Entree: Croatia – Zagorski Štrukli (Baked rolled dough filled with soft cottage cheese and sour cream)

Food safety reminder: Follow safe food-handling practices and use a food thermometer to verify safe internal cooking temperatures.

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 40 min

Cook 40 min

Total 1 hr 20 min

Ingredients

- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, approx. 1.75 oz (50 g)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) lukewarm water
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp (3 g) salt for dough
- 16 oz (450 g) cottage cheese or quark
- 1 large egg, approx. 1.75 oz (50 g) for filling
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream for filling
- 1/2 tsp (3 g) salt for filling
- 1/4 tsp (1 g) ground black pepper
- 4 tbsp (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream for pouring before baking
- 1/4 cup (25 g) plain breadcrumbs (optional, for a slightly crisp top)
- Extra butter or oil for greasing the baking dish

Instructions

1. In a bowl combine 2 cups (240 g) flour and 1/2 tsp (3 g) salt. Whisk together the 1 large egg, 1/2 cup (120 ml) lukewarm water and 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil, then stir into the flour and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8–10 minutes. Cover and let rest 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, mix 16 oz (450 g) cottage cheese, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream, 1/2 tsp (3 g) salt and 1/4 tsp (1 g) ground black pepper until creamy and well combined.
3. On a well-floured surface (or linen cloth traditionally used), roll the dough as thin as possible into a rectangle roughly 12 x 18 inches (30 x 45 cm). If needed, stretch gently by hand so it becomes translucent.
4. Spread the cheese filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border. Roll the dough tightly into a log along the long side, sealing the edge.
5. Cut the log into 8 equal portions and place them cut-side down in a buttered 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking dish, leaving a little space between pieces.
6. Combine 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream with 4 tbsp (60 g) melted butter and, if using, 1/4 cup (25 g) breadcrumbs. Pour the sour-cream mixture evenly over the rolls.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30–40 minutes, until the top is set and golden. Let rest 5 minutes before serving warm.