Botswana-inspired Cheesecake

Ingredients

The Botswana-inspired Cheesecake differs from the original London Cheesecake in several ways. Firstly, the crust is made with spiced seswaa instead of traditional graham crackers or biscuits. Secondly, the filling is infused with baobab powder, which adds a unique citrusy flavor. Lastly, the overall flavor profile of the cheesecake is more savory and aromatic, reflecting the traditional flavors of Botswana cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for London Cheesecake, so you can check it out.

• For the crust: For the crust:
• 200g (7oz) spiced seswaa, cooked and shredded 200g (7oz) spiced seswaa, cooked and shredded
• 100g (3.5oz) unsalted butter, melted 100g (3.5oz) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 500g (18oz) cream cheese, softened 500g (18oz) cream cheese, softened
• 200g (7oz) granulated sugar 200g (7oz) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon baobab powder 1 tablespoon baobab powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For garnish: For garnish:
• Fresh mint leaves Fresh mint leaves
• Baobab powder Baobab powder

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 14g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 32g, 25g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded spiced seswaa, melted butter, ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika, and salt. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly combined.
3. 3.
   Press the seswaa mixture into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer.
4. 4.
   In a separate mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
5. 5.
   Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
6. 6.
   Stir in the baobab powder and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
7. 7.
   Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust in the springform pan.
8. 8.
   Smooth the top with a spatula and tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the top is golden brown.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.
11. 11.
    Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the cheesecake to set.
12. 12.
    Before serving, garnish with fresh mint leaves and a dusting of baobab powder.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Spiced seswaa — Make sure the seswaa is cooked and shredded before using it in the crust. You can prepare the spiced seswaa by slow-cooking beef with spices like coriander, cumin, and paprika until tender, then shredding it.
• Baobab powder — Baobab powder adds a unique flavor to the cheesecake. It can be found in specialty stores or online. Make sure to use a good quality baobab powder for the best results.

Tips & Tricks

• For a stronger baobab flavor, you can increase the amount of baobab powder in the filling.
• If you can't find spiced seswaa, you can substitute it with crushed savory biscuits mixed with a pinch of paprika and cumin.
• To prevent cracks on the surface of the cheesecake, place a pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven while baking.
• Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before refrigerating to avoid condensation on the surface.
• Serve the cheesecake chilled for the best taste and texture.

Serving advice

Slice the Botswana-inspired Cheesecake into wedges and serve chilled. It pairs well with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of baobab powder on top. The savory crust adds a unique twist to the traditional cheesecake, making it a delightful dessert for any occasion.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish each slice of cheesecake with a fresh mint leaf and a light dusting of baobab powder. The contrasting colors of the green mint and the yellow baobab powder will make the cheesecake visually appealing.