Traditional Slovenian Štruklji: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, egg, salt, warm water, and 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil. Knead until a smooth dough forms. Cover with a cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  2. While the dough is resting, prepare the filling. Mix together the cottage cheese, sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. Roll out the dough on a floured surface until very thin. Spread the filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  4. Roll up the dough tightly, starting from one of the shorter sides, to form a log. Pinch the ends to seal.
  5. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully place the roll into the boiling water and cook for 30 minutes.
  6. While the roll is cooking, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown.
  7. Remove the roll from the water using a slotted spoon and let it cool slightly. Cut into slices and serve topped with the toasted breadcrumbs and drizzled with the melted butter.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the dough and filling.
  • Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough into a thin sheet.
  • Cloth - To cover the dough and let it rest.
  • Large Pot - To boil the rolled dough in water.
  • Slotted Spoon - To remove the cooked roll from the boiling water.
  • Pan - Used to toast the breadcrumbs.
  • Spatula - To serve the sliced Štruklji.

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier version.
  • Add different spices or herbs to the filling, such as nutmeg, cinnamon, or fresh dill, to enhance the flavor.
  • Replace the cottage cheese with ricotta cheese for a creamier texture.
  • Experiment with different fillings like fruit preserves, sautéed vegetables, or cooked minced meat.
  • Make a savory version by using ingredients like spinach, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.
  • For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Try different crust options like phyllo dough or puff pastry for a flakier texture.
  • To make it vegan, substitute the egg with a flaxseed or chia egg, and use dairy-free alternatives for cottage cheese and sour cream.
  • Add grated lemon or orange zest to the filling for a fresh citrus twist.
  • Serve with a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or chocolate sauce for a sweet finishing touch.

Recipe overview

Štruklji is a traditional Slovenian dish, typically served as a side or dessert. It's a delicious rolled pastry, filled with a luscious blend of cottage cheese, sour cream, sugar, and a hint of vanilla. This recipe walks you through the process of making your own Štruklji at home - from preparing the simple dough, to making the sweet, creamy filling, and finally boiling it to perfection. Topped with some golden breadcrumbs and a drizzle of melted butter, the end result is a wonderfully soft and creamy dish with a slightly crunchy topping. Making Štruklji is a bit of a process, but every step is well worth it for the incredible flavors and textures you'll achieve. Enjoy this taste of Slovenia in your own kitchen!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour?
    Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
  2. Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?
    Certainly! While cottage cheese is traditional, you can experiment with other types of soft cheese like ricotta or farmer's cheese.
  3. Can I make the dough in advance?
    Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before rolling it out and filling it.
  4. Can I freeze Štruklji?
    Absolutely! Once cooked, you can freeze Štruklji for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to thaw them completely before reheating.
  5. Can I use a different topping instead of breadcrumbs?
    Certainly! Traditional Štruklji are topped with breadcrumbs, but you can also try using chopped nuts or powdered sugar as an alternative.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the dough and preparing the filling.
  • Rolling Pin - Used to roll out the dough into a thin sheet.
  • Cloth - To cover the dough and let it rest.
  • Pot - A large pot for boiling the Štruklji.
  • Slotted Spoon - Used to remove the cooked Štruklji from the boiling water.
  • Pan - Toasting the breadcrumbs.
  • Serving Platter - A dish or platter for serving the Štruklji slices.
  • Knife - For slicing the cooked Štruklji into individual portions.

Origin stories

Štruklji, the delicious rolled pastry, is a culinary emblem of Slovenia and boasts a rich history that goes back several centuries. Originating in the 18th century, it was initially served only on special occasions due to its labor-intensive preparation. Interestingly, the first written mention of Štruklji can be found in the notes of Valentin Vodnik, a Slovenian poet and journalist, who was also a passionate cook and connoisseur of local cuisine. Vodnik was so enamored by the delicacy that he mentioned it in his cookbook in 1799. Since then, Štruklji has found its way to the everyday Slovenian table and has become an integral part of their national identity. To this day, it remains a beloved dish that embodies the warmth of Slovenian hospitality and the richness of its culinary tradition.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.