Best 3 Russian Zapekanka Recipes

**Zapenkanka: A Comforting and Versatile Russian Casserole**

Zapenkanka is a hearty and versatile Russian casserole served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It traditionally consists of a base layer of bread or potatoes topped with a variety of ingredients such as cheese, meat, vegetables, or fruit. The casserole is then baked in the oven until golden brown and bubbly. Variations of zapekanka are found throughout Russia and neighboring countries, each with its own unique flavor profile. In this article, we present three delectable zapekanka recipes: a classic zapekanka with ground beef and potatoes, a vegetarian version with zucchini and cheese, and a sweet zapekanka with apples and cinnamon. Whether you prefer savory or sweet flavors, these recipes offer a taste of Russian home cooking at its finest.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

RUSSIAN ZAPEKANKA

RUSSIAN ZAPEKANKA image

This is a sort of Russian cheesecake, except it is made with farmer's cheese. I have not tried it yet, but it does sound interesting. Recipe & photo:grouprecipes.com

Provided by Ellen Bales

Categories Other Desserts

Time 1h10m

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2 1/2 c farmer's cheese
2 eggs, separated
5 Tbsp cream of wheat (not instant)
1/2 c sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 pinch salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 Tbsp butter, melted
1/2 c toasted walnuts
1 c sliced strawberries
sour cream, optional

Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine cheese and egg yolks. Mix in the cream of wheat and sugar.
2. Add baking soda, salt, vanilla and melted butter. Mix well.
3. In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff; fold into other mixture. Fold in the walnuts.
4. Add most of the strawberries and mix in.
5. Pour mixture into a buttered 2-qt. baking dish. Spread a layer of sour cream on top and decorate with more sliced strawberries.
6. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven about 50 minutes, or until golden.
7. NOTE: You may also add about 1/2 cup raisins, if you like. Add them with the walnuts.

RUSSIAN BREAKFAST PUDDING (TVOROZHNAYA ZAPEKANKA)

Russian Breakfast Pudding (Tvorozhnaya Zapekanka) image

It's a traditional Russian recipe, fab for a weekend brunch.

Provided by Yulyasha

Time 1h10m

Yield Serves 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

butter for the oven proof dish
3 large eggs
50 g sugar
500 g Polish twarog (cottage cheese)
120 ml milk
50 g melted butter
4 tbsp semolina or plain flour
100 g blueberries or raisins

Steps:

Heat the oven to 180 C. Grease an oven proof dish with butter.
Beat eggs with sugar, add twarog, milk, mix well, then add melted butter, fold in semolina or flour, mix well again. Add blueberries or raisings, stir a little. Pour the mixture into the oven proof dish and bake in the oven for 60 min. Let it cool down a bit before serving.

RUSSIAN CHEESECAKE - ZAPEKANKA

Russian Cheesecake - Zapekanka image

I asked a Russian coworker if there was a good Russian dessert for me to bring to a potluck. This is what he suggested. It is supposed to be served hot but it is good cold as well. If you do not like raisins, try blueberries or raspberries instead.

Provided by nightfall20252

Categories Cheesecake

Time 50m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2 cups cottage cheese (small curd)
2 eggs
1/2 cup Splenda granular or 1/2 cup sugar
4 tablespoons butter (softened, divided)
2 tablespoons semolina
1 (1/3 ounce) envelope vanilla sugar or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup raisins
1 teaspoon flour
1 cup sour cream
1 (1/3 ounce) envelope vanilla sugar or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons Splenda granular or 3 tablespoons sugar

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Drain cottage cheese in a sieve.
Mix sugar and 2 Tbsp butter. Add eggs, semolina and 3 tsp vanilla sugar.
Gently stir in curds then fold in raisins.
Grease a 9-inch round pan with butter, coat with flour. Carefully pour mixture into pan, smooth evenly.
Bake on middle rack for 30 minutes.
Melt remaining butter. Pour on top, spreading evenly. Broil for 5 minites to brown top.
Mix sour cream with vanilla sugar and sugar. Serve like whipped cream. (Dollop on top or on side).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 296.7, Fat 20.6, SaturatedFat 12.4, Cholesterol 118.2, Sodium 383.1, Carbohydrate 16.1, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 7.5, Protein 13

Tips:

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the taste of your zapekanka.
Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the zapekanka tough.
Bake the zapekanka until it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This will ensure that the zapekanka is cooked through.
Let the zapekanka cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to slice.
Serve the zapekanka with your favorite toppings. Some popular toppings include sour cream, applesauce, and fresh berries.

Conclusion:

Zapekanka is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is also a great way to use up leftover vegetables and meat. With so many different variations available, there is sure to be a zapekanka recipe that everyone will enjoy.