Arabic-inspired Quarkbällchen with Cardamom and Rosewater

Ingredients

In this Arab-inspired adaptation of Quarkbällchen, we incorporate Middle Eastern flavors to give the dish a unique twist. The addition of cardamom and rosewater infuses the doughnuts with aromatic and floral notes, creating a delightful fusion of German and Arab cuisines. We alse have the original recipe for Quarkbällchen, so you can check it out.

• 250g (1 cup) quark cheese 250g (1 cup) quark cheese
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cardamom 1 tsp ground cardamom
• 1 tsp rosewater 1 tsp rosewater
• 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder 2 tsp baking powder
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 18g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the quark cheese, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, cardamom, and rosewater. Mix well until smooth.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the quark mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to 180°C (350°F).
4. 4.
   Using a small ice cream scoop or two spoons, drop small portions of the dough into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
5. 5.
   Remove the Quarkbällchen from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
6. 6.
   Dust the Quarkbällchen generously with powdered sugar while they are still warm.
7. 7.
   Serve the Cardamom-Rosewater Quarkbällchen immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Quark cheese — Make sure to use quark cheese, as it provides the unique texture and flavor to the Quarkbällchen.
• Cardamom — Use ground cardamom for convenience, but if you have whole cardamom pods, crush them and remove the seeds before grinding.
• Rosewater — Use a high-quality rosewater to ensure a delicate floral flavor without overpowering the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a variation, you can add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the dough for an extra layer of flavor.
• Serve the Quarkbällchen with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for added Middle Eastern flair.
• Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying to ensure the Quarkbällchen cook evenly and have a crispy exterior.
• Dust the Quarkbällchen with powdered sugar just before serving to keep them fresh and visually appealing.
• These Quarkbällchen are best enjoyed warm, so consider reheating them in the oven for a few minutes before serving if they have cooled down.

Serving advice

Serve the Cardamom-Rosewater Quarkbällchen as a delightful dessert or a sweet snack. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family, especially during festive occasions or as a special treat with a cup of tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Cardamom-Rosewater Quarkbällchen on a platter and dust them generously with powdered sugar. You can also garnish the platter with fresh rose petals or a sprinkle of ground cardamom for an elegant touch. Serve them alongside a small bowl of powdered sugar for dipping.