Pandequeso is a traditional Colombian snack that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a simple and delicious recipe that combines the flavors of cheese and bread. Pandequeso is perfect for breakfast, as a mid-day snack, or as a side dish for a hearty meal. This recipe is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients, making it a popular choice for busy families or those on a tight budget.
Ingredients
To make pandequeso, you will need the following ingredients:
1 cup of cornstarch
1 cup of grated cheese (queso blanco or queso fresco)
1 egg
1 tablespoon of butter
1/4 cup of milk
1/4 teaspoon of salt
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a fine, powdery substance that is commonly used in cooking to thicken sauces and soups. In this recipe, cornstarch is used as a substitute for flour, which makes pandequeso gluten-free.
Cheese
The type of cheese used in pandequeso can vary, but queso blanco or queso fresco are the most common. Queso blanco is a white cheese that is mild in flavor, while queso fresco is a crumbly cheese that has a slightly salty taste.
Egg
Egg is a binding agent that helps to hold the ingredients together.
Butter
Butter adds richness and flavor to the recipe.
Milk
Milk is used to make the dough moist and pliable.
Salt
Salt enhances the flavor of the cheese and balances the sweetness of the cornstarch.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make pandequeso:
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Grease a baking sheet with butter or cooking spray.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, grated cheese, and salt.
Add the egg and butter to the mixing bowl and mix well.
Add the milk to the mixing bowl and stir until the dough comes together.
Knead the dough on a floured surface until it becomes smooth and pliable.
Divide the dough into small balls, about the size of a ping-pong ball.
Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each ball.
Bake the pandequeso in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Remove the pandequeso from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Preparation
Pandequeso can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply place the pandequeso in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through.
Nutrition
One serving of pandequeso (about 2-3 balls) contains:
Calories: 150
Total fat: 7g
Saturated fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total carbohydrates: 16g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 6g
Calories
The number of calories in pandequeso can vary depending on the size of the balls and the type of cheese used. This recipe contains 150 calories per serving.
Total Fat
Pandequeso contains 7g of total fat per serving. The fat content comes from the cheese and butter used in the recipe.
Cholesterol
Pandequeso is a good source of cholesterol, with 40mg per serving. While high levels of cholesterol can be harmful, moderate amounts can be beneficial for overall health.
Sodium
Pandequeso contains 200mg of sodium per serving. While sodium is an essential mineral, high levels can lead to health problems such as high blood pressure.
Protein
Pandequeso is a good source of protein, with 6g per serving. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
Conclusion
Pandequeso is a simple and delicious snack that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a quick breakfast, a mid-day snack, or a side dish for a hearty meal, pandequeso is the perfect choice. With only a few ingredients and simple instructions, this recipe is easy to make and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Try making pandequeso today and taste the flavors of Colombia in your own home.