Muffins with herbs

Herb muffins are an inspired choice for appetizers, with a vibrant flavor and fluffy texture, suitable for any special occasion. Whether it's a party, a gathering with friends, or a weekend lunch, these muffins are quick to prepare and bring a touch of freshness to your table.

Total preparation time: 60 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Ingredients needed:
- 3 eggs
- 200 g flour
- 100 g butter (at room temperature)
- 100 g sour cream
- 1/2 packet baking powder
- a pinch of salt
- For the filling:
- 100 g fresh spinach (or frozen)
- 1 green onion
- 1 green garlic
- 50 g butter
- salt to taste

Helpful tip: If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it and drain well before adding it to the recipe.

Step by step for herb muffins:

1. Preparing the filling:
Start by washing the spinach well and draining it. If using fresh spinach, you can chop it finely. In a skillet, add 50 g of butter and over medium heat, add the cleaned and finely chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. Add the spinach and a pinch of salt, continuing to cook for another 3-4 minutes until it wilts. Allow the filling to cool to room temperature.

2. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, mix the butter well with the egg yolks and sour cream. Ensure the butter is soft for easy incorporation. Add a pinch of salt and mix until you achieve a creamy consistency.

3. Incorporating the egg whites:
In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This step is essential for giving your muffins the desired fluffiness. Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the butter and yolk mixture using a spatula, so as not to lose volume.

4. Adding the flour and baking powder:
Sift the flour together with the baking powder, then gradually incorporate them into the wet mixture, mixing gently until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

5. Incorporating the herbs:
Add the mixture of spinach, onion, and garlic into the dough, mixing carefully to evenly distribute the filling.

6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Fill the muffin molds (preferably silicone or lined with baking paper) with the obtained dough, being careful not to fill them more than 2/3 full. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the muffins are golden and pass the toothpick test (inserted in the middle, it should come out clean).

7. Cooling and serving:
After baking, let the muffins cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a rack to cool completely. Herb muffins can be served warm, but they are just as delicious cold.

Serving suggestions:
These muffins are excellent alongside a fresh salad or a yogurt sauce with dill. You can also serve them with a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
One muffin contains about 150 calories, making it a fairly light option for an appetizer. Spinach is an excellent source of iron, vitamin C, and antioxidants, while onion and garlic contribute to a strong immune system.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace the butter with another type of fat?
- Yes, you can use olive oil or margarine, but the taste will be slightly different.

2. How can I make the muffins spicier?
- You can add a bit of finely chopped chili pepper to the filling for an extra kick.

3. Can I use other herbs?
- Absolutely! Parsley, dill, or even basil can add different and delicious flavors.

Possible variations:
- Add feta cheese or mozzarella to the filling for a richer muffin.
- Experiment with other vegetables, like grated carrots or zucchini, to diversify the recipe.
- You can turn the muffins into a vegan dish using almond milk and nut butter instead of butter and eggs.

Herb muffins are not just a delicious appetizer but also an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Enjoy this simple and quick recipe that is sure to impress anyone who tastes it!