| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins – 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 315 | 17g | 5g | 32g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 8g | 0.58g |
Why I Love Brazilian Yam Cheese Bread
Let me tell you why I love this particular recipe, the Brazilian Yam Cheese Bread. As a passionate cook who takes inspiration from the vibrant and diverse culinary scene of my native New York city, I’m always looking to take a global approach to my creations. In doing so, I’ve discovered a myriad of new flavors hailing from all corners of the earth. One such dish that has captured my palate is this Brazilian Yam Cheese Bread. Its delightful fusion of starchy yams, hearty cheese, and a savory touch of salt is a joy to experience.
Worldly Influences
Even though I was no child of the samba beat of Brazil, I was attracted to the bustling street food scene, from my remote location. What captivated me was the complex simplicity of the street food dishes. Many Brazilian recipes, including this one, feature ingredients of lesser known tubers such as yam and cassava, combined with the ubiquitous presence of cheese, creating a fusion worth exploring. This dish speaks volumes about the Brazilian reverence for humble yet deeply flavorful cuisine and its inspiration comes from none other than the renowned Brazilian chef,Alex Atala.
A Perfect Pairing
You might wonder what you can serve with Yam Cheese Bread. Often, this Brazilian delicacy is eaten as a breakfast item or a snack. It is a dish in its own right, but if you’re looking for pairings, a bowl of tangy black bean soup or a refreshing cilantro-lime chicken would complement the creamy, fluffy texture of the bread beautifully.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. The yam lends a unique sweetness to the bread, while the cheese provides a wonderful savory contrast. The cheese can be changed according to your preference, and the resulting bread will only reflect your personal culinary style.
The beauty of the culinary world is its infiniteness. The joy of creating and tasting new dishes is what fuels my zest for food. The Yam Cheese Bread is one such recipe that, for me, evokes the sense and flavors of Brazil within the confines of my New York kitchen. It’s a connection that, for me, beautifully illustrates the universal language of food.
What You’ll Need
- 1.5 cups of peeled and grated yams
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 cups of tapioca flour
- 1.5 cups of grated parmesan cheese
- 2 large beaten eggs
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While your oven is preheating, take the time to peel and grate your yams so that you have 1.5 cups ready to use.
Step Two
In a saucepan, combine your peeled and grated yams, 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the yams are fully tender and the mixture has thickened a bit.
Step Three
Remove your saucepan from heat and gradually add in 2 cups of tapioca flour, mixing it in until well combined. Allow this mixture to cool for a few minutes before proceeding to the next step.
Step Four
Once the yam mixture has cooled slightly, add in your 1.5 cups of grated parmesan cheese and 2 large beaten eggs, stirring everything together until it forms a somewhat smooth and sticky dough. It is important to add these ingredients while the mixture is still somewhat warm as it helps to properly melt the cheese.
Step Five
Shape the dough into small round balls and place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet. Place them in your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until they become golden brown in color.
Step Six
Remove your yam cheese bread from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. Enjoy them while they’re warm for the best flavor and texture.
