What To Do With Quark When You’re On Slimming World
If you’re following Slimming World, then you’ll almost definitely have heard about quark.
Whether you’ve bought some to use in a recipe and have no idea what to do with the rest of the tub, or you fancy giving it a try but have no real clue what it actually is, you’ve come to the right place.
Here, I’m going to walk you through absolutely everything you need to know about quark – from what it is, to what it tastes like, to where to find it, and practical ideas for using it in slimming friendly meals and recipes.
It’s one of my favourite ingredients to use, and though it can seem a little daunting and strange at first, it really can be your best mate when you’re trying to drop some pounds whilst still eating satisfying dishes.
Let’s get down to it…
What is quark?
Quark is a fresh dairy product, and it’s officially classed as a cheese.
It has a similar texture and appearance to a thick natural yoghurt, which makes it a popular slimming friendly substitute in recipes that call for yoghurt or cream.
It’s made in a similar way to cheese, by adding lactic acid to milk. This kickstarts a process known as ‘acidification’, which causes the whey to split from the curds. The curds are then drained, and that produced the quark.
Most of the quark that you’ll find in UK supermarkets is made using semi skimmed milk, which results in a low fat content.
In most cases, there’ll also be no sugar or salt added during production, so it’s often considered to be a much healthier option compared to many cheeses.
Though it’s not particularly well known here in the UK (outside of slimming groups, obviously), it’s actually really popular in many areas of Europe, and is used as a component in tons of different recipes.
What does quark taste like?
Quark has a mild, plain, inoffensive taste, and many people say that they find that it lacks the tart aftertaste that you can get from Greek yoghurt.
So if Greek yoghurt isn’t for you for that exact reason, you should definitely give quark a try. It could provide you with a really tasty alternative.
Because of the neutral texture and taste, it can be used as a base for a wide variety of flavours, both sweet and savoury.
Is quark suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! Quark doesn’t contain rennet, so it’s suitable for vegetarians.
Because it’s produced using milk though, it isn’t suitable for vegans.
Where can you buy quark?
You can buy quark in most supermarkets, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrisons.
Most do their own-brand versions which will typically be a little cheaper, though there are also branded lines including Graham’s Family Dairy, Dale Farm, Lindahls by Nestle, and Arla.
You’ll usually find it with the cheese.
How many calories are in quark?
There’s around 22 calories in a 30g serving of plain quark.
Fruity quarks are also available, and they tend to come in at around 90 calories for a 150g pot.
Is quark Slimming World friendly?
Yes, quark is very Slimming World friendly!
The plain version is Syn free, so you can incorporate it into tons of different meals and recipes without having to measure or count.
Ideas for using quark
- Spread it on a bagel instead of cream cheese – you could even add some lean ham and tomato, or smoked salmon
- Mix it with a little honey and cinnamon, and spread it on toast
- Stir into mashed potatoes instead of butter or cream
- Top it with fresh berries for a delicious breakfast (I love this option on its own, but if you find it a little sharp, add a sprinkle of sweetener)
- Use it as a base for cheesecake recipes
- Add it to a smoothie with fresh fruit
- Stir into muesli or granola
- Make a tzatziki dip by adding garlic, chilli, cucumber, and mint or coriander
- Add a dollop to spicy dishes such as chilli con carne or chicken jalfrezi to cool them down a little
- Spoon a little on top of waffles and pancakes
- Use it as a base for chocolate and fruity mousse recipes
- Blitz it with chickpeas, garlic, and lemon juice to make hummus
- Serve it as an accompaniment to fajitas, instead of sour cream
- Use as an alternative to mayonnaise in sandwich fillers like tuna and sweetcorn, or coleslaw
- Make your own pate or dip by blending it with fish such as mackerel
- Stir into pasta dishes to add creaminess
Popular Slimming Violet recipes using quark
Got a tub of quark that needs using up, and fancy getting creative?
Try one of these recipes…
These creamy garlic mushrooms on toast are super quick and easy to make, and are a great choice when you fancy a hot breakfast without the hassle.
The quark gives them a satisfying creaminess, but without the extra Syns and calories.
Love dishes with a bit of a spicy kick? Then you need to try this slimming friendly cajun chicken pasta.
It’s one of my favourite midweek dinners, and leftovers can be taken to work the next day for lunch.
This slimming friendly coronation chicken is a tasty jacket potato topper, sandwich filling, or accompaniment for a big green salad.
If you’re entertaining friends and family, it’s also a brilliant addition to a buffet.
This Slimming World friendly chicken supreme is the ultimate in comfort food, and a go-to choice for the colder winter months.
Serve it with your favourite green veggies and mashed potato.
Do you enjoy cooking with quark?
What’s your favourite thing to make? Leave a comment below and share your ideas!
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