Colombian Cheese Bread - Almojábana

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) cornmeal 2 cups (240g) cornmeal
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 1 cup (240ml) milk 1 cup (240ml) milk
• 1 cup (120g) grated cheese (a combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and queso fresco) 1 cup (120g) grated cheese (a combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and queso fresco)
• 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese

Nutrition

• Calories: 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat: 8g (4g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 20g (2g sugars)
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, and milk.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until well combined.
5. 5.
   Stir in the grated cheese and Parmesan cheese until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. 6.
   Using your hands, shape the dough into small balls, about the size of a golf ball, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. 7.
   Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the Almojábanas are golden brown and cooked through.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cornmeal — Make sure to use fine cornmeal for a smoother texture in the Almojábanas.
• Cheese — Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to find your preferred flavor combination. However, make sure to include a melting cheese like mozzarella to achieve the desired texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to the dough.
• Serve the Almojábanas warm for the best taste and texture.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dough.
• These bread rolls freeze well, so you can make a larger batch and store them for later enjoyment.
• If you don't have access to Colombian cheeses, you can substitute them with similar varieties like Monterey Jack or Colby.

Serving advice

Serve the Almojábanas as a delicious breakfast or snack. They are best enjoyed warm, either on their own or with a spread of butter or cream cheese.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Almojábanas on a platter, showcasing their golden-brown crust. Garnish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a sprig of fresh herbs for an appealing presentation.