Cheese pastries
Cheese Straws
These cheese straws are an excellent choice for any occasion, whether it's a party, a gathering with friends, or simply a delicious snack for the family. With a crunchy texture and savory taste, these appetizers are perfect alongside a glass of wine or a cold beer. I invite you to discover our simple and quick recipe that will enrich your meals with authentic flavors!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 18 minutes
Total time: 38 minutes
Number of servings: 20-25 straws
Ingredients:
- 500 g flour
- 150 g telemea cheese, crumbled
- 250 ml milk
- 3 tablespoons lard (or butter, if you prefer)
- 25 g fresh yeast
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon salt
- Caraway seeds (to taste)
For brushing:
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Caraway seeds
Recipe history
Cheese straws are appreciated in many culinary cultures, with deep roots in gastronomic traditions. These crunchy appetizers have evolved over time and have been adapted based on available ingredients and regional preferences. Telemea cheese, a popular ingredient, adds a salty note and creamy texture, perfect for complementing the dough, making these straws particularly delicious.
Step by step:
1. Preparing the dough: Start by placing the flour in a large bowl. Make a well in the center and add the egg, salt, and yeast dissolved in 3-4 tablespoons of warm milk. This will activate the yeast, allowing the dough to rise.
2. Adding the ingredients: Add the cubed lard and crumbled telemea cheese. For an extra flavor, you can add caraway seeds as desired. These will provide a distinct taste and pleasant aroma.
3. Kneading the dough: Begin kneading the dough, gradually adding the remaining milk. Continue kneading for about 15 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and homogeneous. This step is crucial for obtaining crunchy and light straws.
4. Resting the dough: Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let the dough rest in a warm place for about 20 minutes. This resting time allows the yeast to act, making the dough fluffier.
5. Rolling out the dough: After the dough has risen, sprinkle the work surface with flour and roll out the dough into a thin sheet, about 5 mm thick.
6. Brushing and sprinkling: In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk with the 2 tablespoons of milk. Use this mixture to brush the surface of the rolled-out dough, giving it a golden and shiny color. Sprinkle caraway seeds on top, to taste.
7. Cutting and baking: Cut the dough into thin strips or desired shapes (circles, triangles) and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake the straws in a preheated oven at 180°C for 17-18 minutes or until golden and crunchy.
8. Cooling and serving: After baking, let the straws cool on a rack. They can be served warm or at room temperature.
Practical tips:
- Ingredients: Make sure to use fresh, quality telemea cheese, as its taste will significantly influence the final flavor of the straws. If you want a lighter version, you can replace the lard with olive oil.
- Seeds: Caraway is just one option; you can experiment with other spices, such as dill or sesame, to add a different flavor.
- Variations: For an even more interesting texture, you can add chopped olives or minced hot pepper to the dough.
- Serving: These straws pair perfectly with a garlic yogurt sauce or a cheese dip, and a glass of white wine or a blonde beer will perfectly complement the taste.
Calories and nutritional benefits:
A serving of straws (about 3-4 pieces) contains approximately 180-200 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Telemea cheese provides a source of protein and calcium, while caraway seeds offer fiber and antioxidants. These appetizers can be part of a balanced diet, but it is recommended to consume them in moderation due to their fat content.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace telemea cheese with another type of cheese? Yes, you can use feta cheese or cottage cheese, but the taste will be different. Make sure to adjust the amount of salt according to the type of cheese chosen.
2. Can I make the straws in advance? Yes, the straws can be stored in an airtight container for a few days. I recommend reheating them slightly in the oven to regain their crunchiness.
3. Is it possible to freeze the straws? Yes, they can be frozen before baking. Place them on a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you want to bake them, there is no need to thaw them; bake them directly from the freezer.
These cheese straws are a delight that should not be missing from your table. Experiment with different flavors and spices to adapt them to your taste! Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 500g flour, 150g telemea cheese, 250ml milk, 3 tablespoons lard, 25g yeast, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon salt, cumin seeds for greasing: 1 egg yolk, 2 tablespoons milk, cumin seeds
