Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS:

PASTA:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (about) water

DAIRY SAUCE:

• 1/2 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup yoghurt
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 cloves garlic, put through a press
• 1 tsp fresh mint, chopped
• 1 Tbs fresh dill, chopped

FOR COOKING PASTA:

• 4 cups water, lightly salted, up to 5 cups

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, beaten egg, and salt. Gradually add just enough water to prepare a firm dough that can be handled. Dust with flour as needed to achieve the desired consistency. Place the dough ball in a plastic bag and let it rest at room temperature for 1 hour.
2. After resting, cut the dough into halves and roll each piece into a very thin pancake. If using a pasta machine, feed the dough through the machine until thin. Then, cut the pancakes into 1/2-inch squares and set them aside.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the cottage cheese, yoghurt, salt, pressed garlic, chopped mint, and chopped dill to prepare the dairy sauce. Set the sauce aside.
4. Bring 4 to 5 cups of lightly salted water to a boil in a large pan. Drop in the pasta squares and cook over moderate heat for about 10 minutes or until they are tender but still al dente. Drain the cooked pasta well.
5. Serve the pasta and dairy sauce separately. Each diner can fill their plate with pasta and spoon over as much sauce as desired.

Enjoy this delicious Poloni dish during dairy-focused holidays or hot summer days when a light and flavorful meal is preferred.

Here are some variations of the Poloni (Miniature Pasta Squares with Dairy Sauce) recipe:

1. Spinach Poloni:

• Add finely chopped cooked spinach to the pasta dough before rolling it into squares. This will give the pasta a vibrant green color and add a hint of earthy flavor.

2. Lemon Zest and Herb Sauce:

• Prepare the dairy sauce as usual, but add some freshly grated lemon zest and a variety of fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and chives. The lemony and herbal notes will brighten up the sauce.

3. Sundried Tomato and Feta Sauce:

• Create a tangy sauce by blending sundried tomatoes and feta cheese with the cottage cheese and yoghurt. The combination of sweet and savory flavors will complement the pasta squares perfectly.

4. Pesto Poloni:

• Toss the cooked pasta squares in a homemade or store-bought pesto sauce. The rich basil and garlic flavors will pair beautifully with the dairy sauce.

5. Mushroom and Thyme Poloni:

• Saute sliced mushrooms with fresh thyme until tender, and then mix them into the dairy sauce. The earthy mushroom flavor will add depth to the dish.

6. Mediterranean-Inspired Poloni:

• Add chopped black olives, diced cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes to the dairy sauce for a Mediterranean twist. Serve the Poloni with a sprinkle of crumbled feta and a drizzle of olive oil.

7. Spicy Poloni:

• For those who enjoy some heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dairy sauce. The spiciness will balance well with the creamy texture.

8. Roasted Vegetable Poloni:

• Roast a mix of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant with olive oil and your favorite herbs until caramelized. Toss the roasted veggies with the pasta squares and coat everything with the dairy sauce.

9. Tex-Mex Poloni:

• Spice things up by adding a blend of Tex-Mex spices, such as cumin, chili powder, and paprika, to the dairy sauce. Serve with avocado slices and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.

10. Sweet Dessert Poloni:

• Turn this savory dish into a delightful dessert by making sweet pasta squares. Add a touch of sugar and cinnamon to the pasta dough. For the dairy sauce, mix in a drizzle of honey and some fresh berries.