Marubini with Bryndza Cheese Filling

Ingredients

In the original Italian version of Marubini, the dumplings are typically filled with a mixture of meat, cheese, or vegetables, and served in a tomato-based sauce. However, in this Slovak adaptation, the filling is made with bryndza cheese, a traditional Slovak sheep cheese known for its strong and tangy flavor. The broth used in the Slovak version is also different, as it is typically a savory broth made from vegetables and herbs, adding a distinct Slovak touch to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Marubini, so you can check it out.

• For the dough: For the dough:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 1 cup (200g) bryndza cheese, crumbled 1 cup (200g) bryndza cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup (60g) cottage cheese 1/4 cup (60g) cottage cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• For the broth: For the broth:
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the eggs and water. Mix until a dough forms.
2. 2.
   Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Wrap in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the bryndza cheese, cottage cheese, chives, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.
4. 4.
   Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Cut the dough into small squares, approximately 2 inches by 2 inches.
5. 5.
   Place a small spoonful of the cheese filling in the center of each square. Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle and press the edges to seal.
6. 6.
   In a large pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to a simmer.
7. 7.
   Carefully drop the filled dumplings into the simmering broth and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
8. 8.
   Remove the dumplings from the broth using a slotted spoon and serve them in bowls, ladling some of the broth over the top. Garnish with additional chopped chives, if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bryndza cheese — If you can't find bryndza cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese mixed with a small amount of sour cream to achieve a similar tangy flavor.
• Cottage cheese — If cottage cheese is not available, you can use ricotta cheese as a substitute.
• Chives — Fresh chives add a wonderful flavor to the filling, but if you don't have them, you can use finely chopped green onions as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• To save time, you can prepare the dough and filling in advance and assemble the dumplings just before cooking.
• Make sure to seal the edges of the dumplings well to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
• Serve the Marubini with a dollop of sour cream on top for an extra creamy touch.
• Feel free to add other herbs or spices to the broth to customize the flavor to your liking.
• Leftover Marubini can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the broth before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Marubini with Bryndza Cheese Filling in individual bowls, making sure to ladle some of the flavorful broth over the dumplings. Garnish with additional chopped chives for a pop of color and freshness. Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.

Presentation advice

For an appealing presentation, arrange the Marubini neatly in the bowl, with the triangle shape of the dumplings visible. Drizzle a little extra broth over the top and sprinkle with chopped chives. Serve on a rustic wooden platter or individual soup bowls for a cozy and inviting look.