Cheese and caraway pastries

Cheese and Caraway Pastries

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 20-25 pastries

A recipe that blends tradition with flavor, cheese and caraway pastries are perfect appetizers for any occasion, from parties to family gatherings. These crispy and filling snacks are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. The story of these pastries started in the kitchens of homemakers, where simple ingredients transformed into treats that brought smiles to the faces of loved ones.

Ingredients:
- 500 g flour
- 2 eggs
- 250 g grated cheese
- 200 g sour cream (preferably fatty, for a richer texture)
- 200 g margarine (at room temperature, for easy incorporation)
- 1 teaspoon ammonium bicarbonate (for a fluffy texture)
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 egg (for brushing)
- Caraway seeds (to taste, but other spices can also be used)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and ammonium bicarbonate. Mix the dry ingredients well to ensure they are uniform. Add the soft margarine and knead with your fingers until the mixture becomes sandy.

2. Adding wet ingredients:
Crack the two eggs into the bowl and add the sour cream. Start kneading the dough with your hands until the ingredients are fully integrated. Finally, incorporate the grated cheese, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

3. Dividing the dough:
Once the dough is homogeneous, divide it into two pieces. This will allow you to work more easily with each portion while also achieving uniformly sized pastries.

4. Rolling out the dough:
On a floured work surface, roll each piece of dough into a thicker sheet, about 1 cm. You can choose different shapes, from squares to sticks, depending on your preferences.

5. Cutting the pastries:
Using a knife or a pastry cutter, cut the dough into the desired shapes. If you wish, you can also use cookie cutters for a more playful appearance.

6. Preparing for baking:
Place the sticks on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a small space between them to allow for expansion. Beat an egg in a small bowl and brush each pastry with a pastry brush. This will give them a golden and appetizing appearance.

7. Seasoning:
Sprinkle grated cheese and caraway seeds on top of each pastry. The caraway will add a distinct flavor, but you can also experiment with other spices, such as sesame or poppy seeds, for a personalized taste.

8. Baking the pastries:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the pastries for about 25 minutes or until they become golden and crispy. It is important to keep an eye on them, as each oven may bake differently.

9. Cooling and serving:
Once the pastries are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a rack. This step is essential to maintain their crispy texture. You can serve them warm or at room temperature, accompanied by a refreshing drink or a glass of white wine.

Useful tips:
- Ingredients: Use fresh, quality cheese, as this will influence the final taste of the pastries. If you prefer, you can replace the cheese with feta for a saltier flavor.
- Ammonium bicarbonate: This is a leavening agent that helps achieve a fluffy texture. If you don’t have it, you can use baking powder, but the result will be slightly different.
- Variations: You can add dried dill or oregano to the dough for an extra flavor boost. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as cottage cheese or mozzarella.

Nutritional benefits:
The pastries are a good source of protein from the eggs and cheese, as well as carbohydrates from the flour. The added caraway not only enhances the flavor but also has digestive properties.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I freeze the pastries?
Yes, the pastries can be frozen. Make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. When you want to consume them, you can bake them directly from the freezer, but it will take a few extra minutes in the oven.
- Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Sure! Butter will add a rich and creamy taste, but make sure it is at room temperature for easier incorporation.

Serving suggestions:
These pastries pair perfectly with a cheese spread or a yogurt dip with herbs. You can also enjoy them with a cold beer or a light cocktail.

In conclusion, cheese and caraway pastries are an excellent choice to add a touch of flavor to any meal or party. With these tips and tricks, I encourage you to venture into making them and enjoy the reactions of your loved ones when they taste them! Bon appétit!