Tomatoes with cottage cheese
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
From ingredients
6 products
Vegetables
Dairy
Sauce
Spices & Flavorings
SIMPLE PROCESS
Step by step recipe
The key is to use dense, meaty tomatoes that won't release too much juice when sliced. Choose medium-fat cottage cheese so the filling holds its shape. Press the garlic through a crusher for even distribution, and don't forget your favorite spices – black pepper or paprika work great.
Prepare the Cottage Cheese Filling
In a bowl, combine cottage cheese (150 g / 5.3 oz), salt (2 g / ½ tsp), spices (2 g / ½ tsp), and minced garlic (10 g / 2 cloves). Mix until smooth.
Add the Mayo
Stir in mayonnaise (20 g / 1.5 tbsp) and mix thoroughly to get a pliable mixture. If the cheese is too dry, add a little more mayo or sour cream.
Slice the Tomatoes
Wash and dry the tomatoes (200 g / about 7 oz). Cut into thick rounds (about 1 cm / ½ inch thick) – try to keep them uniform.
Form and Place the Balls
Roll the cheese mixture into small balls (about the size of a walnut). Place one ball onto each tomato slice and gently press down.
Garnish and Serve
Top each ball with fresh herbs (dill or parsley). Optionally drizzle with a drop of olive oil or balsamic vinegar. Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving.
CHEF'S TIP
Pick the Right Tomatoes
Go for large, meaty varieties like beefsteak or Roma – they hold their shape and don't get watery when sliced.
Drain the Cottage Cheese
If your cottage cheese is wet, drain it in a cheesecloth-lined strainer for a few minutes – this helps the balls stay firm and not fall apart.
Add Fresh Herbs for Brightness
Besides garnish, chopped dill or parsley mixed into the cottage cheese adds a fresh kick and lovely color.
Chill Before Serving
Pop the assembled tomatoes in the fridge for 15–20 minutes – the filling sets and flavors meld, making it even more delicious.
SUBSTITUTIONS
Add your taste
- Replace Mayo with Sour Cream For a lighter version, use sour cream (20 g / 1.5 tbsp) – it lowers calories and gives a milder, creamier taste.
- Skip the Garlic, Add More Herbs If you're not a fan of garlic, omit it and add extra fresh herbs (dill, basil) plus a squeeze of lemon for tanginess.
- Use Cream Cheese Instead of Cottage Cheese Ricotta or cream cheese will make the filling silkier, though slightly higher in calories.
- Swap Tomatoes for Cucumbers In summer, try thick cucumber rounds with the same filling – a cool, crunchy alternative.
HOW TO STORE
How to Store Tomatoes with Cottage Cheese
Best enjoyed fresh – tomatoes release juice over time. If needed, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Do not freeze, as texture becomes watery. Before serving, pat dry any excess moisture.
GOOD TO KNOW