Rákóczi Túrós Delight

Ingredients

• For the pastry: For the pastry:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (60ml) cold water 1/4 cup (60ml) cold water
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 2 cups (500g) cottage cheese 2 cups (500g) cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• For garnish: For garnish:
• Powdered sugar Powdered sugar

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 16g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 18g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.3g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt for the pastry. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the cold water to the flour mixture, mixing until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a round baking dish.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest for the filling. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
5. 5.
   Roll out the chilled pastry dough on a lightly floured surface to fit the baking dish. Press the dough into the dish, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides evenly.
6. 6.
   Pour the cheese filling into the pastry-lined dish and spread it out evenly.
7. 7.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is set.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool completely. Dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cottage cheese — Make sure to use a smooth and creamy cottage cheese for the filling. If the cottage cheese is too watery, drain it before using.
• Lemon zest — Use a fine grater to zest the lemon, being careful to only grate the outer yellow layer and avoid the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of rum or rum extract to the filling mixture.
• Serve the Rákóczi túrós chilled for a refreshing treat during hot summer days.
• If you prefer a sweeter pastry, you can sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
• This dish is best enjoyed within a day or two of baking for optimal freshness.
• To create a decorative pattern on the top, use a fork to create lines or a lattice design before baking.

Serving advice

Serve the Rákóczi túrós as a delightful dessert after a Hungarian-inspired meal. Cut it into slices and present it on a dessert plate. Dust each slice with an additional sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can garnish each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a fresh mint leaf. Serve it on a decorative dessert plate or a traditional Hungarian porcelain dish for an authentic touch.