Cottage, cheese full of nutrients and health benefits! Learn to cook the best recipes with it

If you are trying to take care of your body’s health, then including Cottage cheese in your regular diet is the right choice!

In our article, you will learn why it is good to start eating it, how you can enrich common recipes with this fresh cheese, but also how to make it in the comfort of your own home!

What is Cottage Cheese?

It is a soft, white and creamy cheese that we classify, like ricotta, mozzarella, feta or goat cheese, among fresh cheeses. Fresh cheese means it hasn’t gone through a ripening or aging process to get its flavor, like parmesan and cheddar. Due to this, it has a very mild taste compared to ripening cheeses.

This cheese is made from different types of cow’s milk, including skimmed, reduced fat or regular milk.

This versatile cheese can be enjoyed on its own or as an interesting ingredient in a variety of recipes.

How is made?

Like all dairy products, Cottage begins as milk. By adding enzymes or live active cultures (probiotics), milk sugars (lactose) are converted into lactic acid. Lactic acid separates the curd from the whey. At this stage, Cottage is basically a solid block of cheese that gets sliced. When slicing, whey is released, which is removed and the remaining curd is mixed with cream.

How does Cottage taste?

The right fresh cheese should not have a soupy or slimy texture, but should resemble yogurt in thickness and consistency.

Its taste should be mild, milky with a slight hint of saltiness. Taste will also depend on cultivation and fat content. If it is fat-free or low-fat (2%), the taste is more sour, while full-fat (4%) and fat (6%) is creamier and more pronounced.

Ricotta vs. Cottage

These two cheeses look very similar, but they are different types of cheese.

While Cottage cheese is made by curdling cow’s milk, ricotta is made as a by-product from the production of other cheeses, such as mozzarella.

They also differ in texture and taste, Cottage is full and slightly salty, but ricotta is creamy and slightly sweet.

Health benefits of the Cottage

Great food for diets

This is partly due to the high protein and low calorie content, but also because high protein makes you feel full, which can lead to reduced calorie intake and weight loss

High calcium content

Calcium in the diet is associated with metabolic processes that reduce the accumulation of fat and accelerate its loss.

Supporting the growth of muscle mass

When combined with strength training, a diet high in protein can help you gain muscle mass. Cottage cheese is full of casein protein, which is slowly absorbed and promotes muscle growth.

Prevents insulin resistance

Insulin resistance can lead to the development of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Nutritional values of Cottage cheese (per 100 g)

Other vitamins and minerals:

• Vitamin C, B6, B12, D
• Magnesium, riboflavin, calcium, folate, selenium, phosphorus, iron

Tips for recipes with Cottage

Homemade Cottage Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 liters of milk
• 6 tablespoons of distilled white vinegar or lemon juice
• Teaspoon of salt
• 50 ml thick cream (or yogurt, buttermilk, whole milk)

Method

1. We heat the milk to 80 degrees at a moderate temperature
2. When the milk starts to foam around the edges, remove the pot from the heat and add the vinegar or lemon juice
3. Stir to combine
4. Cover the pot and let stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes until lumps form.
5. Pour the mixture into a colander lined with a thin cloth and let the whey drain for about 5 minutes
6. Rinse the cottage under cold water until completely cool
7. Use your hands to squeeze out the remaining whey
8. Put the cheese in a bowl, where you salt it and break it into smaller pieces
9. If you want a cheese with a creamy structure and texture, add cream, yogurt, buttermilk, or whole milk
10. Mix gently until you get a creamy consistency

What to replace Cottage with?

Ricotta is probably the best alternative as it has a similar taste and texture.

Here are some other options that can replace the cheese:

• Mascarpone
• Feta cheese
• Sour cream
• Cream cheese
• Yoghurt
• Kefir
• Mozzarella
• Goat cheese

Storage

Store Cottage in the refrigerator in an airtight container. If stored properly, it should last about 10 days after opening.

Can it freeze?

Yes, even if its structure changes slightly.

It is better to eat it fresh or freeze it to use later only for cooking.