Hearts with cumin

Cumin Hearts - a delicious and simple recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 20-25 hearts

Who doesn't love the crunchy and salty taste of snacks made with love? Cumin hearts are the perfect appetizers for any occasion, whether you're hosting a party or want to treat your family to something tasty. These delights are not only easy to prepare but also a wonderful way to share your love for cooking.

A brief history

Cumin hearts have their roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures, symbolizing hospitality and togetherness. Cumin, a spice with a distinct flavor, has been used throughout history not only for its aroma but also for its digestive properties. Combined with cheese and sour cream, these hearts become a savory appetizer, ideal for festive meals or even for a relaxing evening at home.

Necessary ingredients

- 500 g flour
- 250 g margarine (use soft margarine, left at room temperature, not melted)
- 200 ml sour cream (choose high-fat sour cream for a creamy texture)
- 200 g sheep cheese (the cheese should be well crumbled to easily incorporate into the dough)
- 1 egg (to brush the hearts)
- 2-3 tablespoons cumin (it’s best to use whole seeds, which will toast lightly in the oven)
- coarse salt (to taste)

Step by step: how to prepare Cumin Hearts

1. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, add the soft margarine, sour cream, and grated cheese. Use a fork or your hands to mix the ingredients until you achieve a homogeneous composition. Then, gradually add the flour, mixing continuously until the dough becomes elastic.

2. Resting the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about an hour. This step is essential to give it consistency and make it easier to roll out.

3. Shaping the hearts: After the dough has chilled, divide it into two equal parts. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each part into sheets 3-4 mm thick.

4. Brushing and seasoning: Beat the egg and evenly brush each sheet with it. Sprinkle cumin and coarse salt over the entire surface.

5. Cutting: Use a heart-shaped cutter to cut out the hearts. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them to allow for expansion.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the hearts for 25-30 minutes or until they turn lightly golden.

7. Cooling: Once baked, remove the hearts from the oven and let them cool on a rack. It’s important to let them cool completely before serving to maintain their crunchy texture.

Useful tips for a perfect result

- Make sure the margarine is not too melted, as a very soft dough will cause the hearts to deform during baking.
- If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can add other spices like paprika or herbs.
- You can experiment with types of cheese, using feta or cottage cheese, but these will influence the final texture and taste.
- Instead of cumin, you can use sesame or poppy seeds for a different variation.

Nutritional benefits

Cumin hearts are a good source of protein from cheese, providing important calcium for bone health. Cumin is known for its digestive and antioxidant properties, thus contributing to overall well-being. Whole flour can be used as an alternative for higher fiber intake.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use oil instead of margarine?
Yes, but the texture will be different, and they won't be as crunchy.

2. Can the hearts be frozen?
Sure! After they have cooled, you can place them in an airtight container and freeze them. When serving, just let them thaw and bake them a little to reheat.

3. What can I serve the hearts with?
These delicious appetizers pair perfectly with a cold drink, like white wine or craft beer. They can also be accompanied by dips like tzatziki or hummus.

Personal notes

For an extra flavor boost, I love to add a few cubes of black olives to the dough. This detail gives them a surprising and delicious note. Each recipe for Cumin Hearts can become unique, reflecting your personal tastes and culinary style.

So, don't hesitate to try this simple and delicious recipe! Use it as a base and let your imagination soar. Enjoy!