Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
- Cook noodles until just tender (al dente). Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the cheese mixture
- In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, sour cream, sugar, eggs, raisins, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth (small lumps from cottage cheese are fine).
3️⃣ Assemble
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter a 9×13 in (23×33 cm) baking dish.
- Toss noodles with melted butter, then spread half in the dish.
- Spread cheese mixture evenly over noodles.
- Top with remaining noodles.
4️⃣ Bake
- Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until top is lightly golden and set.
5️⃣ Serve
- Let cool slightly before slicing into squares.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
💡 Hungarian tips:
- Some families drizzle vanilla sauce over each slice.
- Using túró (Hungarian-style fresh curd cheese) makes it more authentic than store-bought cottage cheese.
- For a richer flavor, add vanilla sugar or a splash of rum to the cheese mixture.
If you’d like, I can also give you the savory version of rakott tészta with sausage, eggs, and sour cream — which Hungarians enjoy for lunch rather than dessert.