Brazilian recipe
Creamy Chicken Balls with Minas Cheese (Bolinhas de frango cremosas com queijo minas)
A homemade recipe featuring potato dumplings stuffed with shredded chicken and melted Minas cheese, baked in a creamy sauce. Perfect for snacking!
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Ingredients
1 kg chicken breast
1 kg potatoes
1 pinch of salt (for boiling the chicken)
Salt to taste (for boiling the potatoes)
1 tablespoon butter
1 whole egg
1 pinch of grated nutmeg
Cornstarch, as needed for texture
1 can tomato sauce
1 can table cream (creme de leite)
50 g grated Parmesan cheese
500 g fresh Minas cheese
Chopped black olives (optional)
Dried oregano to taste
1 kg potatoes
1 pinch of salt (for boiling the chicken)
Salt to taste (for boiling the potatoes)
1 tablespoon butter
1 whole egg
1 pinch of grated nutmeg
Cornstarch, as needed for texture
1 can tomato sauce
1 can table cream (creme de leite)
50 g grated Parmesan cheese
500 g fresh Minas cheese
Chopped black olives (optional)
Dried oregano to taste
Where to find ingredients
You can find most of these ingredients at local supermarkets or open-air markets in Freetown. For the fresh Minas cheese, look for artisan cheese counters or local dairies; if unavailable, a mild, fresh white cheese like paneer or queso fresco can serve as a substitute, though original Minas cheese is recommended for the authentic flavor.
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 they are very tender.
- Drain the potatoes and mash them while still hot using a potato ricer or fork.
- Add the butter, egg, grated nutmeg, and salt to taste to 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 Minas cheese into small cubes.
- Stuff each potato ball with a cube of Minas cheese and a few pieces of chopped black olives, if using.
- Seal the balls tightly to ensure the filling stays inside during the cooking process.
- Arrange the stuffed chicken balls in a baking dish, forming a circle.
- Place the chicken and tomato sauce mixture 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 oregano to taste.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for approximately 20-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Observations
These creamy chicken balls are a staple of Brazilian comfort food, making them an ideal savory snack for family gatherings, parties, or a special afternoon bite. These bites are crafted from a soft potato dough, filled with tender shredded chicken and fresh Minas cheese, then nestled in a rich tomato sauce and finished under the broiler until golden and bubbly. The final dish is incredibly comforting, striking the perfect balance between the pillowy potato, savory filling, and melted cheese.
Get ready to impress your guests with these delectable bites that combine the lightness of the potato with the indulgence of a creamy sauce.
Get ready to impress your guests with these delectable bites that combine the lightness of the potato with the indulgence of a creamy sauce.
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