You should never fail to bring a touch of imagination, or even fun, to your dining table. The most important secret of every chef is the ability to impress the people who come to enjoy his or her food and here we want to suggest something particularly delicious: an unusual dish, the savoury muffin. Instead of a sweet filling, these muffins are transformed into succulent mini savoury cakes by adding peas and diced ham to the dough. How might you serve this flavourful specialty and, above all, on what occasion? Well, we suggest offering these muffins as one part of a finger buffet, or as a starter on a special occasion where children are present.
* approximate values per serving
Beat the eggs with the milk and a pinch of salt. Add the warm melted butter and grated Parmesan. Mix together with a whisk, stir in the sifted flour with baking powder and then add the peas and ham cubes. Mix it all together and transfer the mixture into a muffin tin lined with paper cups, or directly into an aluminium mould. Fill the cups two-thirds full and bake at 180°C for about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.
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Incorporate the warm, softened butter
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Add the grated cheese
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Fold in the sifted flour and baking powder
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Mix in the peas and the diced cooked ham
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Pour the dough into the moulds
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Fill the paper cups to two-thirds capacity
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Serve and enjoy
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The muffins with peas and cooked ham can be prepared in a baked variant, keeping the same dough base but with the addition of fresh ingredients. To make these muffins even tastier, they can be enriched with aromatic herbs like thyme or rosemary, which give a special aroma. This preparation is ideal for a brunch or for a tasty aperitif, thanks to its soft texture and the savory flavor of the ham combined with the sweetness of the peas. Additionally, the use of melted butter and parmesan makes these muffins particularly rich and appetizing, perfect to serve warm right out of the oven. Don't forget to accompany them with a light sauce to further enhance their flavor.
This recipe for muffins with peas and cooked ham can be interpreted regionally, inspired by Friulian culinary tradition. In Friuli Venezia Giulia, it is common to use fresh and local ingredients, such as seasonal peas, to enrich dishes. To give an authentic touch to this preparation, you can replace the cooked ham with San Daniele raw ham, which provides a more intense flavor. Furthermore, adding typical cheeses from the region, such as Montasio, instead of parmesan, will make the muffins even tastier. This variant represents an excellent example of how tradition can be reinterpreted in a modern way, keeping the roots of Friulian cuisine alive.
For those who want a lighter version of the muffins with peas and cooked ham, it is possible to make them without butter, replacing it with Greek yogurt or extra virgin olive oil. This modification reduces the calorie content and makes the dish more suitable for those following a balanced diet. Using whole grain flours instead of refined ones will also increase the nutritional value, promoting fiber intake. These light muffins can be an excellent solution for a healthy breakfast or a snack during the day, while still maintaining the tasty flavor of the ham and the sweetness of the peas. Don't forget to use fresh, quality ingredients to achieve the best possible result.
The muffins with peas and cooked ham offer several nutritional benefits thanks to the presence of peas, which are rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins. These legumes are particularly useful for digestive health and help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Additionally, cooked ham provides a good source of lean protein, essential for building and maintaining muscles. In general, a standard-sized muffin contains about 180-220 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Making them at home allows you to control the quality of the ingredients and customize the recipe according to your nutritional needs.
Yes, muffins with peas and cooked ham can be frozen without any problems. It is advisable to let them cool completely after baking, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. This way, the freshness and softness of the product are preserved. When you want to consume them, simply let them thaw at room temperature or heat them in the oven for a few minutes. This method is particularly useful for those with little time during the week who want to have a quick and tasty snack or breakfast always available.