Honey and Cottage Cheese Stir-Fry

Ingredients

In the original Catalan dish, Mel i mató, fresh cheese is typically served with honey. However, in this Indian Chinese adaptation, we transform the dish into a stir-fry by incorporating a variety of vegetables and adding a honey glaze to the cottage cheese. This fusion dish combines the sweetness of honey with the creaminess of cottage cheese, creating a unique and flavorful experience. We alse have the original recipe for Mel i mató, so you can check it out.

• 250g (8.8oz) cottage cheese, cut into cubes 250g (8.8oz) cottage cheese, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced 1 onion, sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon ginger paste 1 teaspoon ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons water 1 teaspoon cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Spring onions, for garnish Spring onions, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 15g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
2. 2.
   Add the cottage cheese cubes to the pan and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove the cottage cheese from the pan and set aside.
3. 3.
   In the same pan, add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and carrot. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
4. 4.
   Add the minced garlic and ginger paste to the pan and cook for an additional minute.
5. 5.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch mixture. Pour the sauce into the pan and stir well to coat the vegetables.
6. 6.
   Return the cottage cheese to the pan and toss gently to combine with the sauce and vegetables. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the cottage cheese.
7. 7.
   Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Garnish with spring onions and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cottage cheese — Ensure that the cottage cheese is firm and not too crumbly for easier handling during the stir-frying process.
• Bell peppers — Feel free to use a mix of different colored bell peppers to add visual appeal to the dish.
• Soy sauce — Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Cornstarch — Make sure to dissolve the cornstarch in water before adding it to the sauce to prevent lumps from forming.
• Spring onions — Use both the green and white parts of the spring onions for a burst of freshness and added flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a dash of chili sauce or red pepper flakes to the honey glaze.
• Customize the vegetable selection based on your preferences or seasonal availability.
• Serve the Honey and Cottage Cheese Stir-Fry with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
• Experiment with different types of honey to vary the sweetness and flavor profile of the dish.
• If you prefer a crispier texture, you can lightly coat the cottage cheese cubes with cornstarch before frying.

Serving advice

Serve the Honey and Cottage Cheese Stir-Fry hot as a main course. Garnish with fresh spring onions for added freshness and visual appeal. Pair it with steamed rice or noodles to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stir-fried cottage cheese and vegetables on a serving platter, ensuring that the vibrant colors are visible. Drizzle any remaining honey glaze over the dish for an attractive glossy finish. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped cilantro for an extra touch of elegance.