Sweet Cottage Cheese Casserole with Raisins and Semolina

Here’s a really interesting recipe for a sweet cottage cheese casserole with raisins and semolina that serves four. This dish is a delicious, slightly tangy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s light yet satisfying and can be enjoyed warm or cold.

Ingredients:

• Cottage Cheese (preferably full-fat) – 500 grams (about 2 cups)
• Semolina – 50 grams (about 1/3 cup)
• Sugar – 100 grams (about 1/2 cup)
• Eggs – 2 large
• Raisins – 60 grams (about 1/4 cup)
• Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
• Butter (melted) – 50 grams (about 1/4 cup)
• Baking Powder – 1 teaspoon
• Salt – a pinch
• Sour Cream – 100 grams (about 1/2 cup) (optional, for topping)
• Powdered Sugar – for dusting (optional)

Equipment Needed:

• Mixing Bowls: 1 large and 1 small.
• Whisk: For beating the eggs and mixing the ingredients.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For combining the mixture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Baking Dish: Approximately 8×8 inches (20×20 cm) or a similar size.
• Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C).
• Cooling Rack: For cooling the casserole after baking.
• Knife: For slicing and serving.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 360 kcal
• Protein: 14 grams
• Carbohydrates: 45 grams
• Fat: 14 grams
• Saturated Fat: 8 grams
• Cholesterol: 110 mg
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Sugar: 30 grams
• Calcium: 20% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Iron: 6% of the DV
• Vitamin A: 10% of the DV

(These values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 40-45 minutes
• Cooling Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes

Preparation and Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Raisins:
   • Place the raisins in a small bowl and cover them with warm water. Let them soak for about 10 minutes to plump up, then drain well and set aside.
2. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking dish with a small amount of butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
3. Combine the Cottage Cheese and Semolina:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese and semolina. Mix well until the semolina is fully incorporated into the cottage cheese. This step is important to ensure the semolina absorbs moisture and swells during baking, resulting in a tender texture.
4. Add Sugar and Vanilla:
   • Add the sugar and vanilla extract to the cottage cheese mixture. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth.
5. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
   • In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and add a pinch of salt. Whisk the eggs until they are well-beaten and slightly frothy. This will help the casserole rise and achieve a light, airy texture.
6. Incorporate the Egg Mixture:
   • Gradually add the beaten eggs to the cottage cheese mixture, stirring continuously to combine. The mixture should become creamy and smooth.
7. Add the Raisins:
   • Fold in the soaked and drained raisins using a spatula or wooden spoon. Ensure that the raisins are evenly distributed throughout the mixture so that each slice of the casserole contains a good amount of raisins.
8. Add Baking Powder and Melted Butter:
   • Sprinkle the baking powder over the mixture and gently fold it in to ensure even distribution. Finally, pour the melted butter into the mixture and stir until fully combined. The butter adds richness and helps create a moist texture.
9. Transfer to Baking Dish:
   • Pour the prepared mixture into the greased baking dish. Use the spatula to spread it evenly across the dish, smoothing the top as much as possible.
10. Bake the Casserole:
    • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the casserole is set and golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, indicating it is done. The top may crack slightly, which is normal and adds to the rustic appeal of the dish.
11. Cool the Casserole:
    • Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. The cooling process helps the casserole firm up, making it easier to cut into neat slices.
12. Serving Suggestions:
    • Slice the cottage cheese casserole into squares or rectangles. If desired, you can top each slice with a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess. For an elegant touch, dust the casserole with powdered sugar before serving. This casserole can be enjoyed warm or chilled, depending on your preference.
13. Storing Leftovers:
    • If you have leftovers, cover the casserole with plastic wrap or transfer the slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or oven until heated through.
14. Optional Variations:
    • Lemon Zest: For a citrusy flavor, add the zest of one lemon to the mixture before baking.
    • Dried Fruits: You can substitute or add other dried fruits like chopped apricots, cranberries, or currants along with the raisins.
    • Nuts: For added texture, sprinkle some chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts on top before baking.

Tips for Success:

• Cottage Cheese Consistency: If your cottage cheese is too watery, you can drain it in a cheesecloth or fine sieve for a few hours to remove excess moisture. This will result in a firmer casserole.
• Semolina Soaking: If you have time, let the semolina soak in the cottage cheese mixture for about 10-15 minutes before adding other ingredients. This allows the semolina to absorb moisture and expand, leading to a softer texture.
• Doneness Check: To ensure the casserole is fully cooked, the center should feel firm and not jiggle when you shake the baking dish gently.

This sweet cottage cheese casserole with raisins and semolina is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that combines the creamy texture of cottage cheese with the sweetness of raisins. I feel it rivals a cherry clafoutis or marionberry clafoutis for flavour! Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. I know you will enjoy so thank me later!