Brazilian recipe
Creamy Chicken Balls with Queijo Minas (Bolinhas de frango cremosas com queijo minas)
A homemade recipe for potato balls filled with shredded chicken and melted Queijo Minas, smothered in a creamy sauce and baked until golden. Perfect for grazing!
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Ingredients
1 kg chicken breast
1 kg potatoes
1 pinch salt (for boiling the chicken)
Salt to taste (for boiling the potatoes)
1 tablespoon butter
1 whole egg
1 pinch grated nutmeg
Cornstarch (maizena) as needed to reach the right consistency
1 can tomato sauce
1 can table cream (creme de leite)
50 g grated Parmesan cheese
500 g Queijo Minas fresco
Chopped black olives (optional)
Dried oregano to taste
1 kg potatoes
1 pinch salt (for boiling the chicken)
Salt to taste (for boiling the potatoes)
1 tablespoon butter
1 whole egg
1 pinch grated nutmeg
Cornstarch (maizena) as needed to reach the right consistency
1 can tomato sauce
1 can table cream (creme de leite)
50 g grated Parmesan cheese
500 g Queijo Minas fresco
Chopped black olives (optional)
Dried oregano to taste
Where to find ingredients
You can find chicken breast, potatoes, eggs, and herbs in the fresh produce and meat sections of local markets like Makola or Osu night markets. For specialized items, look for canned tomato sauce and dairy in well-stocked supermarkets such as Shoprite or Koala. Queijo Minas is a specific Brazilian fresh cheese; if you cannot find it, a firm but mild white cheese or a fresh farmer's cheese may serve as a substitute.
Preparation method
- Boil the chicken breast in water with a pinch of salt until tender. Drain, shred, and set aside.
- In a pan, combine the shredded chicken with the tomato sauce and cook for a few minutes. Set aside.
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until very soft.
- Drain the potatoes and mash them while still hot using a potato ricer or fork.
- Add the butter, egg, nutmeg, and salt to taste to the mashed potatoes.
- Gradually incorporate the cornstarch, mixing until you achieve a firm and malleable dough.
- Shape the potato dough into small balls.
- Cut the Queijo Minas into small cubes.
- Stuff each potato ball with a cube of Queijo Minas and, if desired, some chopped black olives.
- Seal the balls tightly to ensure the filling stays inside during the baking process.
- Arrange the stuffed chicken balls in a baking dish, forming a circle.
- Place the chicken in tomato sauce in the center of the dish, between the balls.
- Pour the table cream over the balls and the chicken.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Add dried oregano to taste.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until bubbling and golden brown.
Observations
These chicken balls are a staple of Brazilian comfort food, making them an excellent choice for family gatherings, parties, or a special weekend snack. The base is crafted from a smooth, soft potato dough, stuffed with a flavorful mix of shredded chicken and traditional Queijo Minas. Once assembled, they are nestled in a rich, creamy tomato sauce and finished under the broiler until perfectly gratinéed. The result is a deeply satisfying dish that balances the softness of the potato with a juicy center and the distinct, mild creaminess of the cheese.
Impress your guests with this delightful dish that blends the lightness of the potato dough with the decadence of the filling and sauce.
Impress your guests with this delightful dish that blends the lightness of the potato dough with the decadence of the filling and sauce.
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