Ingredients

For approximately 40 balls:

• Cottage cheese: 360 g
• Sugar: 2 tablespoons
• Eggs: 2 medium
• Soda: 1 teaspoon (without a slide)
• Flour: 180-200 g
• Salt: A pinch
• Vegetable oil: For frying (about 200 ml)

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Cottage Cheese Mixture

1. Break down the cottage cheese: Begin by placing the 360 g of cottage cheese in a large mixing bowl. If your cottage cheese is chunky, you may want to mash it with a fork or use a hand blender to achieve a smoother consistency. This will help create a more uniform dough for the balls.
2. Add the eggs: Crack two medium eggs into the bowl with the cottage cheese. Whisk the eggs together with the cottage cheese until well combined.
3. Sweeten the mixture: Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the mixture, adjusting to taste depending on how sweet you like your cottage cheese balls. Mix until the sugar is fully dissolved.
4. Add the soda and salt: Stir in 1 teaspoon of soda and a pinch of salt. The soda will help the dough puff up slightly during frying, giving the balls a light and airy texture.

Step 2: Mix in the Flour

1. Add the flour: Gradually add 180-200 g of all-purpose flour to the cottage cheese mixture. Start with 180 g and mix thoroughly. The dough should be soft but not too sticky. If the dough feels too sticky to handle, add a little more flour (up to 200 g).
2. Knead the dough: Use your hands to gently knead the dough for a few minutes. The goal is to create a smooth, cohesive dough that holds together without sticking to your fingers. Avoid over-kneading, as this can result in tough balls.

Step 3: Shape the Balls

1. Shape the dough into balls: Once the dough is ready, begin forming small balls with your hands. Aim for balls that are about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.5 cm) in diameter, as they will puff up slightly when fried. You should be able to make around 40 balls from the dough.
2. Prepare for frying: Place the formed balls on a floured surface or a baking sheet while you heat the oil for frying.

Step 4: Fry the Cottage Cheese Balls

1. Heat the oil: Pour about 200 ml of vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or pot. The oil should be deep enough to submerge the balls halfway. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches about 180°C (350°F). You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of dough into it—if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
2. Fry the balls: Carefully place the cottage cheese balls into the hot oil in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature of the oil and prevent the balls from frying evenly.
3. Fry for 4 minutes: Fry each batch of balls for about 4 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. The balls should be golden brown and crispy on the outside while staying soft and fluffy inside.
4. Drain the excess oil: Once the balls are fried, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This will absorb any excess oil and keep the balls crisp.

Step 5: Serve the Cottage Cheese Balls

1. Serve warm: These cottage cheese balls are best enjoyed warm. You can serve them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a side of jam, honey, or sour cream.
2. Optional toppings: You can also drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the balls for a more decadent dessert.

Cooking Tips

• Smoothing the cottage cheese: If your cottage cheese is chunky, try pressing it through a sieve or using a hand blender for a smoother texture. This will help create a more uniform dough and result in fluffier balls.
• Adjusting sweetness: You can adjust the amount of sugar in this recipe to suit your taste. For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar, or for a dessert-like treat, add a bit more.
• Frying temperature: Maintaining the right oil temperature is crucial for perfect frying. If the oil is too hot, the balls may burn on the outside before cooking through. If it’s too cool, they may absorb too much oil and become greasy. Using a thermometer can help ensure the oil stays around 180°C (350°F).
• Variety in flavor: Feel free to experiment with flavorings. Add vanilla extract, lemon zest, or a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for a different flavor profile.
• Consistency of dough: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky, but still easy to shape into balls. If it’s too wet, add a bit more flour, but avoid adding too much as it can make the balls dense.

Storage

• Refrigeration: If you have leftover cottage cheese balls, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a microwave or a low-temperature oven before serving.
• Freezing: The cottage cheese balls can also be frozen. Freeze the balls after they’ve cooled, placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in an oven at 160°C (320°F) until warmed through.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 40 Balls)

• Calories: 55 kcal
• Protein: 2.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fat: 3 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 50 mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bake the cottage cheese balls instead of frying them?
   • Yes, you can bake these balls for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 20 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are golden brown. They won’t be as crispy as the fried version but will still taste delicious.
2. Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
   • Yes, ricotta can be substituted for cottage cheese, though it will give a slightly creamier texture. If using ricotta, make sure to drain any excess liquid before adding it to the dough.
3. Why are my cottage cheese balls too dense?
   • If your cottage cheese balls turned out dense, it could be due to over-kneading the dough or adding too much flour. Be sure to mix the dough just until combined and only add enough flour to make the dough manageable.
4. What can I serve with cottage cheese balls?
   • These balls pair beautifully with a variety of toppings. Try serving them with fruit preserves, honey, sour cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a sweet treat.
5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Store the dough in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. Be sure to let it come to room temperature before shaping and frying the balls.

Conclusion

Cottage cheese fried balls are a versatile, delicious snack that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior, these treats are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, breakfast, or dessert, they can be served plain or with a variety of toppings. Best of all, they come together quickly and require only a few simple ingredients, making them a great go-to recipe when you’re short on time.

With the flexibility to bake or fry, adjust the sweetness, and customize the flavors, this recipe is a keeper that you can adapt to your preferences. Give these cottage cheese balls a try and enjoy their unique flavor and texture!