Bulgarian Milk Core

Delicious cheese balls recipe with hazelnuts and basil

Preparation: 15 minutes
Resting time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Who doesn’t love a quick and tasty snack that combines the creamy texture of cheese with the rich flavors of hazelnuts and fresh herbs? This recipe for cheese balls with hazelnuts and basil is not only simple but also an explosion of flavors that will delight everyone’s taste buds!

A brief history
The combination of cheese with various nuts and herbs is an ancient tradition, dating back to ancestral times. These combinations have been used by both common people and in royal feasts, due to their ability to transform common ingredients into sophisticated delicacies. Cheese balls with hazelnuts and basil are a perfect example of this culinary art.

Ingredients
- 2 rounds of Delaco Milk Core (approximately 200 g)
- 100 g cottage cheese
- 50 g sour cream
- A handful of unsalted hazelnuts (approximately 50 g)
- A sprig of green onion
- A handful of fresh basil, chopped
- A handful of fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-step guide

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by gathering all the ingredients on a work surface. Make sure the cottage cheese and sour cream are at room temperature for even mixing. If you don’t have unsalted hazelnuts, you can lightly toast them in a pan, but be careful as they can become bitter if overcooked.

2. Chopping the hazelnuts:
Place the hazelnuts in a blender and pulse them until they are ground, but not so fine that they turn into a paste. You want to keep small pieces that will add texture to your dish.

3. Mixing the composition:
In a large bowl, add the rounds of Milk Core, cottage cheese, and sour cream. Use a blender or an immersion mixer to achieve a creamy mixture. Don’t forget to add the chopped hazelnuts, green onion, basil, and dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Resting the mixture:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This will allow the flavors to meld and make the balls easier to shape.

5. Shaping the balls:
Once the mixture has cooled, take it out of the refrigerator. With wet hands, form balls the size of a cookie. You can make the balls larger or smaller, depending on your preference.

6. Decorating and serving:
Place the balls on a plate and sprinkle chopped basil and dill on top. This will not only add a pleasant look but will also enhance the flavors.

7. Serving suggestions:
These cheese balls are perfect served as they are, but for an even tastier experience, you can spread them on lightly toasted bread. Another idea is to serve them alongside crackers or fresh vegetables, such as carrots and bell peppers, to create a colorful and appealing appetizer platter.

Helpful tips
- If you want to give them a spicy note, you can add a little ground chili to the mixture.
- Experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, for a different texture.
- You can replace the basil with other favorite herbs, such as marjoram or oregano, to change the flavors a bit.

Nutritional information
Each serving (approximately 4-6 balls) contains:
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 7 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Yes, but the balls will be less creamy. Choose a sour cream with a higher fat content to compensate.

2. How can I store the cheese balls?
You can store the balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

3. Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! Experimenting with cheeses like feta or ricotta can add an interesting flavor.

This recipe for cheese balls with hazelnuts and basil is not only easy to prepare but also a great way to bring a touch of creativity to your kitchen. Try it and enjoy every bite! Enjoy your meal!