Brazilian recipe
Creamy Chicken Balls with Queijo Minas (Bolinhas de frango cremosas com queijo minas)
A comforting Brazilian-style dish featuring soft potato dumplings stuffed with shredded chicken and fresh Queijo Minas, baked in a rich, creamy tomato sauce.
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Ingredients
1 kg chicken breast
1 kg potatoes
1 pinch salt (for poaching the chicken)
Salt to taste (for boiling potatoes)
1 tbsp butter
1 whole egg
1 pinch grated nutmeg
Cornstarch, as needed for 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 poaching the chicken)
Salt to taste (for boiling potatoes)
1 tbsp butter
1 whole egg
1 pinch grated nutmeg
Cornstarch, as needed for 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, potatoes, and pantry staples like tomato sauce, cornstarch, and cream at any local supermarket or wet market (palengke). For authentic Queijo Minas, check the imported dairy or specialty deli section of larger supermarkets; if unavailable, a mild, firm farmer's cheese or a fresh white cheese can be used 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 simmer 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.
- Mix the butter, egg, grated nutmeg, and salt to taste into the mashed potatoes.
- Gradually add the cornstarch, mixing until you achieve a firm and pliable dough.
- Shape the potato dough into small, uniform balls.
- Cut the Queijo Minas into small cubes.
- Stuff each potato ball with a cube of Queijo Minas and a few chopped black olives if using.
- Seal the balls tightly to ensure the cheese stays inside while baking.
- Arrange the stuffed balls in a circle inside a baking dish.
- Spread the chicken and tomato sauce mixture in the center of the dish, between the balls.
- Pour the table cream evenly over the chicken balls and the sauce.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Garnish with dried oregano.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for approximately 20 to 30 minutes, or until bubbling and golden brown.
Observations
These chicken balls are a beloved staple in Brazilian home cooking, offering a savory and practical treat perfect for family gatherings, parties, or a hearty snack. The dish consists of delicate potato-based dough filled with seasoned shredded chicken and Queijo Minas, nestled in a luscious creamy tomato sauce and finished under the broiler until golden and bubbly. The result is a satisfying, soul-warming combination of tender potato, savory chicken, and melted cheese.
Impress your guests with this delightful preparation that marries the texture of potato dumplings with a succulent, cheesy center and a velvety sauce.
Impress your guests with this delightful preparation that marries the texture of potato dumplings with a succulent, cheesy center and a velvety sauce.
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