Cottage cheese appetiser

Ingredients

• 500 gcottage cheese (brânză de vaci)
• 150 gthick fresh sour cream
• to tastecaraway seeds
• to tasteonion

Instructions

1. 1

   Mash the cheese

   Press the cottage cheese against the edge of a plate with the back of a fork until it is broken into small pieces.

2. 2

   Mix with cream

   Stir in the sour cream until combined. Mayonnaise can be used instead of sour cream.

3. 3

   Add flavourings

   For extra flavour, mix in 1–2 teaspoons of finely grated onion, or finely chopped spring onion tops with dill or parsley. You can also add 1 teaspoon of well-crushed or freshly ground caraway, a pinch of sweet paprika, or ½ teaspoon of pepper paste.

4. 4

   Arrange and serve

   Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with slices of tomato, sweet pepper and red radishes. The mixture can also be used as a sandwich filling.

What is this Romanian appetiser?

Brânză de vaci is a fresh Romanian cheese, usually soft and slightly crumbly. Here, it is mashed and mixed with sour cream to make a simple, tangy spread.

This version works because the cheese stays the main feature while the cream softens its texture. Caraway, onion or fresh herbs can add flavour without making the preparation complicated.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 206 calories, 13g protein, 5g carbs, 15g fat.

Cottage cheese contributes most of the protein, while the sour cream provides much of the fat; the dish contains little carbohydrate apart from small amounts in the dairy and any onion. Serve it with fresh vegetables and bread, adjusting the amount of bread to make a more substantial plate.

Choose the cheese

Cottage cheese: use a fresh, fairly firm variety so the mixture holds its shape on a platter. If it is very wet, drain off excess liquid before mashing.

Sour cream: thick sour cream gives the spread a creamy consistency. Mayonnaise is offered as an alternative in the method, though it will make the flavour richer.

Mash for a good texture

Fork mashing: press the cheese against the side of a plate with the back of a fork, as described in the method. This breaks up large curds while leaving some texture.

Mix gently: stir in the sour cream once the cheese is broken down. Stop when the mixture is combined rather than beating it smooth.

Season to taste

Caraway: crush or grind the seeds before adding them so their flavour is distributed through the cheese. The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon.

Onion and herbs: use 1–2 teaspoons of finely grated onion, or choose finely chopped spring onion tops with dill or parsley. Add the alternatives to taste rather than using all of them together.

Garnish and serve

Fresh vegetables: tomato, sweet pepper and red radish slices provide a crisp contrast to the creamy cheese. Arrange them around or over the spread just before serving.

Sandwiches: spread the mixture between slices of bread for a simple lunch or snack. Keep the layer moderate so it does not squeeze out as you eat.

Make it ahead

The cheese can be mashed and mixed with sour cream in advance, then covered and chilled. Add the vegetable garnish shortly before serving so it stays fresh and does not release moisture onto the spread.

Recipe notes & tips

• Drain cottage cheese that looks watery before mixing.
• Crush the caraway finely for a more even flavour.
• Add onion gradually so it does not overpower the fresh cheese.
• Chill the mixture briefly if you prefer a firmer spread.
• Keep the tomato and radish garnish separate until serving.

Variations

• Use mayonnaise: replace the sour cream with mayonnaise for the alternative given in the method.
• Add spring onion: use finely chopped green tops instead of grated onion.
• Stir in herbs: add finely chopped dill or parsley for a fresh herbal note.
• Season with paprika: add a pinch of sweet paprika for mild warmth and colour.
• Use pepper paste: mix in ½ teaspoon for a more pronounced pepper flavour.
• Make sandwiches: spread the seasoned cheese between slices of bread.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Leaving large curds: press the cheese against the plate with the back of a fork before adding the cream.
• Adding too much sour cream: stir it in gradually so the spread does not become runny.
• Using whole caraway seeds: crush or grind them first to distribute their flavour more evenly.
• Over-seasoning with onion: begin with the suggested 1–2 teaspoons and taste before adding more.
• Garnishing too early: add sliced vegetables close to serving so their moisture does not soften the spread.

How to store

Keep the cheese mixture covered in the fridge and use within 2–3 days. Store the sliced vegetable garnish separately; serve the spread cold, as reheating is not needed.

Frequently asked questions