Colțunași cu Brânză Dulce și Mărar
Sweet cheese and dill dumplings, a delightful variation of traditional dumplings, often served as a main course or a substantial dessert, showcasing the use of fresh dairy and herbs.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 cups All-purpose flour(plus more for dusting)
- 2 large Eggs
- 1/2 cup Water(lukewarm)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 500 g Sweet cheese (brânză dulce)(well-drained, similar to farmer's cheese or ricotta)
- 3 tbsp Sugar(or to taste)
- 1/4 cup Fresh dill(finely chopped)
- 4 tbsp Butter(melted, for serving)
- for serving Sour cream
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the eggs and lukewarm water. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
💡 Tip: Ensure water is not too hot, or it will cook the eggs. - 2
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 20 minutes.
💡 Tip: Proper kneading develops gluten for a tender dough. - 3
Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the sweet cheese, sugar, and chopped dill. Mix well. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
💡 Tip: If your cheese is very wet, drain it further by wrapping it in cheesecloth and squeezing. - 4
Roll out the dough thinly (about 1/8 inch thick) on a floured surface. Cut out circles using a glass or cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter).
💡 Tip: Work with half the dough at a time, keeping the other half covered. - 5
Place about 1 tablespoon of the cheese filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough in half to create a semi-circle, pressing the edges firmly to seal. You can crimp the edges with a fork for extra security.
💡 Tip: Ensure edges are well-sealed to prevent filling from leaking out during cooking. - 6
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the colțunași in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
💡 Tip: Boiling water ensures they cook evenly and don't stick together. - 7
Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the colțunași float to the surface and the dough is cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon.
💡 Tip: They will puff up slightly as they cook. - 8
Serve immediately, drizzled with melted butter and a dollop of sour cream. Garnish with extra fresh dill if desired.
💡 Tip: Melted butter is essential for flavor and moisture.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to good colțunași is a tender dough and a well-balanced sweet and savory filling.
- ✓If you can't find 'brânză dulce', a mix of ricotta and cottage cheese (well-drained) can be a substitute.
- ✓These can be frozen before boiling. Lay them flat on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the boiling time.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of lemon zest to the cheese filling for brightness.
- For a savory version, omit the sugar and add finely chopped cooked mushrooms or spinach to the cheese.
- Serve with a fruit compote or jam instead of sour cream.