Cottage Cheese Bagels
Ingredients:
- 200g (about 1 cup) cottage cheese (adjust flour as needed depending on moisture)
- 1 large egg
- 60g (about 1/2 cup) hard cheese (cheddar, gouda, etc.), grated
- Your favorite spices, green onions, dill, or other herbs (to taste)
- 30g (about 1/4 cup) rice flour (adjust as needed)
- Sesame or other seeds for sprinkling
Directions:
1. Prepare the Mixture:
- In a bowl, mix 200g cottage cheese with 1 egg until well combined.
- Add 60g of grated hard cheese.
- Incorporate your favorite spices, herbs, chopped green onions, or dill.
2. Add the Flour:
- Gradually add 30g of rice flour, mixing well after each addition. Adjust based on the moisture content of the cottage cheese—if the mixture is too wet, add a bit more flour, but don’t make it too dry. The consistency should be slightly moist and curd-like.
3. Form the Bagels:
- Divide the mixture into 9 equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a bagel or your desired form, and place them on a baking sheet. The dough will be sticky, so handle it gently.
4. Bake the Bagels:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Sprinkle sesame or other seeds on top of each bagel for added texture and flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the bagels turn golden brown.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the bagels cool slightly before serving. They can be enjoyed warm or cooled.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced breakfast.
- Pair with butter, cream cheese, or jam for a tasty snack.
- Top with avocado slices or smoked salmon for a more savory meal.
- Serve alongside a hearty soup or salad for lunch.
- Enjoy with a drizzle of honey for a sweet touch.
Cooking Tips:
- Flour Adjustment: Depending on how wet the cottage cheese is, you may need to adjust the amount of flour for the right dough consistency.
- Customize Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, or add spices like paprika or cumin.
- Cheese Choice: You can use any hard cheese of your choice for different flavor profiles—cheddar, Parmesan, or Swiss cheese work great.
- Shaping: If you find the dough too sticky to handle, lightly oil your hands or use a small amount of flour to shape the bagels.
- Crispier Topping: For extra crunch, brush the bagels with a little olive oil before sprinkling with sesame seeds.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Cottage Cheese: High in protein, low in fat, and an excellent source of calcium.
- Cheese: Adds a good dose of protein and calcium, contributing to bone health.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs add vitamins and antioxidants, enhancing the nutritional value of the bagels.
- Rice Flour: Naturally gluten-free and low in calories, making this a light yet satisfying option.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Gluten-Free: Yes, when using rice flour or any other gluten-free flour.
- Low-Carb Option: Can be adapted to low-carb diets by reducing the flour and increasing the cheese content.