Obatzda (Bavarian Cheese Spread)

Ingredients

• 250g ripe camembert, rind removed, at room temperature
• 100g cream cheese, full-fat
• 50g unsalted butter, softened
• 60ml wheat beer or lager, plus extra to drizzle
• 1 small yellow onion, finely minced
• 1 tsp sweet paprika, plus extra for garnish
• 1/2 tsp caraway seeds, lightly crushed
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp fine salt
• 4 radishes, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped

Steps

1. 1

   1. Break the camembert into chunks and place in a bowl with the butter and cream cheese. Let everything sit at room temperature for 30 minutes until very soft.

2. 2

   2. Mash and stir the mixture together with a fork until mostly smooth but still slightly textured — a few lumps are fine.

3. 3

   3. Fold in the minced onion, paprika, caraway seeds, salt, and pepper, then pour in the beer and mix until the spread is creamy and loose.

4. 4

   4. Taste and adjust seasoning, then transfer to a small crock or wide bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

5. 5

   5. Before serving, arrange sliced radishes on top, scatter chives over, and dust with a pinch of paprika.

6. 6

   6. Just before eating, tilt a small pitcher and drizzle a thin stream of cold beer over the surface, letting it pool around the edges.