Zapekanka (Russian Baked Farmer Cheese Casserole)

🧂 Ingredients

• 600 g Tvorog (farmer cheese)(Ensure it's well-drained. If using a very wet tvorog, you might need to press out excess liquid.)
• 3 Large Eggs
• 100 g Granulated Sugar(Adjust to your sweetness preference.)
• 3 tbsp Semolina (Suji)(This helps bind the casserole and gives it a slightly firm texture.)
• 50 g Raisins(Optional. If using, rinse and pat dry. You can soak them in warm water or rum for 10 minutes beforehand for extra moisture and flavor.)
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract(Optional, for added flavor.)
• 1 tbsp Butter(For greasing the baking dish.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a medium-sized baking dish (approximately 20x20 cm or 8x8 inches) with butter.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
2. 2

   In a large bowl, combine the tvorog, eggs, and granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly with a fork or a spatula until the mixture is relatively smooth and well combined. Don't overmix; some small lumps of tvorog are acceptable.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
3. 3

   Add the semolina, vanilla extract (if using), and the prepared raisins to the tvorog mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly distributed throughout the batter.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
4. 4

   Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Use your spatula to spread it evenly and smooth the top surface. The batter will be thick.

   ⏱️ 2 minutes
5. 5

   Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean, with perhaps a few moist crumbs.

   ⏱️ 40-50 minutes
6. 6

   Let the Zapekanka cool in the baking dish for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows it to firm up further.

   ⏱️ 15-20 minutes

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓This dish is a classic from the Soviet era, often found in school cafeterias and homes.
• ✓The texture is denser than a typical cake, similar to a baked cheesecake or a very firm pudding.
• ✓Serve warm or at room temperature. It's traditionally accompanied by a dollop of sour cream (smetana), sweetened condensed milk, fruit jam, or fresh berries.

🔄 Variations

• Add chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate to the batter for a chocolate version.
• Incorporate fresh or frozen berries (like blueberries or raspberries) into the batter.
• For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream or a bit of lemon zest to the mixture.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving