Meenzer Spundekäs with a Twist

Ingredients

• 250g (8.8 oz) quark cheese 250g (8.8 oz) quark cheese
• 150g (5.3 oz) cream cheese 150g (5.3 oz) cream cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 14g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 6g, 3g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the quark cheese and cream cheese until smooth.
2. 2.
   Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, fresh chives, parsley, and dill to the cheese mixture.
3. 3.
   Sprinkle in the paprika, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper. Mix well to incorporate all the ingredients.
4. 4.
   Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Serve the Meenzer Spundekäs with pretzels or crusty bread for dipping.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Quark cheese — If you can't find quark cheese, you can substitute it with a combination of Greek yogurt and ricotta cheese for a similar texture and flavor.
• Fresh herbs — Using fresh herbs is key to achieving the vibrant flavors in this dip. However, if fresh herbs are not available, you can use dried herbs, but reduce the quantity by half.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce to the dip.
• Allow the dip to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
• Customize the dip by adding your favorite herbs or spices, such as thyme or smoked paprika.
• To make it more indulgent, sprinkle some crispy bacon bits on top before serving.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Meenzer Spundekäs in a decorative bowl, garnished with a sprinkle of paprika and a few fresh herb leaves. Accompany it with a platter of pretzels, breadsticks, and fresh vegetables for dipping.

Presentation advice

To make the presentation more appealing, serve the Meenzer Spundekäs in a hollowed-out bread bowl. This not only adds visual interest but also provides an edible vessel for the dip.