Central Asian Style Crozets Gratin

Ingredients

In this Central Asian adaptation of Gratin de Crozets, we incorporate traditional Central Asian spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric to infuse the dish with warm and earthy flavors. Additionally, we use a blend of Central Asian cheeses like kashkaval and sulguni to enhance the creaminess and add a unique twist to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Gratin de crozets, so you can check it out.

• 250g (8.8 oz) crozets pasta 250g (8.8 oz) crozets pasta
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 200ml (3/4 cup) heavy cream 200ml (3/4 cup) heavy cream
• 100g (3.5 oz) kashkaval cheese, grated 100g (3.5 oz) kashkaval cheese, grated
• 100g (3.5 oz) sulguni cheese, grated 100g (3.5 oz) sulguni cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 28g, 16g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 3g
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cook the crozets pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, and ground turmeric to the skillet. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.
5. 5.
   Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked crozets pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy spice mixture.
7. 7.
   Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated kashkaval and sulguni cheeses until melted and well combined.
8. 8.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. 9.
   Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
10. 10.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
12. 12.
    Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Crozets pasta — Be sure to cook the crozets pasta until al dente to maintain its chewy texture.
• Kashkaval and sulguni cheeses — Grate the cheeses before adding them to the dish for easier melting and even distribution.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the creamy spice mixture.
• Experiment with different Central Asian cheeses for a unique flavor profile.
• Serve the gratin with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad to balance the richness.

Serving advice

Central Asian Style Crozets Gratin is best served hot, straight from the oven. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving to ensure the flavors have settled.

Presentation advice

Garnish the gratin with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Serve it in individual ramekins or a large baking dish for a rustic and inviting presentation.