Fried Vegetable and Cheese Bread Bites
Light, airy, vegetable-filled bread bites with a crisp golden exterior
Yield
Approximately 20–24 small bites, depending on size
Equipment
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Deep frying pan or skillet
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Slotted spoon
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Mixing bowls
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Parchment paper or paper towels for draining
Ingredients
Dough
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1 large egg
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200 ml warm milk
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200 ml warm water
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10 g dry yeast
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20 g granulated sugar
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8 g salt
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540 g all-purpose flour
Vegetable and Cheese Mix-ins
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1 medium potato, peeled and finely diced
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1 red bell pepper, finely diced
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2 green bell peppers, finely diced
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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A handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped
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80 g Tulum cheese (or a crumbly cheese such as feta), crumbled
For Frying
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400 ml vegetable oil
Instructions
1. Prepare the Yeast Base
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm milk, warm water, sugar, and dry yeast.
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Whisk gently to dissolve and let the mixture stand for 5 minutes, until slightly frothy.
2. Mix the Dough
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Add the egg and salt to the yeast mixture and mix until fully combined.
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Gradually incorporate the flour, stirring with a spatula until a soft, sticky dough forms.
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Do not add extra flour beyond the recipe unless absolutely necessary; the dough should remain soft and hydrated to ensure a light, airy texture.
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3. Add Vegetables and Cheese
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Fold the finely diced potato, red pepper, green peppers, onion, and parsley into the dough.
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Gently mix in the crumbled cheese until evenly distributed.
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Ensure all ingredients are well combined, but avoid overmixing, which could deflate the dough.
4. Allow the Dough to Rise
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Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean, damp cloth.
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Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free environment for 45–60 minutes, until it has roughly doubled in volume and shows a light, web-like structure when gently pulled.
5. Shape and Fry the Bites
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Heat the vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. The oil should reach approximately 170–180°C (340–355°F).
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Shape the dough into small portions using two lightly oiled spoons or a piping bag with a large tip.
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Carefully drop the dough portions into the hot oil, frying in small batches to prevent overcrowding.
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Fry, turning occasionally, until each bite is evenly golden brown and crispy on all sides, approximately 3–5 minutes per batch.
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Remove the bites with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Serve
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Serve warm as a snack or side dish.
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Suggested accompaniments: yogurt-garlic dip, spicy tomato chutney, or a simple herb sauce.
Storage
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Best consumed on the day of frying for maximum crispness.
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Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day; reheat in a preheated oven to restore crispness.