Cheese balls

Cheese Balls: A Delicious Treat Easy to Prepare

Elaborate desserts or sophisticated main courses? Sometimes, the best choice is a simple recipe that brings a smile to the faces of your loved ones. Today, I invite you to discover together the delicious recipe for cheese balls. These small snacks are perfect for any occasion, from a dinner with friends to a family gathering. Additionally, they taste wonderful and are extremely easy to prepare. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4 (approximately 20 balls)

Ingredients:

- 2 fresh eggs
- 150 grams of cheese (preferably cow's cheese, but you can also experiment with goat cheese)
- 200 grams of white flour
- 3 grams of baking powder
- Freshly ground pepper (to taste)
- Oil for frying (enough to cover the balls in the pan)

A brief history of the recipe

Cheese balls are a traditional dish inspired by folk cuisine, where simple and accessible ingredients are transformed into savory delicacies. Cheese, a type of salty cheese, is a versatile ingredient that has been used for centuries in various dishes. These balls are a perfect example of how a simple recipe can bring a touch of joy to any family's table.

Step by step: Preparing cheese balls

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a homogeneous dough. The cheese should be crumbled or finely grated to easily incorporate into the dough.

2. Beating the eggs: In a medium-sized bowl, beat the two eggs with a whisk or mixer until frothy. This step is essential to incorporate air into the eggs, which will help the balls be fluffy.

3. Adding the cheese: Add the grated cheese to the bowl with the beaten eggs. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the cheese in the mixture.

4. Seasoning: Add freshly ground pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to be generous; the pepper will add a pleasant taste and a hint of flavor.

5. Incorporating dry ingredients: Sprinkle the baking powder and flour over the egg and cheese mixture. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until you achieve a homogeneous dough, but do not overmix.

6. Forming the balls: With wet hands, take a portion of dough and form balls about 2 cm in diameter. Place them on a plate sprinkled with flour to prevent sticking.

7. Frying: In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Test the oil temperature with a dough ball; if it rises to the surface and starts bubbling, it's ready for frying. Fry the balls in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Let them brown evenly on all sides, about 3-4 minutes on each side.

8. Draining: Once the balls are golden and crispy, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

9. Serving: Serve the balls hot, plain or with a yogurt sauce flavored with garlic and dill. They will surely become a favorite snack!

Useful tips:

- Variations of cheese: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or ricotta, to achieve varied flavors. You can also add herbs like dill or oregano to the dough for an extra flavor.

- Controlling oil temperature: It is essential not to overheat the oil, as the balls may burn on the outside and remain raw on the inside. Oil that is too cold will cause the balls to absorb too much fat.

- Freezing: You can freeze the un-fried balls. Place them on a tray and put them in the freezer until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you want to prepare them, fry them directly from the freezer, keeping in mind that the frying time will be slightly longer.

Nutritional benefits:

These cheese balls are a good source of protein due to the eggs and cheese, while the flour provides necessary carbohydrates for energy. Cheese is rich in calcium, essential for bone health. However, it is important to consume in moderation, considering the salt content of the cheese. You can accompany these balls with a fresh salad to add fiber and vitamins.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use goat cheese? Yes, goat cheese will provide a stronger taste and a distinct flavor. Make sure it is well crumbled.

- How can I make the balls lower in calories? You can replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour or reduce the amount of cheese, but this will affect the texture and taste.

- What drinks pair well with cheese balls? A dry white wine or a pale ale are excellent choices. You can also opt for a cold herbal tea for a non-alcoholic option.

Now that you have all the necessary information, I invite you to try this simple and delicious recipe for cheese balls. I assure you that each bite will be an explosion of flavor that will bring joy to those who savor them. Enjoy!