, and slice them into thin rounds.
Finely chop the onion. Cut the smoked meat into small pieces and fry it in a pan together with the chopped onions until they are golden and slightly crispy.
Crack three eggs into a bowl and whisk them using a fork. Combine the beaten eggs with the cottage cheese, adding the salt, Russian mustard, and black pepper to the mixture.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Grease a baking dish lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
Start layering the dish by placing a layer of potato slices at the bottom, followed by spreading a portion of the cottage cheese mixture. Add a layer of the sautéed meat and onion mixture and repeat until all ingredients are used up.
In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg with the sour cream until smooth. Pour this mixture over the assembled casserole.
For a decorative touch, reserve a few potato slices to arrange on top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your meal!

Tips

Substitute smoked meat with roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version.
Use a mixture of cheeses for additional flavor.
Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a burst of freshness.
Ensure the potatoes are fully cooked before adding them; this prevents a mushy texture.

Nutritions

Calories: 350 per serving
Protein: 15g
Fats: 22g
Carbs: 25g

Variations

Replace cottage cheese with ricotta for a smoother texture.
Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a different taste profile.
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.

Serving Suggestions

Pair it with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
Serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
Add freshly chopped chives or parsley on top for garnish.

Best Places

The Potato and Cheese Eatery - Known for its unique twist on classic potato-based dishes, with a cozy atmosphere. Location: 123 Comfort Street, Boston, USA.
Savory Layers - Famous for layered casseroles and pies. Location: 456 Flavor Lane, Toronto, Canada.
Casserole Haven - Specializes in a wide array of casseroles from around the globe. Location: 789 Heritage Road, London, UK.
The Cozy Patch - A rustic spot offering homemade comfort foods, including this casserole. Location: 321 Rustic Blvd, Wellington, New Zealand.
Baked Bliss - Focuses on oven-baked dishes with fresh local ingredients. Location: 654 Greenway Drive, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Homestead Delights - Warm and inviting with a selection of classic baked dishes. Location: 987 Aroma Ave, Sydney, Australia.
Rustic Kitchen - European-style casseroles with a variety of fillings. Location: 159 Vineyard Street, Cape Town, South Africa.
The Casserole Club - Casual dining with a focus on simple, hearty casseroles. Location: 753 Harmony Road, New Delhi, India.
Earthy Eats - Offers organic and locally sourced ingredients in every dish. Location: 852 Nature's Path, Stockholm, Sweden.
Hearty Bites - Homestyle cooking with a range of savory options. Location: 951 Comfort Corner, Dublin, Ireland.