These delicious unsweetened cheesecakes combine creamy cottage cheese with stretchy suluguni cheese for a perfect savory treat. Popular in Georgian cuisine, these golden-brown syrniki offer a wonderful contrast of textures with a crispy exterior and melted cheese center that’s absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients
- 400g cottage cheese / 14 oz cottage cheese
- 1 large egg / 1 large egg
- 50g semolina / ⅓ cup semolina flour
- 25g wheat flour / 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 75g suluguni cheese / 2.6 oz suluguni cheese (or substitute mozzarella)
- Salt to taste / Salt to taste
- 60g wheat flour for molding / ½ cup all-purpose flour for dusting
- Vegetable oil for frying / Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese base: Blend cottage cheese with salt and egg until smooth using a food processor or fork, creating a uniform mixture.
- Add dry ingredients: Mix in semolina and wheat flour, stirring thoroughly until well combined and no lumps remain.
- Incorporate suluguni: Grate suluguni cheese on a coarse grater and fold into the mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout.
- Form dough portions: Divide the mixture into portions of approximately 60g each and roll into balls with lightly floured hands.
- Shape the cheesecakes: Dust work surface with flour and flatten each ball using a knife or glass bottom to form disc shapes about 1cm thick.
- Heat the pan: Warm a non-stick pan over medium-low heat and add enough vegetable oil to coat the bottom.
- Cook the syrniki: Place cheesecakes in the pan and fry for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
- Serve immediately: Serve the cheesecakes while hot to enjoy the stretchy, melted cheese interior.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6-8 pieces
Nutrition (per piece): Approximately 165 calories, 12g protein, 10g carbs, 8g fat, 1g fiber
Why This Savory Cheesecake Recipe is Nutritious
These unsweetened suluguni cheesecakes provide high-quality protein from both cottage cheese and suluguni, supporting muscle health and satiety. Cottage cheese is rich in calcium and phosphorus for strong bones, while being naturally low in carbohydrates. The semolina adds fiber and B vitamins, making these cheesecakes a more nutritious alternative to sweet desserts. The savory nature means no added sugars, making them suitable for those watching their sugar intake while still enjoying a satisfying, protein-rich meal or snack.