Costa Rican Caramelle de Queso

Ingredients

In the Costa Rican adaptation of Caramelle ricotta, we replace the traditional ricotta cheese with local Costa Rican cheeses like queso fresco and queso blanco. Additionally, we incorporate Costa Rican spices and herbs into the tomato-based sauce to infuse the dish with the vibrant flavors of the region. We alse have the original recipe for Caramelle ricotta, so you can check it out.

• 250g (8.8 oz) all-purpose flour 250g (8.8 oz) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp salt 1/2 tsp salt
• 200g (7 oz) queso fresco, crumbled 200g (7 oz) queso fresco, crumbled
• 100g (3.5 oz) queso blanco, crumbled 100g (3.5 oz) queso blanco, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp paprika 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp black pepper 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup tomato sauce 1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, eggs, and salt. Knead the mixture until a smooth dough forms. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the crumbled queso fresco, queso blanco, cilantro, parsley, cumin, paprika, and black pepper until well combined.
3. 3.
   Roll out the dough on a floured surface until it is thin and rectangular in shape. Cut the dough into small squares, approximately 5x5 cm (2x2 inches).
4. 4.
   Place a small spoonful of the cheese mixture in the center of each square. Fold the dough over the filling to create a triangle shape, pressing the edges firmly to seal.
5. 5.
   In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the caramelle for about 3-4 minutes or until they float to the surface. Remove them from the water using a slotted spoon and set aside.
6. 6.
   In a separate saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt to taste.
7. 7.
   Serve the cooked caramelle with the tomato sauce drizzled on top. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and parsley, if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Queso fresco and queso blanco — Make sure the cheeses are crumbled well and evenly mixed with the herbs and spices to ensure a consistent filling.

Tips & Tricks

• If you can't find queso fresco or queso blanco, you can substitute them with a mild feta cheese.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the cheese filling.
• Serve the caramelle with a side of fresh salad or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Costa Rican Caramelle de Queso as a main course accompanied by a side of mixed greens or sautéed vegetables. The dish pairs well with a refreshing tropical fruit juice or a chilled glass of Costa Rican beer.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cooked caramelle on a plate, drizzle the tomato sauce over them, and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and parsley. The vibrant colors of the dish will make it visually appealing.