Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup cooked spinach, drained and chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 egg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Frying pan
- Slotted spoon
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
3. Roll each ball in the all-purpose flour until coated on all sides.
4. In a frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
5. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated balls into the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them.
6. Fry the balls for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
7. Using a slotted spoon, remove the balls from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
8. Serve the Cheesy Spinach Chiftele hot, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat
Serving size:
Makes about 12 Cheesy Spinach Chiftele
Nutritional information:
Calories: 120
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 5g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can substitute the cheddar cheese with any other type of cheese you prefer.
- Instead of spinach, you can use kale or Swiss chard.
- If you don't have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers or cornflakes.
Variations:
- Add some chopped bacon or ham to the mixture for a meatier version.
- Instead of frying, you can bake the balls in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to drain the cooked spinach well before adding it to the mixture to avoid excess moisture.
- If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Don't overcrowd the frying pan to ensure even cooking and crispy texture.
Storage instructions:
You can store the Cheesy Spinach Chiftele in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the Chiftele on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the Cheesy Spinach Chiftele on a platter with a side of dipping sauce, such as ranch or tzatziki.
Garnishes:
Chopped parsley or green onions
Pairings:
Serve the Cheesy Spinach Chiftele as an appetizer or snack, or as a side dish with your favorite main course.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Rice pilaf
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the balls are falling apart while frying, the mixture may be too wet. Add more breadcrumbs until it reaches the desired consistency.
- If the balls are not crispy enough, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding them to the pan.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the Cheesy Spinach Chiftele to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
Food history:
Chiftele is a traditional Romanian dish that is typically made with ground meat and spices. This recipe puts a spin on the classic dish by using spinach and cheese instead.
Flavor profiles:
The Cheesy Spinach Chiftele are savory and cheesy with a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful interior.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the Cheesy Spinach Chiftele as an appetizer or snack, or as a side dish with your favorite main course.
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Region: Romanian