Almojábanas

🧂 Ingredients

• 1 cup (approx. 150g) Masarepa (pre-cooked corn flour)(Ensure it's pre-cooked corn flour, not cornmeal or masa harina for tortillas.)
• 200g Queso fresco(Crumbled or grated. A mild, crumbly white cheese like farmer's cheese can be substituted if queso fresco is unavailable.)
• 2 Large eggs(Room temperature is ideal for better incorporation.)
• 50g (approx. 3.5 tbsp) Unsalted butter(Melted and slightly cooled.)
• 2 tbsp Granulated sugar(Adjust to taste; can be reduced for a less sweet roll.)
• 1/2 tsp Salt(Optional, enhances flavor, especially if the cheese is unsalted.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
2. 2

   In a large bowl, combine the masarepa, crumbled queso fresco, and optional salt. Mix well with a fork or your hands until the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the corn flour.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
3. 3

   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted and slightly cooled butter, and sugar until combined.

   ⏱️ 2 minutes
4. 4

   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a spatula or your hands until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.

   ⏱️ 3 minutes
5. 5

   Lightly grease your hands with a little oil or butter. Roll the dough into small balls, about 1.5 inches (4 cm) in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each roll.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
6. 6

   Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the almojábanas are puffed up, firm to the touch, and have a beautiful golden-brown color. The edges should be slightly crisp.

   ⏱️ 25 minutes
7. 7

   Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Best served warm.

   ⏱️ N/A

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓Almojábanas are best enjoyed fresh and warm, shortly after baking.
• ✓The combination of sweet sugar and savory cheese creates a delightful flavor profile.
• ✓These are a popular and traditional breakfast item in Colombia, often served with coffee.

🔄 Variations

• For extra cheesy almojábanas, increase the amount of queso fresco or add a sprinkle of grated mozzarella.
• Reduce the sugar to 1 tbsp for a less sweet version, allowing the cheese flavor to be more prominent.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving