Savory Muffins with Peas and Ham Recipe
When you’re looking for a delightful appetizer or a savory snack to enjoy with friends or family, these Savory Muffins with Peas and Ham are the perfect choice. Fluffy and moist, these muffins are packed with flavor from tender peas, salty ham, and the rich, tangy taste of pecorino cheese. A little hint of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a refreshing herbal note to every bite. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or just a cozy meal at home, these muffins are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Peas (fresh or frozen) | 200g |
| Cooked ham | 100g |
| All-purpose flour (00 type) | 200g |
| Whole milk | 100ml |
| Eggs | 170g (about 3 large eggs) |
| Fresh parsley | 1 bunch |
| Extra virgin olive oil | to taste |
| Pecorino cheese, grated | 100g |
| Instant baking powder (for savory dishes) | 10g |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Vegetable oil (for frying) | 100ml |
Nutritional Information (per muffin, estimated):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 kcal |
| Protein | 8g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 2g |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Ingredients:
- Start by grating the pecorino cheese to achieve a smooth, fine texture. Set it aside.
- Cut the cooked ham into small cubes, making sure the pieces are evenly sized to ensure a consistent flavor in every muffin.
-
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Cook the Peas:
- Heat a small amount of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the peas to the pan and sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, just until they’re heated through but still slightly firm. You want to retain their vibrant color and slight crunch. Season them with a pinch of salt and black pepper for flavor. Once done, remove them from the heat and set aside to cool.
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Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them until smooth.
- Gradually add the whole milk to the eggs, whisking continuously to combine. This will create a light, well-blended mixture.
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Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and instant baking powder to ensure the muffins will rise evenly and have a light texture. Add a pinch of salt to the dry mix for balance.
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Mix the Muffin Batter:
- Slowly add the dry ingredients into the egg and milk mixture, stirring gently as you go. You can use a whisk or a spoon to fold the ingredients together, being careful not to overmix, which can result in dense muffins.
- Once the batter is smooth, fold in the grated pecorino cheese, the ham cubes, the cooked peas, and the freshly chopped parsley. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Fill the Muffin Tin:
- Prepare a muffin tin by placing paper cupcake liners into the 12 muffin cups.
- Use a piping bag (or simply a spoon) to fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with the batter. This will leave enough room for the muffins to rise without overflowing during baking.
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Bake the Muffins:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the muffins are golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- You’ll notice the muffins puffing up beautifully and turning golden brown, indicating that they’re perfectly baked.
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Cool and Serve:
- Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow the muffins to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- These muffins are best enjoyed slightly warm, but they can also be served at room temperature. Perfect for serving at a brunch, as a party snack, or even as a side dish for lunch.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, you can replace some of the milk with cream for a richer batter. This will give the muffins a softer, more decadent texture.
- Cheese options: While pecorino adds a tangy bite, you can also experiment with other cheeses like parmesan, grana padano, or even a melty cheese like mozzarella for a different twist.
- Frozen peas can be substituted for fresh ones if needed. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- Herb variations: If you don’t have fresh parsley on hand, you can swap it with other fresh herbs like basil, chives, or thyme to complement the savory flavor profile of the muffins.
- If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham and increase the amount of peas or even add mushrooms or spinach for extra heartiness.
These Savory Muffins with Peas and Ham are the perfect combination of savory goodness, and they can easily be modified to fit your tastes. With a delicious balance of textures and flavors, they make a fantastic addition to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a cozy dinner, or looking for something new to bake, these muffins are sure to impress.
