Croatian Cheese and Spinach Strukli

Ingredients

• For the dough: For the dough:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 2 cups (500g) cottage cheese 2 cups (500g) cottage cheese
• 1 cup (150g) feta cheese, crumbled 1 cup (150g) feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup (50g) Parmesan cheese, grated 1/2 cup (50g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups (200g) fresh spinach, chopped 2 cups (200g) fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream 1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• For the topping: For the topping:
• 1/4 cup (60g) butter, melted 1/4 cup (60g) butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (30g) breadcrumbs 1/4 cup (30g) breadcrumbs

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, eggs, water, and salt. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, feta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, eggs, sour cream, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. 3.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
4. 4.
   On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a thin rectangle.
5. 5.
   Spread the cheese and spinach filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. 6.
   Carefully roll the dough into a log, starting from one of the longer sides.
7. 7.
   Cut the log into individual strukli, approximately 2 inches in length.
8. 8.
   Grease a baking dish with butter and sprinkle breadcrumbs on the bottom.
9. 9.
   Arrange the strukli in the baking dish, making sure they are not too crowded.
10. 10.
    Drizzle the melted butter over the strukli and sprinkle with additional breadcrumbs.
11. 11.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the strukli are golden brown and the filling is cooked through.
12. 12.
    Serve the Cheese and Spinach Strukli warm, garnished with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cottage cheese — Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the cottage cheese before using it in the filling to prevent the strukli from becoming too watery.
• Fresh spinach — If fresh spinach is not available, you can substitute with frozen spinach. Thaw and drain the frozen spinach before using it in the filling.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or garlic powder to the cheese and spinach filling.
• If you prefer a crispier topping, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the strukli before baking.
• Leftover strukli can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick and delicious meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Cheese and Spinach Strukli as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad. It can also be enjoyed as a side dish or appetizer.

Presentation advice

Arrange the warm strukli on a serving platter, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and serve with a side of sour cream for dipping.