Pumpkin and Cottage Cheese Casserole

Pumpkin and Cottage Cheese Casserole

Ingredients

• • 1/2 medium pumpkin (about 400-500 g), peeled and diced
  • 450 g cottage cheese

• • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

• • 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons semolina
  • 150 g sour cream

• • 100 g dried cranberries
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 30 grams butter

• • 150 g cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or any other of your choice), grated
  • Flour, for dusting the baking dish
  • Oil, for greasing the baking dish

• Black pepper to taste

Steps to Make Pumpkin and Cottage Cheese Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin

1. 1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
   2. Cook the pumpkin: Peel and dice the pumpkin into small cubes. Steam or boil the pumpkin for about 15-20 minutes until tender, then drain and set aside.

1. Mash the pumpkin: Once the pumpkin has cooled slightly, mash it into a smooth consistency using a fork or a potato masher. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend it.

Step 2: Prepare the Cottage Cheese Mixture

1. 1. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, egg, cinnamon, salt, sugar, and semolina. Mix well until smooth and well combined.
   2. Fold in the cranberries: Add the dried cranberries to the mixture, stirring them in evenly to distribute their tart flavor throughout the casserole.

1. Add sour cream: Stir in the sour cream to add creaminess to the dish, which will also help balance the flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture

1. 1. Sauté the garlic: In a small pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this could give the dish a bitter taste.
   2. Season: Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to the garlic mixture, stirring well. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. 1. Prepare the baking dish: Grease a baking dish with oil and lightly dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
   2. Layer the casserole: Pour the mashed pumpkin into the cottage cheese mixture, and stir until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
   3. Drizzle the garlic butter: Drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. This will infuse the dish with a rich, savory flavor.

1. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the grated cheese generously over the casserole, creating a rich, golden layer when baked.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
2. Cool slightly: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.