Cheese boats

Cheese Boats with Delicious Filling

Welcome to the world of cooking, where every recipe tells a story! Today, I invite you to discover a simple and captivating recipe for cheese boats, an appetizer that will delight your taste buds and bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. These delicious "little boats," as we might call them, are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family dinner or a gathering with friends.

Preparation Time

- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Number of servings: 8 boats

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 600 g flour
- 400 ml milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon oil
- salt (to taste)

For the filling:
- 350 g cottage cheese
- 3 slices of pork tenderloin
- 1 green onion
- 1/2 carrot
- salt (to taste)

A Brief History

Cheese boats, or little boats as some call them, represent a perfect combination of soft dough and rich filling. These appetizers have been cooked for generations, with each family having its own version. It is a versatile recipe that can be adapted according to preferences, making it ideal for customization.

Step by Step for a Perfect Result

1. Preparing the dough

Start by gathering all the ingredients for the dough. In a large bowl, combine the flour with a good pinch of salt. Add the eggs, milk, and oil. Use a spatula or your hands to mix the ingredients until you get a homogeneous dough. It's important not to knead too much, as this will make the dough tough. Once the dough is well mixed, cover it with a clean towel and let it rest for 30 minutes. This step is essential, as it will make the dough more elastic and easier to roll out.

2. Preparing the filling

During this time, you can prepare the filling. Peel the carrot and cut it into small cubes, then chop the green onion. Slice the pork tenderloin thinly, making sure to get small pieces for a good mix. In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese with salt, onion, carrot, and pork. Ensure that the filling is well mixed so that every bite is full of flavor.

3. Assembling the boats

Let your creativity flow! On a floured surface, roll out the dough into a thin sheet, about 3-5 mm thick. Using a knife or a dough cutter, cut the dough into squares or rectangles. The sizes can vary; I chose 16x13 cm and 13x10 cm, but you can play with the dimensions according to your preferences.

On each piece of dough, add a tablespoon of the prepared filling in the center. Then, grab the corners of the rectangle and bring them to the center, forming a boat. Seal the corners and the opening well so that the filling does not escape during baking.

4. Baking

Preheat the oven to 190°C. Place the boats on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 35 minutes, or until they turn golden and crispy. In the meantime, you can delight your senses with the delicious aroma that fills the house.

Serving Suggestions

Once they are out of the oven, let them cool slightly, then you can serve them warm, alongside a fresh salad or a yogurt garlic sauce. A combination of flavors that will surely delight.

Possible Variations

If you want to experiment, you can add other ingredients to the filling, such as spinach or sautéed mushrooms. You can also replace the cottage cheese with feta cheese for a more intense flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

These cheese boats are an excellent source of protein due to the cheese and meat, and the carrots add essential vitamins, such as vitamin A. Additionally, they are filling and can be enjoyed as a light meal or an appetizer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the dough will be denser. It is recommended to add a little more milk.

2. How can I store the boats?
They can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container. I recommend reheating them in the oven to regain their crispy texture.

3. Can I freeze the boats?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked boats. Place them on a tray and put them in the freezer. Once frozen, you can transfer them to an airtight container. When you want to prepare them, bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

These cheese boats are more than just an appetizer; they are a way to bring family and friends together around the table. Try this simple and quick recipe, customize it to your liking, and let yourself be carried away by the delicious flavors. Enjoy!