Pão de Queijo e Jalapeños
Introduction
Pão de Queijo, a beloved Brazilian snack, translates to "cheese bread" in English. Originating from the state of Minas Gerais, this delightful, chewy bread has been enjoyed in Brazil since the 18th century. Traditionally, it's made using cassava flour and cheese. Over time, this recipe has evolved, and today we're adding a spicy twist by incorporating jalapeños. The addition of jalapeños provides a punchy contrast to the rich, cheesy flavors, making it a perfect snack for those who appreciate a little heat. As you prepare this recipe, you'll discover the unique combination of Brazilian culinary tradition and a southwestern spice kick.
Ingredients
- Cassava flour - 2 cups
- Milk - 1 cup
- Vegetable oil - 1/2 cup
- Egg - 2 large
- Cheese (preferably parmesan and mozzarella) - 1 cup grated
- Jalapeños - 2 tablespoons finely chopped
- Salt - 1 teaspoon
Preparation
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, vegetable oil, and salt over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Remove the pan from the heat and slowly pour it over the cassava flour in a mixing bowl. Stir well until the mixture is combined and forms a dough-like consistency.
Step 2: Incorporating Cheese and Jalapeños
Beat the eggs thoroughly in a separate bowl. Gradually add the beaten eggs to the cassava dough, mixing them in until fully incorporated. The dough should be sticky at this point. Next, fold in the grated cheese and finely chopped jalapeños, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Cooking Process
Step 3: Shaping and Baking
Lightly oil your hands and form the dough into small, walnut-sized balls. Place each ball onto a greased baking sheet, leaving some space between them to allow for expansion during baking. Transfer the tray into the preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pão de queijo are puffed and golden brown. For precise timing, consider setting a cooking timer to monitor the process.
Step 4: Cooling
Once baked, remove the pão de queijo from the oven and let them cool on a rack for a few minutes. This cooling time allows them to firm up slightly, making them easier to handle.
Serving Suggestions
Pão de Queijo e Jalapeños can be served as a savory snack on their own or as part of a larger meal. Consider pairing them with a sweet and tangy salad to offset the spicy notes from the jalapeños. They're also a great accompaniment to soups and stews. For a unique spin, try using them as slider buns for mini sandwiches.
Conclusion
This Brazilian classic with a fiery twist is sure to please those with adventurous palates. By experimenting with traditional recipes like Pão de Queijo, we can explore rich cultural histories while indulging in delicious new flavor profiles.