Savory biscuits with pistachios, raisins, and nuts

Savory biscuits with pistachios, raisins, and nuts

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 45-50 minutes
Number of servings: 30-40 biscuits

Savory biscuits with pistachios, raisins, and nuts are a delicious and versatile choice, perfect for moments when you need a quick and satisfying snack. These biscuits are extremely crumbly and full of flavor, making them ideal to serve in the morning alongside creamy yogurt or to have at the office to satisfy your craving for something crunchy.

The history of these biscuits combines the tradition of mixing cheese with sweet and savory ingredients, resulting in a snack that enjoys popularity in many cultures. Nuts and dried fruits have been used for centuries in pastry preparations, bringing not only exquisite taste but also numerous nutritional benefits.

Necessary ingredients:

- 50 g pistachios (shelled and halved)
- 50 g red raisins
- The kernels from 10 walnuts (chopped)
- 200 g cow's telemea cheese (grated or crushed)
- 250 g margarine (or butter, as preferred)
- 400-450 g flour
- A pinch of nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of sweet paprika
- A dash of salt (to taste)

Preparing the biscuits:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. It is important for the telemea cheese to be at room temperature so that it mixes easily with the other ingredients. If using butter, make sure it is soft to incorporate perfectly into the dough.

2. Mixing the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, grate the telemea cheese and margarine or butter. Use a grater with large holes to achieve a good texture. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

3. Adding the dry ingredients: Add the halved pistachios, whole raisins, chopped walnut kernels, nutmeg, baking powder, and sweet paprika to the bowl. Gently mix, being careful not to crush the pistachios and raisins.

4. Including the flour: Start adding the flour gradually, mixing until the dough becomes homogeneous. The amount of flour may vary depending on the humidity of the ingredients, so it’s best to add the flour gradually until the dough is easy to shape.

5. Shaping the biscuits: On a floured work surface, take a portion of the dough and shape the biscuits into desired forms: balls, triangles, flowers, or long breadsticks. These shapes are just suggestions; feel free to let your creativity run wild!

6. Walnut coating: In a separate bowl, place the chopped walnut kernels. Roll each biscuit in the walnut, ensuring it is well coated. This step will add a crunchy texture and a distinctive flavor.

7. Baking: Place the biscuits on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them to allow for expansion. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (medium heat) for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crunchy.

8. Cooling: Once the biscuits are baked, let them cool on a cooling rack. They will continue to harden as they cool.

9. Serving: The biscuits can be served warm or at room temperature. They are delicious alongside natural yogurt or a smoothie drink, but they also pair well with a cup of aromatic tea.

Practical tips:

- You can replace pistachios with almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preferences.
- If you desire a more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence to the dough.
- The biscuits keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or in the freezer for a backup snack.

Nutritional benefits:

These biscuits are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, thanks to the ingredients used. Pistachios and walnuts are excellent sources of healthy fats and proteins, while raisins add a note of natural sweetness, being rich in fiber and antioxidants. Telemea cheese provides a calcium boost, essential for bone health.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use a different cheese? Yes, you can try goat cheese or feta cheese, but keep in mind that they have a stronger flavor.
- How can I make the biscuits less salty? You can adjust the amount of cheese, using one with a lower salt content.
- Can the biscuits be made vegan? Yes, you can use vegan cheese and dairy-free margarine.

These recipes are not just a way to enjoy a tasty snack, but also an opportunity to express yourself in the kitchen. So, don’t hesitate to play with the ingredients and create unique versions of these savory biscuits with pistachios, raisins, and nuts! Enjoy!