Snails with cheese and cumin

Cheese and Caraway Snails - A Simple and Tasty Delicacy

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings

Who doesn't love the taste of melted cheese combined with the unmistakable aroma of caraway? Cheese and caraway snails are a perfect choice for a delicious appetizer, a quick snack, or even a savory breakfast. This simple recipe, based on puff pastry, is ideal for those moments when you want to impress without too much effort.

A Brief History
The snails have a rich and varied history, with roots in diverse culinary traditions. This modern recipe, featuring cheese and caraway, blends influences from European cuisine, focusing on accessible ingredients and quick techniques. Many cultures have adapted the recipe, using various fillings, from vegetables to meats or cheeses with distinct flavors.

Ingredients
- 200 g puff pastry (preferably high quality)
- 150-200 g telemea cheese (you can also use cottage cheese or feta for a lighter option)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar (to add a sweet note)
- 1 egg (to bind the mixture and give a fine texture)
- Caraway (about 1-2 tablespoons, but you can adjust according to your preferences)

Necessary Utensils
- A mixing bowl
- A rolling pin
- A baking tray
- Baking paper
- Kitchen knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Thawing the pastry: Start by taking the puff pastry out of the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. It is essential not to let it thaw completely to maintain its crispy texture.

2. Preparing the filling: In a medium bowl, grate the telemea cheese using a fine grater. If you prefer a creamier cheese, you can opt for cottage cheese or feta. Add the beaten egg and vanilla sugar, mixing well until you obtain a homogeneous composition. The flavors will start to blend, and the vanilla sugar will give a pleasant and surprising taste.

3. Rolling out the pastry: On a clean surface, sprinkle a little flour and roll out the puff pastry using the rolling pin. Roll it into a circle or rectangle, depending on the shape you choose, being careful not to make it too thin. The pastry should be about 3-4 mm thick.

4. Spreading the filling: Evenly distribute the cheese mixture over the entire surface of the pastry. Make sure it reaches the corners to avoid leaving empty spots.

5. Seasoning: Sprinkle the caraway over the entire surface of the filling. Caraway adds a distinct flavor, and the amount can be adjusted according to your preferences. If you like a stronger taste, feel free to add more.

6. Rolling the pastry: Carefully start rolling the pastry from one edge, forming a tight cylinder. Make sure the roll remains even. At the end, gently press the edges to seal the roll so that the filling does not leak during baking.

7. Slicing: Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into slices about 1 cm thick. You can use a piece of thread to cut the snails more easily without deforming them.

8. Preparing for the oven: Place the slices on a baking tray lined with baking paper, leaving space between them to expand during baking. Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium temperature) and let the snails rest while the oven heats up.

9. Baking: Bake the snails for 20-25 minutes or until they become golden and crispy. You will smell the delicious aroma of caraway and cheese spreading throughout the kitchen.

10. Cooling and serving: Once ready, take the snails out of the oven and let them cool slightly on a rack. Serve them warm or at room temperature, alongside a fresh green salad or a yogurt sauce with mint for an excellent combination.

Useful Tips
- Variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or mozzarella, to achieve diverse flavors. Add olives or herbs like dill or basil for an extra taste.
- Care for the pastry: If you are working with frozen pastry, make sure not to leave it too long at room temperature, as it can stick and lose its airy texture.
- Make-ahead meal: You can prepare the snails a few hours before serving. Once cooled, you can store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
- Suitable drinks: These snails pair perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or fresh lemonade, and for a non-alcoholic option, a herbal tea with caraway flavor would be ideal.

Nutritional Benefits
Cheese and caraway snails are a good source of protein due to the cheese, and caraway adds not only flavor but also digestive benefits. The puff pastry offers a crispy texture, but it is important to consume in moderation due to its fat content.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use lactose-free cheese? Yes, you can choose lactose-free cheese to make the recipe more friendly for special diets.
- How can I make the snails spicier? Add chopped chili pepper to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Can I freeze the snails? Yes, you can freeze the snails before baking. Make sure to place them on a tray and freeze them, then transfer them to an airtight bag.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to get cooking. Cheese and caraway snails are an excellent choice for any occasion, and your friends and family will be delighted by their delicious taste! Enjoy!