In the heart of Slovakian culinary traditions, Cirak, also known as Slovak Easter Cheese, stands as a symbol of the country's rich heritage and festive spirit. A staple dish during Easter celebrations, Cirak embodies the essence of Slovakian craftsmanship, combining fresh milk, eggs, and a touch of vinegar to create a delectable, creamy cheese. Its versatility extends beyond its traditional role, as it can be enjoyed as a standalone snack, a delightful addition to bread, or as a unique ingredient in various savory and sweet dishes. This article presents a comprehensive guide to making Cirak, offering two distinct recipes that cater to different preferences. The first recipe adheres to the classic preparation method, while the second introduces a simplified version that utilizes modern kitchen appliances. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes will empower you to recreate this Slovakian delicacy and immerse yourself in its timeless flavors and cultural significance.
Let's cook with our recipes!
SLOVAK EASTER CHEESE (CIRAK)
This is traditional Slovak Easter cheese that is served Easter Sunday. It is traditionally served with baked ham and beet horseradish and is great on sandwiches. It is very mild in flavor and not like other cheeses.
Provided by Cathi
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Sauce Recipes
Time 12h35m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Measure milk into a bowl, and set over a saucepan filled half way with simmering water. Heat until warm to the touch, then gradually start cracking eggs into the milk while stirring almost constantly. This will scorch very easily. Continue to stir slowly once all of the eggs are in, until the mixture resembles scrambled eggs.
- Pour into a cheesecloth bag and tie tightly. Hang from the sink faucet or over a bowl and allow to drain for 1 to 2 hours. Place on a cooling rack set over a pan or bowl and set a heavy object on top to press out the liquid. A cool cast iron skillet weighted with heavy cans works well. Press for about 2 hours.
- Carefully remove the weights and cheesecloth bag from the cheese. Refrigerate the cheese for several hours or overnight before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 84.1 calories, Carbohydrate 3.1 g, Cholesterol 144.4 mg, Fat 4.9 g, Protein 6.7 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 222.9 mg, Sugar 3.1 g
CIRAK (SLOVAK EASTER CHEESE) EGG ROLL
We always made this from the time I was little. I now carry on the tradition. My mother called seedik. I'm spelling it like she pronounced it. It really does taste like cheese. It is always served on Easter with Ham.
Provided by Jane from Ohio
Categories Czech
Time 17m
Yield 10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Pour milk into saucepan and bring to boil.
- Beat eggs slightly (I use a wire whisk and incorporate all the whites).
- Gradually add to the milk.
- Add pepper and salt.
- Stir constantly so mixture will not scorch.
- mixture will get thick.
- Pour mixture into a linen towel, (Can use cheesecloth).
- squeeze and tie tightly.
- Hang from faucet and let drain for two hours.
- Cover with wet napkin
- Place in refrigerator.
CIRAK ( SLOVAK EASTER "CHEESE") RECIPE - (4.6/5)
Provided by á-1554
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Pour milk into saucepan and break one egg at a time into milk. Make sure each yolk is broken. Add salt and mix slowly. Use a trivet beneath the saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat; stirring frequently. Cook slowly until mixture looks like scrambled eggs. Pour mixture into a cheesecloth-lined colander and tie tightly. Carefully gather the ends of the cheesecloth in your hands and pull them together until the cheese forms into a ball. Tie the cheesecloth tightly at the top of the ball Hang and let drain for about an hour. Carefully remove cheese from bag to avoid breaking. Put into refrigerator until cold.
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the taste of your cirak.
- Make sure to drain the творог (farmer's cheese) well before using it. This will help to prevent the cirak from becoming too wet.
- If you don't have any творог (farmer's cheese), you can use ricotta cheese instead. However, the cirak may be slightly less dense and creamy.
- You can add other ingredients to your cirak to customize it to your taste. Some popular additions include raisins, nuts, and dried fruit.
- Cirak is best served chilled. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
Cirak is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is also a popular Easter dish in Slovakia. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, cirak is a great option for busy cooks. So next time you're looking for a new dish to try, give cirak a try. You won't be disappointed!
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