Estonian Food: Kohupiimakreem

Famous Estonian food: Kohupiimakreem
Famous Estonian food: Kohupiimakreem. Photo source: balticrun.com

Jump to delicious Estonian Kohupiimakreem recipe!

What is the Estonian dish Kohupiimakreem?

As the sun sets over the rolling hills of Estonia, the scent of something sweet and tantalizing fills the air. It’s the aroma of Kohupiimakreem, a decadent dessert that’s been cherished by Estonians for generations.

A velvety cream made from the finest curd cheese, infused with a touch of fragrant vanilla, and sweetened with sugar, the Kohupiimakreem is a symphony of rich and creamy flavors that dance on the tongue. It’s no surprise that this dessert is one of the most beloved treats in Estonia.

Served chilled, this dessert is a refreshing indulgence that’s perfect for warm summer days. The smooth and silky texture of the cream is enhanced with a generous dollop of whipped cream, adding an airy lightness that perfectly balances the rich creaminess of the curd cheese.

For those who love a burst of flavor, Kohupiimakreem is best topped with raisins or fresh berries. The plump and juicy raisins provide a delightful contrast to the creamy sweetness of the dessert, while the fresh berries add a tart and tangy burst of flavor that elevates the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Although many Estonians make Kohupiimakreem at home, this beloved dessert is also available in small plastic containers, sold commercially. Whether enjoyed at home or savored at a local café, this delightful dessert is a true Estonian classic that’s sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to try it.

What are the origins and history of the Estonian dish Kohupiimakreem?

Kohupiimakreem is a traditional Estonian dessert that has been enjoyed by generations of Estonians. The origins of this beloved dish can be traced back to the country’s rich dairy farming traditions, which date back centuries.

Curd cheese, which is the primary ingredient in Kohupiimakreem, has been a staple of Estonian cuisine for centuries. The cheese is made by curdling milk with a special enzyme, resulting in a creamy and slightly tangy cheese that is similar in texture to ricotta or cottage cheese.

Over time, Estonians began to experiment with different ways to use curd cheese in their cooking, and Kohupiimakreem emerged as a popular dessert. The addition of vanilla and sugar to the curd cheese created a rich and creamy base that was the perfect canvas for a variety of toppings, from fresh berries to raisins.

Today, Kohupiimakreem remains a cherished part of Estonian culinary tradition. While the recipe has evolved over the years, with some versions incorporating additional ingredients like whipped cream or gelatin, the essence of the dish remains the same: a luscious and indulgent dessert that celebrates the natural flavors of Estonia’s dairy products.

Whether enjoyed at home or in a local café, Kohupiimakreem is a delicious reminder of Estonia’s rich culinary heritage and the country’s enduring love for all things dairy.

What are some dishes from other countries that are similar to the Estonian dish Kohupiimakreem?

Kohupiimakreem is a unique Estonian dessert that is not commonly found in other cuisines. However, there are a few dishes from other countries that share some similarities with this beloved Estonian treat.

  • One such dish is the Italian dessert Panna Cotta, which is made from a mixture of cream, sugar, and gelatin. Like Kohupiimakreem, Panna Cotta has a rich and creamy texture and is often served chilled with fresh berries or a fruit coulis.
  • Another similar dish is the French dessert Clafoutis, which is made by baking a custard-like batter with fresh fruit. While Clafoutis is not made with curd cheese, it shares a similar texture and richness to Kohupiimakreem, and is often served as a dessert with a dollop of whipped cream.
  • In some parts of Germany, a similar dessert called Quarkkuchen is popular. It is made with Quark cheese, which is similar to curd cheese, combined with sugar, eggs, and flour to make a custard-like filling that is baked in a crust.

While these dishes are not identical to Kohupiimakreem, they do share some similarities in terms of texture, flavor, and the way they are served. However, each of these dishes has its own unique characteristics and remains a beloved part of its respective cuisine.

Vegetarian & Vegan options

Is the Estonian dish Kohupiimakreem vegetarian / vegan? If not, can it be made vegetarian / vegan?

The traditional recipe for Kohupiimakreem includes curd cheese, which is made from cow’s milk and is therefore not suitable for vegans. However, it can be made vegan by using a vegan curd cheese made from plant-based sources such as soy or almond milk.

To make a vegan version of Kohupiimakreem, the curd cheese can also be replaced with a vegan cream cheese or silken tofu, which will give the dessert a similar texture and creaminess. Agar agar or another plant-based alternative can be used in place of gelatin to set the dessert.

The whipped cream topping can be made with coconut cream or another plant-based cream alternative. To sweeten the dessert, vegan sugar or a natural sweetener like maple syrup can be used.

While the vegan version of Kohupiimakreem may taste slightly different from the traditional version, it can still be a delicious and satisfying dessert that is suitable for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet. With a few simple substitutions, this beloved Estonian dessert can be enjoyed by a wider range of people, regardless of their dietary restrictions.

Traditional Estonian Kohupiimakreem Recipe

Kohupiimakreem is a traditional Estonian dessert that is easy to make and tastes delicious. This creamy dessert is made with curd cheese, vanilla, sugar, and whipped cream. It is usually served cold and can be topped with raisins or fresh berries for extra flavor. Here is a simple recipe to make this beloved Estonian dessert at home.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Serving: 4

Ingredients:

  • 500g of curd cheese
  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp of vanilla extract
  • Raisins or fresh berries (optional)

Preparation:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the curd cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  3. Add the whipped cream to the curd cheese mixture and gently fold it in until fully combined.
  4. Pour the mixture into a large bowl or individual serving dishes.
  5. Cover the bowl or dishes with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until set.
  6. When ready to serve, top the Kohupiimakreem with raisins or fresh berries, if desired.

Nutritional Information:

  • Calories: 424 kcal
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg
  • Sodium: 171mg
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Protein: 13g

Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

More Kohupiimakreem Recipes (in the Estonian language)

India pähkli kohupiimakreem karamelliseeritud õunte ja kreeka pähklitega

taimsedvalikud.ee

Kohupiimakreem

maaneiu.ee

Lihtne kohupiimakreem

nami-nami.ee

Kohupiimakreem FAQs:

  1. What is Kohupiimakreem made of? Kohupiimakreem is a traditional Estonian dessert made with curd cheese, vanilla, sugar, and whipped cream. It can be topped with raisins or fresh berries for added flavor.
  2. Can Kohupiimakreem be made ahead of time? Yes, Kohupiimakreem can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. It is recommended to cover the dish or individual servings with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
  3. Is Kohupiimakreem a healthy dessert option? While Kohupiimakreem is a delicious dessert, it is not necessarily a healthy option due to its high fat and sugar content. However, it can be enjoyed in moderation as a treat.
  4. Can Kohupiimakreem be made vegan? Yes, Kohupiimakreem can be made vegan by using a vegan curd cheese made from plant-based sources such as soy or almond milk. To make a vegan version, the curd cheese can also be replaced with a vegan cream cheese or silken tofu, and the whipped cream topping can be made with coconut cream or another plant-based cream alternative.
  5. How long does Kohupiimakreem last in the refrigerator? Kohupiimakreem can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap. It is best to consume it within this time frame for optimal freshness and flavor.

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