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.