Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound Bitto Stravecchio cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Small saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Frying pan
- Slotted spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated Bitto Stravecchio cheese, all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, milk, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
3. Add the eggs to the mixture and whisk until fully incorporated.
4. Form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
5. Roll the balls in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
6. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat.
9. Add the balls to the melted butter and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until fully coated.
10. Using a slotted spoon, remove the balls from the butter and place them on a frying pan.
11. Fry the balls for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until crispy and golden brown.
12. Serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
Makes about 20 balls
Nutritional information:
Calories: 150
Fat: 10g
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 200mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Bitto Stravecchio cheese can be substituted with any hard, aged cheese such as Parmesan or Pecorino Romano.
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with gluten-free flour.
- Unsalted butter can be substituted with salted butter, but reduce the amount of salt added to the mixture.
Variations:
- Add chopped herbs such as parsley or thyme to the mixture for added flavor.
- Substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed nuts such as almonds or hazelnuts for a crunchy texture.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the mixture for a Mediterranean twist.
Tips and Tricks:
- Use a cookie scoop or melon baller to form the mixture into uniform balls.
- Chill the balls in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking to prevent them from spreading too much.
- Use a non-stick frying pan to prevent the balls from sticking.
Storage Instructions:
- Store the Bitto Stravecchio balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- To reheat, place the balls on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the Bitto Stravecchio balls on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving.
- Garnish with chopped herbs or grated cheese for added flavor.
Garnishes:
- Chopped herbs such as parsley or thyme
- Grated cheese
Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of red wine such as Chianti or Barolo.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Crusty bread
- Grilled vegetables
- Mixed greens salad
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the balls are too soft, add more flour to the mixture.
- If the balls are too dry, add more milk to the mixture.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the Bitto Stravecchio balls to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
Food History:
- Bitto Stravecchio is a traditional Italian cheese made from cow and goat milk in the Lombardy region of Italy.
Flavor Profiles:
- Bitto Stravecchio has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor with a firm, crumbly texture.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Bitto Stravecchio balls as an appetizer or snack.
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Region: Italian