Cirak (Slovak Easter Cheese)

Cirak (Slovak Easter Cheese)
  • PREP TIME
    15 mins
  • COOK TIME
    20 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    12 hrs 35 mins
  • SERVING
    16 People
  • VIEWS
    57

Celebrate Easter with this time-honored Slovakian tradition: Cirak, a subtly flavored cheese, unlike any other. Perfect alongside baked ham and beet horseradish, or nestled in a sandwich, it's a taste of heritage.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    3 g
  • Cholesterol
    144 mg
  • Protein
    7 g
  • Saturated Fat
    2 g
  • Sodium
    223 mg
  • Sugar
    3 g
  • Fat
    5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

DIRECTIONS

Salamander lied porpoise much over tightly circa horse taped so innocuously side crudey mightily rigorous plot life. New homes in particular are subject. All recipes created with FoodiePress have suport for Micoformats and Schema.org is a collaboration byo improve convallis.

Image Step 01
01 Step

Recipe View 5 mins Gently warm the milk: In a heatproof bowl, pour milk, then set it over a saucepan filled halfway with simmering water. Allow milk to become warm to the touch. (Approximately 5 minutes).

Image Step 02
02 Step

Recipe View 20 mins Create the base: Gradually crack the eggs into the warmed milk while stirring constantly, ensuring the mixture doesn't scorch. Once all eggs are added, continue to stir slowly until the mixture resembles softly scrambled eggs. (Approximately 15-20 minutes).

Image Step 03
03 Step

Recipe View 2 hrs Drain the curds: Pour the mixture into a cheesecloth-lined colander or a cheesecloth bag. Tie the bag tightly, then hang it from a faucet or suspend it over a bowl to allow whey to drain. (Approximately 1-2 hours).

Image Step 04
04 Step

Recipe View 2 hrs Press the cheese: Place the drained cheese on a cooling rack set over a pan or bowl. Place a heavy object (such as a cast-iron skillet weighted with cans) on top to press out excess liquid. Press for at least 2 hours, or longer for a firmer cheese.

Image Step 05
05 Step

Recipe View 8 hrs Chill and serve: Carefully remove the weights and cheesecloth. Refrigerate the cheese for several hours or, ideally, overnight before slicing and serving.

Use the freshest eggs possible for the best flavor and texture.
Don't be tempted to rush the draining and pressing process; this is key to achieving the right consistency.
For a richer flavor, consider using raw milk if it's available and legal in your area.
Experiment with adding a pinch of freshly ground black pepper or herbs like dill or chives to the mixture before cooking for a unique twist.

Julie Kuhlman

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 5.0/ 5 ( 19 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (4)
  • Shanna Kuhlman

    I added a little bit of dill to mine, and it gave it a lovely flavor. Thanks for sharing this traditional recipe!

  • Marcel Huels

    I was a bit intimidated by the cheesecloth, but it was actually quite simple. The instructions were clear, and the cheese was delicious!

  • Makenzie Dietrich

    This recipe was so easy to follow, and the Cirak turned out perfectly! It was a hit at our Easter celebration.

  • Sonia Bahringer

    Great recipe! The cheese was very mild and perfect with ham.

LEAVE A REVIEW

Please Rate