Cottage cheese is gaining recognition for its nutritional benefits, including weight management, muscle building, and immune support. This versatile dairy product can be enjoyed in both savory and sweet dishes, offering numerous consumption options.
Produced from heated pasteurized milk with added rennet or dairy cultures, cottage cheese varies in fat content based on the milk used: full-fat contains 9g, semi-skimmed about 4.5g, and low-fat around 0.5g per 100g. Lactose-free options are also available.
Rich in proteins, particularly casein, cottage cheese supports physical and mental health and provides essential trace elements like calcium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins D, A, E, and B. Its high calcium and vitamin D content is crucial for bone and dental health, while its probiotic content aids immunity and reduces chronic inflammation.
With 14g of protein per 100g serving, cottage cheese is an excellent choice for those monitoring their weight, as it promotes muscle growth. It also contributes to skin and joint health by supporting collagen production.
Traditional uses of cottage cheese extend beyond culinary applications; it has been employed in home remedies for inflammation. Cold compresses made from cottage cheese have been used to alleviate breast inflammation in nursing mothers and reduce swelling in joints.
Incorporate cottage cheese into your diet with delicious recipes like cottage cheese bundt cake or cheesecake:
For the bundt cake, beat softened butter with sugar until fluffy, add egg yolks, lemon zest, and cottage cheese. Whip egg whites with a pinch of salt and fold into the mixture. Gradually mix in flour and baking powder, pour into a greased bundt pan, and bake at 160°C for 20 minutes, then increase to 180°C for an additional 30 minutes.
For the cheesecake, prepare the crust by mixing softened butter, sugar, flour, baking powder, and lemon zest, pressing it into the bottom of a cake pan. In another bowl, combine cottage cheese with sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, and pudding mix, pour into the crust, and bake at 180°C for about 50 minutes.
Serve chilled and consider adding blueberries or other fruits for extra flavor.