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Traditional Croatian Baked Strukli


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4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Author: Tamara Novacovic
  • Total Time: 70 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6
  • Diet: Omnivore

Description

Creamy cottage cheese filling nestled in delicate dough pockets. A simple, satisfying taste of Croatia.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 cups (500 g) all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp vinegar
  • 1/2 cup lukewarm water
  • 6 oz (600 g) fresh cottage cheese
  • 3 oz (100 g) butter, softened + 2 tbsp
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • salt
  • pepper
  • sour cream
  • grated cheese
  • some butter

Instructions

  1. Make the dough: Sift flour combined with salt onto a clean working surface and make an indentation in the middle. Put one egg into the indentation, add oil, and combine all ingredients using a fork. Mix some lukewarm water with vinegar and gradually add to the dough until it comes together.
  2. Knead the dough with your hands until it is smooth and elastic, but not too soft and sticky.
  3. Divide the dough into three equal parts, brush each with oil, and cover with warm pots. Leave for 30 minutes.
  4. While the dough rests, prepare the filling: Mix softened butter with fresh cottage cheese, add eggs, sour cream, salt, and pepper.
  5. Take a clean tablecloth and dust it with some flour. Put 1 part of the dough onto it, roll it out with a rolling pin until thin, and then begin stretching it with your palms. Be gentle and patient, stretching it from the middle. Cut out thick edges.
  6. Let the dough rest for 15 minutes to dry slightly, or skip this step if you are in a hurry. Then sprinkle it with some melted butter.
  7. Pour the filling over the dough, covering only half of it.
  8. Roll up the dough using the tablecloth.
  9. Using your hands, separate the dough into equal parts and cut them with a plate to firmly seal the edges and ensure the filling doesn’t pour out.
  10. Take a baking pan, brush it with butter, and arrange the strukli in it.
  11. Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C).
  12. Make the topping: Combine sour cream with some salt and pour it over the strukli. Place a couple of cubes of butter on top and finish with some grated cheese.
  13. Bake for about 40 minutes, until nicely golden. Let cool slightly and serve warm.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use full-fat cottage cheese and sour cream.
  • To prevent sticking, ensure the dough is well-floured before rolling and stretching.
  • Leftover strukli can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Oven-Baking
  • Cuisine: Croatian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 strukli
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 400
  • Fat: 25
  • Saturated Fat: 15
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8
  • Carbohydrates: 40
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 15
  • Cholesterol: 150