Pão de Queijo Pureza
Pão de queijo, or cheese bread, is a traditional Brazilian snack that has made its way into kitchen around the world. Originating from the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, this delightful treat captures the heart with its crispy exterior and chewy, cheesy interior. The history of this beloved recipe dates back to the 18th century, when enslaved Africans in Brazil began experimenting with manioc, a native root that produces tapioca starch. This laid the groundwork for what would become pão de queijo.
Ingredients
- Tapioca starch - 2 cups
- Milk - 1 cup
- Vegetable oil - 1/2 cup
- Egg - 2 large
- Parmesan cheese - 1 cup, grated
- Mozzarella cheese - 1 cup, grated
- Salt - 1 teaspoon
Background
The beauty of pão de queijo lies in its simplicity and versatility. The recipe has since evolved, incorporating local cheeses and expanding to different flavor variations. It is often enjoyed with a cup of freshly brewed coffee for breakfast or as a savory snack any time of the day. The unique texture and flavor are attributed to the use of tapioca starch, which gives it a distinct chewiness unlike other types of bread.
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine milk, vegetable oil, and salt. Heat over medium until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat, and carefully add the tapioca starch to the pan. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until you have a thick dough.
- Let the mixture cool for a few minutes. Then, transfer the dough to a bowl and add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Fold in the grated parmesan and mozzarella cheese until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Baking
Using a small ice cream scoop or spoon, portion out balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about two inches of space between each one. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the pão de queijo are golden brown and puffed. You can set a timer to ensure optimal cooking time.
How to Enjoy
Pão de queijo is best enjoyed fresh from the oven when they're still crispy on the outside and chewy inside. Although irresistible on their own, these cheese breads make an excellent companion to coffee or a glass of wine. You can also pair them with ham or smoked turkey for a more substantial snack or mini sandwich. Experimenting with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or gouda, can offer exciting new flavor experiences.