Savory Muffins

Savory Muffins: A Cheerful and Delicious Snack

Savory muffins are an ideal choice for any time of the day, whether you want a quick breakfast, a snack between meals, or a pleasant surprise for guests. These muffins are not only a treat for the taste buds but also an excellent way to creatively use your favorite ingredients.

The history of muffins takes us back to moments of conviviality when people gathered to enjoy simple yet tasty dishes. These savory muffins are easy to prepare, and the combination of fresh ingredients makes them even more appealing.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 100 ml milk
- 150 g ham (preferably smoked for extra flavor)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 100 g olives (pitted to save time)
- 4 tablespoons sunflower or olive oil
- 1 cup (about 150 g) flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by preparing all the ingredients. Dice the ham and pepper into small cubes, and slice the olives. Finely chop the parsley. This step will help you work faster when you start mixing the batter.

2. Mixing the eggs: In a large bowl, beat the two eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure the eggs are well incorporated to achieve a uniform texture in your muffins.

3. Adding the liquid ingredients: Add the milk and oil to the egg mixture. Continue mixing to combine the ingredients well. The oil will make the muffins moister and more flavorful.

4. Incorporating the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. This step is essential to avoid lumps in the batter. Add the flour mixture to the liquid ingredients and mix gently until no traces of flour remain. Avoid overmixing to prevent dense muffins.

5. Adding the filling ingredients: Now it's time to add the ham, pepper, olives, and parsley to the muffin batter. Mix gently to evenly distribute the ingredients.

6. Preparing the muffin tray: Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and prepare the muffin tray with paper liners or grease it with a little oil. It's important to have the trays ready before pouring in the batter to ensure even baking.

7. Filling the trays: Use a spoon or a measuring cup to fill the muffin trays with the batter. Do not fill the trays to the brim, as the muffins will rise during baking.

8. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and let the muffins bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and a wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma that will fill your kitchen is simply irresistible.

9. Cooling and serving: Once the muffins are baked, let them cool for a few minutes in the tray, then transfer them to a cooling rack. These savory muffins are delicious both warm and cold, making them perfect for parties or quick snacks.

Practical tips:
- You can experiment with different fillings! Replace the ham with crispy bacon or use vegetables like zucchini or spinach for a vegetarian option.
- Add grated cheese (feta or mozzarella) to the batter to enhance the muffins' flavor.
- If you enjoy spicy flavors, you can add chili peppers or spices.

Nutritional benefits:
These savory muffins are rich in protein due to the eggs and ham, while the addition of vegetables enriches them with vitamins and fiber. Sunflower or olive oil provides healthy fats essential for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I substitute the flour with a gluten-free version?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour, but you may need an additional binding agent, such as an extra egg or a tablespoon of hydrated chia seeds.
2. How long can the muffins be stored?
The muffins can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can also freeze them for longer shelf life.

Serving suggestions:
These savory muffins pair perfectly with a fresh green salad or a yogurt dip with dill. You can also serve a dry white wine or a refreshing lemonade alongside them.

These savory muffins are not only quick and easy to prepare but also bring joy with every bite. Whether you serve them at a party, at a family meal, or simply as a delicious snack, they are sure to be appreciated by everyone. So gather your ingredients and enjoy the magic of cooking!