This German quark dip recipe presents a delightful combination of flavours and textures, making it a versatile addition to any main meal. It is ideal for a quick, healthy dinner, simple snack, or appetizer. Join us as we guide you through preparing this classic dish so that you can savour a taste of Germany in your home.
Table of Contents
Why Choose German Quark Dip?
German quark dip is simple and quick to prepare, making it one of my favourite recipes for a busy day. Its slightly tart and herby flavour pairs perfectly with bread or potatoes. For those who enjoy meat, you can enhance the dip by adding slices of smoked ham, brined herring, or salmon.
Health Benefits
- Quark is rich in protein, so if you want to build muscles, add it to your diet.
- Magerquark is low in fat and calories, so it’s perfect if you would like to lose weight
- It doesn’t contain sugar
- It contains calcium, B vitamins, potassium and probiotics.
Perfect Meal for Children
I have never met a child who didn’t enjoy dipping chunks of boiled or fried potatoes in a tasty quark dip. Keep in mind that quark is high in protein and not recommended for babies.
What is German Quark?
Quark is a popular dairy product in Germany known for its slightly tangy flavor. It has a thicker consistency than yogurt but is softer than cottage cheese. The texture is smooth and free of lumps.
German quark can be made from milk and buttermilk. Here is the Recipe: German Quark with Buttermilk.
Ingredients
Quark — You can use whatever quark varieties you like for this recipe. I usually mix Magerquark with Quark with 20% fat or stick to Quark with 20% fat.
Herbs — My favourite herb to use in German quark is chives. You can also mix in parsley, cress, or chervil. I add 10 gramm herbs per 200 gramm of quark.
Spices – spice it with salt and pepper. Add additional herbs and spices if you like.
If you want to make a quark dip but don’t have quark on hand, you can use a mixture of cottage cheese and sour cream, cream cheese, or crème fraîche. To adjust the consistency, simply add a small amount of water or milk.
Optional Add-ins to Spice It Up
If you want to add additional ingredients to your savoury quark dip here are few ingredients that work really well:
Mustard – 1/2 teaspoon per 200 gram of quark
Linseed Oil – 2 tablespoon per 200 gram of quark
Garlic – 0,5 clove per 200 gram of quark
Paprika Powder – 1/4 teaspoon per 200 gram of quark
What if you don't have Quark
If you can’t find quark in the supermarket, you can easily make it yourself! All you need is milk, buttermilk, and a little patience. Be sure to check out my step-by-step guide to making traditional German quark.
Preparation Steps
Making the dip is simple — quark can be made in just three easy steps:
1. Prepare the herbs if you are using them. Wash the herbs and gently pat them dry. Cut them finely.
2. Mix the herbs and spices with the quark in a small bowl.
Enjoy your quark dip immediately, or store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it. Quark tastes best after resting in the refrigerator for a few hours, allowing the flavours of the herbs and spices to combine.
Creative Ways to Serve German Quark Dip
Main meals with Quark and Potatoes
- As a side dish with boiled potatoes (vegetarian option)
- As a side dish with jacket potatoes (vegetarian option)
- As a side dish with German Potato Pancakes (vegetarian option)
- As a side dish with Pan-Fried German Potatoes (vegetarian option)
Additional Proteins
- hard-boiled eggs (vegetarian option)
- raw ham, like Schwarzwälder Schinken or Katen Schinken
- smoked salmon
- brined herring
Snacks or Appertizeres with Quark
- As a spread with fresh German bread (vegetarian option)
- As a dip with carrot, paprika, kohlrabi and cucumber sticks (vegetarian option)
Storage
Store Quark Dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Freeze Quark Dip in an airtight container for up to three months. Remember that the texture of a quark changes after freezing: it may become a little runny and have small lumps. If this bothers you, try mixing it with a bit of milk or whipped cream.
Thaw your Quark slowly in the fridge. Other defrosting methods are not recommended.
FAQ
What is the German equivalent of quark?
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How do you eat German quark?
Can you make a dip with quark?
German Quark Dip Recipe
Basic Recipe
- 400 gram quark 20% fat
- 80 mililiters water 8 tablespoons
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Herb Quark Dip
- 10 gram chives finely chopped
- 10 gram parsley finely chopped
Quark Dip without Herbs
- 1/4 paprika powder
- 1 shallot finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove pressed
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon mustard optional
Quark Dip with Linseed Oil
- 4 tablespoons linseed oil organic
- 10 gram parsley finely chopped
- 1 shallot finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon ground caraway seeds
- 1 tablespoon linseed oil for decoration on the top
- Mix all ingredients in a small ball. Correct seasoning, if needed!
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