Crackers with cumin and poppy seeds

Savory Cheese Sticks with Cumin and Poppy Seeds - A Crunchy Delight for Any Occasion

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 20 cheese sticks

Savory cheese sticks with cumin and poppy seeds are a culinary treat perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even appetizers at parties. These little delights are crunchy, flavorful, and can quickly become a family favorite. The history of these cheese sticks dates back through the ages, being a traditional dish in many cultures, appreciated for its light texture and savory taste, thanks to the cheese and spices.

Ingredients Needed

To make the best cheese sticks, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:

- 500 g flour (approximately; it will be adjusted based on dough consistency)
- 150 g telemea cheese or feta cheese, grated
- 250 ml lukewarm sparkling water
- 3 tablespoons lard, softened (or you can use butter for a richer flavor)
- A small piece of fresh yeast (about the size of a walnut)
- 1 egg, for the dough
- 2 teaspoons coarse salt
- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
- For brushing:
- 1 egg + 2-3 tablespoons milk
- Poppy seeds and cumin seeds, for decoration
- Grated telemea cheese, for extra flavor

Step-by-Step Preparation of the Cheese Sticks

1. Preparing the Ingredients:
Start by gathering all the ingredients on your work surface. Make sure the cheese is finely grated and the lard is soft to easily incorporate into the dough.

2. Forming the Dough:
In a large bowl, add the flour and make a well in the center. Add the lightly beaten egg and salt, then dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm sparkling water. Once the yeast is fully dissolved, pour the mixture over the flour.

3. Adding the Ingredients:
Add the lard and grated cheese to the bowl. Using a spatula or your hands, begin to mix the ingredients until you obtain a homogeneous dough. It’s important not to knead too much, just until all the ingredients are incorporated.

4. Kneading:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for a few minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour gradually until you reach the desired consistency.

5. Dividing the Dough:
Divide the dough into two equal parts. This will allow you to make two batches of cheese sticks.

6. Forming the Cheese Sticks:
Start with the first part of the dough. Roll it out with a rolling pin into a thin sheet, about 5 mm thick. Brush the surface with the egg and milk mixture, then sprinkle with cumin and poppy seeds. Grate a little telemea cheese on top for an even more intense flavor.

7. Cutting:
Using a sharp knife, cut the cheese sticks into desired shapes: squares, rectangles, or triangles. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or lightly floured, leaving space between them to allow for expansion during baking.

8. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the cheese sticks for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden and crunchy.

9. Serving:
Once the cheese sticks have cooled slightly, you can serve them plain, alongside a yogurt dip or cheese spread. They are also excellent with a glass of lemonade or aromatic tea.

Helpful Tips

- Calories and Nutritional Benefits: Each serving of cheese sticks contains approximately 80-100 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Telemea cheese provides protein and calcium, while cumin seeds add fiber and antioxidants.
- Variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or mozzarella, to change the flavor. Additionally, you can add herbs like dill or oregano for a distinct note.
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use another type of fat instead of lard? Yes, butter or olive oil are excellent options.
- What can I do with leftover dough? You can freeze it for future use or turn it into small rolls.
- How can I store the cheese sticks? They keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days.

Savory cheese sticks with cumin and poppy seeds are versatile, easy to prepare, and perfect for sharing with friends at a party or bringing a smile to the faces of loved ones at breakfast. Enjoy every bite and relish the warm, friendly atmosphere these delights create!