Cottage Cheese Casserole with Bananas in the Oven

Alternatives include: apple (a more "Russian" option), pear (tender), peach or apricot (a summer option), additional dried fruit (raisins, dried apricots, prunes – 50 g each), or fresh berries (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries). You can leave the banana out – then it will be a "classic" cottage cheese casserole. The banana gives a characteristic sweetness and tender creaminess, and with it the casserole turns out especially soft. For a gluten-free version, replace the semolina with rice flour or ground oat flakes.

Yes, alternatives include: rolled oats (4 tbsp – let them swell in the milk), wheat flour (2–3 tbsp), cornflour (2 tbsp – gives a "tender" texture), or crushed plain biscuits (3–4 tbsp). Without a "binder" the casserole will not hold together and will crumble. Semolina is best for the classic texture. In modern recipes rice flour or almond flour is often used for a gluten-free version.

In the fridge it keeps for 3–4 days in a closed container. Before serving you can warm it slightly in the microwave (30 seconds) or in the oven (10 minutes at 100 °C). On the second day the flavour is even better – the ingredients have "made friends". You can freeze it in portions for 1–2 months and defrost it in the fridge for 2–3 hours. I serve it with cherry confiture, sour cream, honey or fresh berries – the options are endless.

Yes, it is an excellent option for a children's breakfast. Cottage cheese is a source of calcium and protein. Bananas provide energy and potassium. Dried apricots provide iron and vitamins. Nothing fried or heavy. For children under 3 years old, halve the sugar (1.5 tbsp) and leave out the lemon zest. Semolina is easy to digest. Serve with milk or unsweetened tea. You can make individual "portions" in silicone muffin moulds – children love their own "individual" servings.