Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan 160°C). Spread the buckwheat on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a thin, even layer. Place in the preheated oven and toast for 10–12 minutes, stirring with a silicone spatula every 4 minutes to ensure the buckwheat browns evenly. The ready buckwheat will have a more intense, nutty aroma and a golden-brown color — be careful not to burn it.
Description
A light, winter reinterpretation of the classic cheesecake: small baked cheesecakes on a crunchy base made from roasted buckwheat, a creamy filling of cottage cheese and buttermilk sweetened with honey, and an aromatic puree of roasted beetroot and Polish apples. The dish is topped with oven-caramelized plums and an optional sprinkle of walnuts and dark chocolate. It combines Polish, seasonal ingredients (beetroots, apples, plums, buckwheat, cottage cheese), is relatively low in sweetness, and is designed to provide protein and fiber. Serve chilled as a dessert after lunch or as an energizing treat for afternoon tea — visually appealing with the contrast of the intense color of the puree and the light, creamy cheese filling.
Ingredients Used
Ingredients (13)
- Chicken egg 2 szt. (~120 g)
- Buckwheat groats 120 g
- Rapeseed oil 30 g
- Semi-fat cottage cheese 400 g
- Buttermilk 100 g
- Honey 40 ml
- Apple 1.1 szt. (~200 g)
- Fresh plum 3.3 szt. (~200 g)
- Beets (raw) 200 g
- 🌿 Przyprawy
- Cinnamon 2 g
- Salt 1 g
- ✨ Opcjonalne
- Walnuts 30 g
- Dark chocolate 20 g
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Preparation steps
Crispy crust
After toasting, transfer the groats to a food processor or a strong blender. Pulse 2/3 of the groats to a coarse 'flour' texture (not to a powder) — leave about 1/3 of the grains whole for crunch. Transfer the ground groats to a bowl, add canola oil and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spoon: the mixture should be moist and slightly sticky. If the mixture is too dry, add a teaspoon of oil at a time.
Prepare 4 small ramekins (or one springform pan ø18–20 cm). Fill the bottom and press down with the mixture of buckwheat, using a spoon or the bottom of a small glass to create an even base about 7–8 mm thick. Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes at 180°C, until the base 'sets' and lightly browns. After removing, set aside to cool.
Beetroot and Apple Purée
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Wash the beetroot, wrap it in aluminum foil, and bake for 35–50 minutes (depending on size) until tender — check with a knife: the knife should pierce easily. Alternatively: peel and cut the beetroot into pieces and cook in salted water for 25–30 minutes.
Peel the roasted beetroot and grate it on a coarse grater or cut it into small cubes. Peel and dice the apple into small cubes (about 5 mm). In a heavy-bottomed pot, place the beetroot, apple, 15 g of honey (from the total amount), 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 2–3 tablespoons of water. Cook over low heat for 12–15 minutes, stirring every 2–3 minutes, until the apple softens and the liquid partially evaporates — the puree should have a thick, slightly fibrous consistency.
Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes, then blend with an immersion blender until smooth or leave it slightly chunky if you prefer that texture. Set aside to cool completely at room temperature.
Cheese mixture
Reduce the oven temperature to 160°C (fan 150°C). In a large bowl, crumble the cottage cheese with a fork or pass it through a sieve to eliminate lumps. Add the buttermilk, eggs (120 g, which is 2 pieces), 25 g of honey (the rest from the amount), and a pinch of salt. Blend with a hand mixer or a stand mixer on low speed for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy — it should be pourable but not watery.
Pour the cheese mixture into the previously baked bases (ramekins or a small dish) up to about 3/4 of their height. Place the ramekins on a large tray filled with hot water up to 1/3 of its height (water bath, bain-marie). Bake at 160°C for 30–35 minutes: the edges should be set, the center slightly soft and gently 'quivering' when moved.
After baking, turn off the oven and crack the door open for 5–10 minutes, then remove the ramekins and set them on the counter to cool completely (about 30 minutes). Once cooled, place them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the mixture to set and chill.
Roasted Plum Sauce
Preheat the oven to 190°C. Cut the plums in half, remove the pits, and place them skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with 5–10 g of honey (if you want more sweetness) and bake for 12–15 minutes until the fruits caramelize and become soft. After baking, gently mash the plums with a fork, keeping some fruit pieces intact.
Assembly and decoration
Remove the chilled cheesecakes from the refrigerator. On each cheesecake, spread 2–3 tablespoons of cooled beetroot-apple puree, gently smoothing it with a spoon. Top with 2–3 halves of roasted plum (you can gently press them into the puree). Sprinkle everything with a teaspoon of toasted whole buckwheat (the rest from the preparation) for a contrasting texture. Additionally, chop and sprinkle with walnuts and finely grate dark chocolate — if using.
Serve chilled (preferably after 2–4 hours in the fridge). You can also gently drizzle each cheesecake with a few drops of honey just before serving if you want a more intense sweetness.
Fun Fact
Buckwheat has been commonly used in Polish cuisine since the Middle Ages; toasting the buckwheat brings out its nutty aroma, which pairs perfectly with the earthy flavor of beetroot — traditional tastes with a modern twist.
Best for
Tips
Serve very chilled, preferably with a cup of strong, bitter coffee or herbal tea. For an elegant appearance, pipe the mousse using a large round tip and arrange the plums symmetrically. Sprinkle with freshly ground cinnamon to taste.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, tightly covered. Nuts and grated chocolate are best added just before serving to maintain their crunch. Reheating is not recommended — the dessert tastes best chilled.
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