Cheese and potato biscuits

Cheese and Potato Biscuits: A Delicious and Comforting Recipe

Getting into cooking is like stepping into a world full of aromas and textures. Cheese and potato biscuits are a perfect example of a recipe that combines simplicity with rich flavor. These biscuits are ideal for a quick snack or as an appetizer at a festive meal. Plus, they are an excellent way to use leftover potatoes from another meal.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 30 biscuits

The history of cheese and potato biscuits is rich in culinary traditions, being a recipe that combines simple yet flavorful ingredients. These biscuits are often enjoyed in various cultures, perfect for sharing with loved ones. From family meals to parties, they always bring smiles and appreciation.

Necessary ingredients:
- 300 g boiled potatoes with skin
- 360 g flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 100 g grated cheese
- 80 g cold butter, cut into cubes
- 1 egg (for the dough) + 1 yolk (for brushing)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or green onion, if preferred)

Preparing the biscuits:

1. Boiling the potatoes: Start by boiling the potatoes with skin. This step is essential as the potatoes need to remain firm but not too soft. Boil them for 20-30 minutes, depending on their size. Check with a fork; if it goes in easily, they are ready. Let them cool completely.

2. Grating: Once the potatoes have cooled, peel them and grate them using a fine grater. This step will help to homogenize the dough. In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes with the flour, salt, and grated cheese. The flour will provide structure to the biscuits, while the cheese will add a delicious flavor.

3. Adding the butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the flour and potato mixture. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the mixture until you achieve a texture similar to wet sand. This will ensure tender and flavorful biscuits.

4. Eggs and herbs: Beat the egg and add it to the bowl. Add the chopped fresh dill (or green onion if you choose this option). Mix everything until you have a homogeneous composition. If you feel the dough is too dry, you can add a tablespoon of cold water.

5. Forming the dough: Once you have a homogeneous dough, form a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Put the dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour. This step is crucial as it will firm it up and make it easier to roll out later. If you're in a hurry and don't have time, you can skip this step, but the biscuits will be more fragile.

6. Rolling out the dough: After the dough has chilled, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll it out to a thickness of 1-1.5 cm. Use a glass or a cookie cutter to cut biscuits into circles.

7. Brushing the biscuits: Place the biscuits on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Beat the egg yolk and brush each biscuit with a kitchen brush. This will give them a beautiful color and an appetizing shine.

8. Sprinkling: Finally, sprinkle a bit of grated cheese or caraway seeds on top of the biscuits, depending on your preference. Caraway will add a unique aromatic note, but you can also use sesame or poppy seeds.

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the biscuits for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden and crispy. You will smell the enticing aroma spreading throughout the house!

10. Cooling: After baking, let the biscuits cool on a wire rack. They are delicious warm but also at room temperature, perfect for serving with tea or soup.

Useful tips:
- Variations: You can experiment with various herbs, such as basil or oregano, to give the biscuits a different flavor. You can also replace the cheese with feta or ricotta for a different texture.
- Serving: These biscuits are wonderful alongside a fresh salad or a spreadable paste like hummus. They also pair perfectly with a glass of white wine or craft beer.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: Cheese and potato biscuits have a moderate calorie content, making them a healthier choice than many other processed snacks. Potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates, while cheese provides protein and calcium.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I freeze the biscuits? Yes, you can freeze uncooked biscuits. Place them on a tray and put them in the freezer. Once they are firm, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
2. What can I use instead of potatoes? If you want a potato-free version, you can try pumpkin or carrot puree. The taste will be different but just as delicious.
3. How can I store the biscuits? The biscuits store well in an airtight container for 3-4 days. If you want to keep them crispy, add a silica gel packet to the container.

So, don’t hesitate any longer! Get to work and treat your family and friends to these cheese and potato biscuits. Every bite will be an explosion of flavors, and you will be appreciated for your culinary talent. Happy cooking!