Slovak Easter Cheese, also known as Cirak, is a traditional Slovak dish served during the Easter holiday. It is a type of fresh cheese made from a combination of quark, cottage cheese, butter, eggs, and various herbs and spices. Cirak has a creamy, slightly tangy flavor and a smooth, spreadable texture. It is typically served with bread, crackers, or vegetables, and can also be used as a filling for pastries or dumplings. In addition to the classic Cirak recipe, there are also several variations that incorporate different ingredients, such as smoked ham, bacon, or chives. This article presents three delectable recipes for Slovak Easter Cheese: the classic Cirak, a savory Cirak with smoked ham, and a vegetarian Cirak with chives. Each recipe includes detailed instructions, making it easy for home cooks to prepare this traditional Easter dish. Whether you prefer the classic flavor of Cirak or enjoy experimenting with different variations, these recipes offer a delightful culinary journey into Slovakian Easter traditions.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested 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 รก-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:
- To make the cheese, you will need a cheesecloth-lined colander and a heavy object to press the cheese.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Be patient when making the cheese. It takes time for the cheese to drain and press.
- Store the cheese in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Serve the cheese with bread, crackers, or fruit.
Conclusion:
Slovak Easter Cheese (Cirak) is a delicious and festive cheese that is perfect for Easter or any special occasion. It is a relatively easy cheese to make, but it does take some time. With a little patience, you can make this delicious cheese at home.
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