German Quarkkeulchen with Apple Compote

Ingredients

• 500g (2 cups) quark cheese 500g (2 cups) quark cheese
• 200g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour 200g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the apple compote: For the apple compote:
• 4 apples, peeled, cored, and diced 4 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 3 tablespoons sugar 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 120ml (1/2 cup) water 120ml (1/2 cup) water

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 58g, 24g
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the quark cheese, flour, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined and a smooth batter forms.
2. 2.
   Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat and add enough vegetable oil to coat the bottom.
3. 3.
   Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Flatten slightly with the back of the spoon.
4. 4.
   Cook the pancakes for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
5. 5.
   Repeat the process with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
6. 6.
   For the apple compote, combine the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. 7.
   Serve the Quarkkeulchen warm with a generous spoonful of apple compote on top. Enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Quark cheese — If you can't find quark cheese, you can substitute it with a mixture of equal parts ricotta cheese and Greek yogurt.
• Apples — Choose firm and slightly tart apples such as Granny Smith or Braeburn for the apple compote. They hold their shape well when cooked and provide a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the pancake batter.
• Serve the Quarkkeulchen with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
• If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the Quarkkeulchen in the oven instead of frying them. Simply place the batter on a greased baking sheet and bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serving advice

Serve the Quarkkeulchen warm, topped with a generous spoonful of the apple compote. They are delicious on their own or can be enjoyed with a side of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Quarkkeulchen on a serving platter and drizzle the apple compote over them. Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a sprig of fresh mint for an elegant touch.