Cottage cheese is a popular fermented milk product that is white in color and soft in texture. It is widely acknowledged that all that has been made out of it, even very sweet glazed curds, is considered healthy and it should contain a lot of elements and substances beneficial for the body. But is it really so? We will figure this out together.
In general, cottage cheese is a wonderful source of protein, which then converts into muscle mass, and the most common protein structural framework of our body is collagen. Bones, cartilage, tendons, skin and vascular walls have them. Collagen is synthesized in the organism by itself, but only from those amino acids which are derived from external food such as cottage cheese. Hence, in order to maintain the elasticity of skin and flexibility of vessels as long as possible, it is enough to maintain a proper lifestyle with proper nutrition. Regular use of cottage cheese is a sort of assurance against atherosclerosis, stress, depression and loss of memory.
Cottage cheese is recommended by doctors because of the calcium needed for our bones and teeth. However, low-fat cottage cheese is said to be absorbed worse since soluble vitamins which include vitamin D, important for calcium metabolism, are assimilated together with fat. That’s true, but for instance vitamin D can be gained through fish. Nutritionists say that it has many benefits rather than disadvantages. It is ideal however for dieters as it’s not very high in calories.
With regards to protein, the amount indeed is not as important, what matters here is that this protein has slow and fast fractions, which upon entering the stomach will provide the building blocks instantly, followed by many hours of constant supply, thus prolonging the sensation of satiety. Different classes of proteins take time to digest, which is ideal for muscle recovery after an intense workout.
Cottage cheese also contains:
Consuming 100 g of cottage cheese covers approximately 40% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin B2, and about 30% of vitamin B12. It also contains vitamins A (for mucous membranes and vision), E, B6 and B1. The product is a source of lysine, an essential amino acid. Its deficiency causes fatigue and irritability. Lactic acid bacteria have a complex benefit: they support the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and help fight viruses.
Varieties of Cottage Cheese:
Despite the fact that fats in healthy eating are trying to be reduced, they remain useful in their own way. Palmitoleic acid (fatty acid) reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.
It is recommended to eat it for breakfast, as casein will keep you full for 4-6 hours. A small portion before bed will help cope with insomnia due to the high content of tryptophan.
People with lactose intolerance and individual intolerance. Those with kidney and stomach problems should eat with caution. The high protein content puts a strain on the excretory system.
1.Classic Pancakes
Mash the cottage cheese with a fork or in a blender, then add all the other ingredients on the list to form a homogeneous mass. Let it sit for a few minutes so that the semolina swells. Roll the cottage cheese mass in flour by the spoonful, forming a shape and fry over low heat until golden brown.
The finished dish can be served with jam, yogurt or condensed milk.
2.Cottage Cheese Casserole
Rub the cottage cheese through a sieve to get rid of lumps. Whisk the salt, sugar and milk. Add semolina and eggs, mix thoroughly, leaving the mixture for 15 minutes. Grease the baking dish with butter and pour in the mixture. Bake the casserole for 30 minutes at 200 degrees.
The finished dish can be served with berries or jam.
3.Khachapuri
Place the cottage cheese in a deep bowl and add the cheese, grated on a coarse grater. Carefully separate the whites from the yolks. Set the yolks aside, add the whites, flour and greens to the cottage cheese. Divide the mass into two parts, form boats with your hands, making a small depression in the middle. Put the cheese on top of the text. Bake the dish for 30 minutes at 180 degrees. At the end, add the yolk and bake for another 5 minutes.
4.Pancakes with Сottage Сheese and Broccoli
Boil the broccoli for 5 minutes and chop the florets finely. Finely chop the onion and fry with a little oil. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and make the dough. The pancakes should be no more than 1 cm thick. Fry over medium heat for no more than 5 minutes.
5.Cheesecake
For the base:
For the curd layer:
Prepare a small 16-18 cm form in advance, line it with layers of cling film. Grind nuts and breadsticks in a blender bowl, mash the banana with a fork and add there. You should get a thick and sticky mass. Transfer it to the bottom of the form, tamping it down.
Pour the coconut milk into a saucepan and pour in the gelatin, heat until dissolved. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese, coconut flakes and chopped strawberries. Pour milk with gelatin into the curd mass and mix well. Immediately transfer the mass into the form and put it in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, until completely solidified. Serve with strawberries on top and mint leaves.
6.Smoothies
Place the sliced banana, cottage cheese, oatmeal and honey in a blender and whisk. To make the drink liquid, pour in milk. Everything is ready! Very quick and tasty when there is no time to cook.
