Spicy muffins with cottage cheese

Spicy Cheese Muffins: A Quick and Tasty Snack

How often do you find yourself facing the challenge of preparing a quick and delicious snack, especially when you have a little one demanding your attention? Spicy cheese muffins are the perfect solution! These muffins are not only nutritious but also incredibly easy to make. Plus, they combine the flavor of cheese with vegetable and spice aromas, offering an explosion of taste in every bite.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 12 muffins

Ingredients

- 100 g pressed ham
- 1 small onion
- 3 eggs
- 150 ml milk
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 3 tablespoons oil
- 150 g cheese
- 200 g flour
- 1 packet baking powder
- 50 g pickled peppers
- 1 tablespoon dried dill
- Salt and hot paprika, to taste

A Brief History

Muffins are a delicacy that has evolved over time, with roots in pastry dishes from various cultures. They are often associated with moments of conviviality and joy, being served on various occasions. Spicy cheese muffins blend tradition with innovation, adapted to satisfy both adult and children's tastes.

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. It is essential that all of them are at room temperature so they blend better into the mixture. If the pressed ham is too thick, you can cut it into small cubes or lightly blend it with a blender.

2. Mixing the liquid ingredients: In a large bowl, add the eggs and beat them well with a fork. Gradually add the milk, sour cream, and oil, continuously mixing to obtain a homogeneous mixture. This step is important as it helps create a fluffy texture.

3. Incorporating the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. This step will ensure a fluffy muffin without lumps. Add the flour mixture to the bowl with the liquid ingredients, constantly mixing to avoid lumps.

4. Adding the aromatic ingredients: Once the mixture is homogeneous, it's time to add the chopped ham, finely chopped onion (you can use a blender to save time), pickled peppers, cheese, dill, salt, and hot paprika. These ingredients will add a savory flavor to your muffins. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.

5. Filling the muffin tins: Preheat the oven to 170°C. Grease the muffin tins well with butter to prevent sticking. Use a spoon or spatula to fill each mold up to 3/4 full. This will allow the muffins to rise evenly.

6. Baking the muffins: Place the tins in the preheated oven and let them bake for 30 minutes. You will know they are ready when the muffins turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Serving: Once the muffins have cooled slightly, you can remove them from the mold and garnish them with crumbled cheese mixed with sour cream and freshly chopped parsley. This garnish not only adds an attractive appearance but also a creamy note that perfectly complements the spicy flavor of the muffins.

Practical Tips

- Choose quality cheese: A fresh cheese will provide a wonderful taste and pleasant texture. You can also experiment with goat cheese for a distinct flavor.
- Customize the ingredients: You can add black olives, red ones, or even vegetables like zucchini or carrots to diversify the recipe.
- Cook in advance: Muffins keep very well in the fridge and can be reheated in the microwave for a quick snack on busy days.
- Spice variations: You can try replacing the paprika with curry or other favorite spices to give the dish an exotic touch.

Pairings and Serving

These spicy muffins pair perfectly with a fresh green salad or Greek yogurt as a dip. You can also serve the muffins alongside a refreshing drink, such as fruit tea or a banana and spinach smoothie for a healthy and balanced breakfast.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of meat? Yes, you can replace the pressed ham with cooked chicken breast or crispy bacon.
- What type of flour is recommended? White flour is ideal, but you can also use whole wheat flour for a richer taste and additional nutritional benefits.
- How many calories do these muffins have? One muffin has approximately 150-200 calories, depending on the ingredients used. They are a good choice for a filling snack.

Spicy cheese muffins are an excellent way to bring a touch of joy to your days while providing a healthy and quick snack. Try this recipe and let yourself be carried away by its flavors! Enjoy!