Celebrate the rich traditions of Slovak Easter with Cirak, a delightful homemade cheese egg roll thatโs as unique as it is satisfying. This traditional recipe combines pantry staples like eggs, milk, sugar, and a hint of black pepper to create a creamy curd thatโs delicately set using cheesecloth. The simple stovetop cooking technique transforms these ingredients into a firm yet tender cheese, perfect for slicing and serving alongside classic holiday fare like ham, sausages, or crusty rye bread. With just 10 minutes of prep time and the comforting aroma of Easter festivities filling your kitchen, this authentic Slovak dish is a must-have for your holiday table. Whether you're maintaining time-honored traditions or exploring new flavors, Cirak will bring a touch of rustic charm to your Easter celebrations.
In a large mixing bowl, crack all 12 eggs and whisk them together until fully blended.
Add the milk, sugar, salt, and black pepper to the eggs. Whisk again to combine the ingredients evenly.
Transfer the mixture to a large, heavy-bottomed pot or saucepan over medium heat.
Cook the mixture while stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula to prevent sticking. This process will take about 20-25 minutes, as the mixture will curdle and thicken into small curds.
Once the mixture has fully separated into curds and whey, remove the pot from the heat.
Line a colander with a clean cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl to catch any liquid. Pour the curd mixture into the cheesecloth-lined colander.
Gather the corners of the cheesecloth together and twist to form a tight ball, squeezing out as much liquid as possible.
Secure the twisted end with kitchen twine or a rubber band, and hang the cheese ball over a sink or bowl to drain for 2-3 hours, until it is firm.
After the cheese has set, unwrap it from the cheesecloth. Transfer it to a plate and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Slice the Cirak into rounds or wedges and serve as part of your Easter meal. It pairs well with ham, sausages, and traditional rye bread.
Calories |
1562 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 88.3 g | 113% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.9 g | 184% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 2349 mg | 783% | |
| Sodium | 2403 mg | 104% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 75.0 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 74.3 g | ||
| Protein | 107.3 g | 215% | |
| Vitamin D | 23.0 mcg | 115% | |
| Calcium | 1539 mg | 118% | |
| Iron | 10.7 mg | 59% | |
| Potassium | 2300 mg | 49% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.