Ingredients with Measurements:
- 500g Anari cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Special equipment needed:
- Food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Frying pan
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a food processor, pulse the Anari cheese until it becomes crumbly.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and cumin.
3. Add the chopped parsley, mint, and dill to the flour mixture and stir to combine.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
5. Add the Anari cheese to the flour mixture and stir to combine.
6. Slowly pour in the egg mixture and stir until a dough forms.
7. Roll the dough into small balls, about the size of a ping pong ball.
8. Roll each ball in the breadcrumbs, making sure they are fully coated.
9. Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
10. Fry the cheese balls in batches until they are golden brown on all sides.
11. Remove the cheese balls from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
12. Serve the Anari cheese balls warm.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat for frying
Serving size:
Makes approximately 20 cheese balls
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 120
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Anari cheese can be substituted with feta cheese or ricotta cheese.
- Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried herbs.
Variations:
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
- Roll the cheese balls in different types of breadcrumbs, such as panko or seasoned breadcrumbs.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the cheese balls are fully coated in breadcrumbs to prevent them from falling apart while frying.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the cheese balls from the frying pan to prevent excess oil from getting on the plate.
- Serve the cheese balls with a dipping sauce, such as tzatziki or marinara sauce.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the cheese balls on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cheese balls on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs.
Garnishes:
Fresh herbs, lemon wedges
Pairings:
Serve the Anari cheese balls as an appetizer with a glass of white wine.
Suggested side dishes:
Greek salad, roasted vegetables, hummus and pita bread
Troubleshooting advice:
If the cheese balls are falling apart while frying, try adding more breadcrumbs to the mixture to help bind the dough together.
Food safety advice:
Make sure the cheese balls are fully cooked before serving to prevent any foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
Anari cheese is a traditional Cypriot cheese made from whey leftover from the production of other cheeses.
Flavor profiles:
Salty, tangy, and herbaceous
Serving suggestions:
Serve the Anari cheese balls as an appetizer or snack.
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