Štrukli - Traditional Croatian Winter Warmer

Štrukli is a favourite of my homeland, Croatia. Found mostly in the Northern cooler areas of the diaspora, is is served as either a savoury entree or main, or a sweet dessert. Both ways are flavoursome and so welcome in the colder Winter weather of Northern Europe. There are no special ingredients, all mostly found at your local delicatessen or supermarket. Once you have mastered the dish you can dial it up and use your...

dessert spoons Vegetable Oil

Cottage Cheese (Ricotta)

Paprika - Mild Powdered

Calories465.0kcal (23.25%)

Step 1

Make some dough from Flour, 1 Egg, 2 Dessert Spons vegetable oil, salt, warm water /Combine ingredients with hand or slow mixer with dough hook.

Step 2

Leave the dough mixture for 20 to 30 minutes, and then stretch the dough to a round shape 1 mm thick.

Step 3

Flour the surface to which the dough is stretched. (wooden board or pastry sheet)

Step 4

Make a stuffing of cottage cheese, cream fraiche, egg and salt and fill it over the dough except the edges. (as shown in the picture)

Step 5

Twist the dough from the middle until you make a circle.

Step 6

Carefully fold the edge and add water to seal edges

Step 7

Cut it to the lengths of 10 centimetres using a dinner plate/dough cutter

Step 8

A plate is better than the knife because it will immediately stick the ends of the štrukli.

Step 9

In a medium-sized pan, put the water to boil, and add the štrukli.

Step 10

Add some oil and salt and leave to boil for a few minutes.

Step 11

Be sure to add the salt to the water as it works well for the pasta to have a firmer texture.

Step 12

Fry the breadcrumbs in butter and spinkle over the Strukli

Step 13

Or: Lay in small oven proof dish, cover with creme fraiche, grated mozzarella, and sprinkle with paprika

Step 14

Bake at 180C for 15 mins until top is browned

Calories465.0kcal (23.25%)

Mix dry paprika and breadcrumbs and sprinkle over Strukli prior to baking

What is the best way to store leftover Štrukli?

To store leftover Štrukli, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Can I make Štrukli gluten-free?

Yes, you can make gluten-free Štrukli by substituting the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check the packaging for any additional binding agents that may be required. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious!

What are some good side dishes to serve with Štrukli?

Štrukli pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a light yogurt sauce to complement the flavors. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a meat dish, such as grilled chicken or pork.

How can I customize the filling for Štrukli?

You can customize the filling for Štrukli by adding ingredients like spinach, herbs, or different types of cheese such as feta or goat cheese. For a sweet version, consider adding sugar, vanilla, or fruit like berries to the cottage cheese mixture.

What is the cooking process for making Štrukli?

To make Štrukli, start by preparing the dough with flour, eggs, oil, and salt. Let it rest, then stretch it thin. Prepare the filling with cottage cheese, crème fraîche, and eggs. Fill the dough, twist it into a circle, and seal the edges. Boil the Štrukli in salted water for a few minutes, then fry breadcrumbs in butter to sprinkle on top, or bake with crème fraîche and mozzarella for a delicious finish.