Cheese and herb meatballs

Cheese and Herb Fritters: A Delicious and Easy Recipe

Total Preparation Time: 40 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Number of Servings: 4

Do you want to surprise your family or friends with a delicious snack that impresses with flavor and texture? Then, cheese and herb fritters are the perfect choice! These little delicacies are not only tasty but also very easy to prepare, requiring simple ingredients that you can almost always find in your kitchen.

A Brief History of Cheese Fritters

Cheese fritters have a long-standing tradition in the cuisine of many cultures, being appreciated as a versatile snack or appetizer. With roots that go back in time, these delicious fritters are often made in various versions, using local cheeses, aromatic herbs, and even vegetables, with each region having its own interpretation. Today, I will present you with a simple yet flavorful recipe that combines creamy cheese with fresh herbs.

Ingredients

- 200 g cheese
- 150 g telemea cheese (I recommend creamy President cheese)
- 70 g parmesan
- 100 g Greek yogurt (10%)
- 50 g cornstarch (you can use up to 75 g, depending on the desired consistency)
- 2 medium eggs
- 1 bunch of green onions
- 1 pinch of dill
- 1 pinch of parsley
- salt (to taste)
- breadcrumbs and cornstarch in equal amounts (2 cups)
- 1 pinch of baking powder or baking soda
- oil for frying

Preparation Instructions

1. Preparing the Ingredients: Start by cleaning and finely chopping the herbs. Use a combination of green onions, dill, and parsley to give the fritters a fresh and aromatic taste. Also, grate the cheese and parmesan, while you can crumble the telemea cheese easily with a fork.

2. Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, add the cheese, telemea, parmesan, Greek yogurt, eggs, chopped herbs, salt, cornstarch, and baking powder. Mix all the ingredients well with a spatula or your hands until you get a homogeneous mixture.

3. Preparing the Breadcrumbs: In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the remaining cornstarch lightly to get a crunchy mixture that will give a pleasant texture to your fritters.

4. Forming the Fritters: Using your palms, take small portions of the cheese mixture and form fritters the size of a golf ball. Then, roll each fritter in the breadcrumbs and cornstarch mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.

5. Frying: In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. When the oil is well heated, add the fritters, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Use a spatula to turn them carefully.

6. Removing from the Pan: After frying, remove the fritters onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the excess oil.

Serving Suggestions

Cheese and herb fritters are delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve them with a yogurt dip with dill or a spicy tomato sauce to add a contrast of flavors. A fresh salad of tomatoes and cucumbers will perfectly complement this dish, making it ideal for a light lunch or dinner.

Tips and Variations

- Cheese Variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, depending on your preferences. Each type of cheese will add a unique touch to the fritters.
- Baked Fritters: If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the fritters at 180°C for 20-25 minutes until they become golden. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drizzling a little oil before putting them in the oven.
- Adding Vegetables: For a more nutritious version, you can add grated carrots or zucchini, which will enrich the fritters with vitamins and minerals.

Nutritional Benefits

These fritters are not only delicious but also a good source of protein due to the cheeses and eggs. Greek yogurt adds a boost of calcium and probiotics, which are essential for healthy digestion. Fresh herbs contribute antioxidants and vitamins, making this dish a balanced choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use low-fat cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cheese to reduce caloric intake, but the texture and flavor may vary.

2. How can I store the fritters?
The fritters can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or in a pan.

3. What drinks pair well with these fritters?
A dry white wine or fresh lemonade will perfectly complement the taste of these fritters. Additionally, a cold mint tea can be a refreshing choice.

I encourage you to try this simple and delicious recipe for cheese and herb fritters. Surely, each bite will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones! Happy cooking and enjoy your meal!