Frico Crisps

Frico Crisps Recipe from Peru with Butter

Region / culture: Peru | Preparation time: 5 minutes | Cooking time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Frico crisps are a delicious and crispy snack made from just two simple ingredients - butter and parmesan cheese. These savory crisps are perfect for serving as an appetizer or as a crunchy topping for salads and soups.

History

Frico crisps originated in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy, where they are a popular snack enjoyed with a glass of wine. Traditionally, frico is made by melting butter in a pan and sprinkling grated cheese over the top, then cooking until crispy and golden brown.

Ingredients

1 tsp of butter
1 lb (454 g) of freshly grated asiago or parmesan

How to prepare

Melt the butter in the pan, making sure to coat the bottom evenly.
Sprinkle a fine layer of grated cheese over the melted butter.
Cook over medium heat until the cheese has melted and formed a light crust, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
Continue cooking the cheese until the edges set and a golden crust develops, which should take about 0.5 minute.
Carefully lift and turn the layer of cheese using a spatula, and cook until the second side is lightly golden, which should take about 0.5 minute.
Remove the frico from the pan and either place it flat on a paper towel or shape it over an inverted custard cup.

Variations

Add herbs or spices to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or asiago, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.

- Be sure to cook the frico over medium heat to prevent burning.

- Use a non-stick pan for easy removal of the frico crisps.

- Be careful when flipping the frico to ensure it stays intact.

Serving Suggestions

Serve frico crisps as an appetizer with a glass of wine, or crumble them over salads and soups for added crunch.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect frico crisps is to cook them over medium heat until crispy and golden brown, being careful not to burn them.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have parmesan cheese, you can use other hard cheeses like asiago or pecorino romano.

Make Ahead Tips

Frico crisps are best served fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve frico crisps on a platter with fresh herbs or olives for a beautiful and delicious presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Frico crisps pair well with a variety of wines, such as chardonnay or pinot grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover frico crisps in an airtight container at room temperature. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for a few minutes until crispy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of frico crisps contains approximately 100 calories.

Carbohydrates

Frico crisps are low in carbohydrates, making them a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet.

Fats

Frico crisps are high in fats due to the butter and cheese used in the recipe. However, these fats are mostly from healthy sources like dairy.

Proteins

Frico crisps are a good source of protein, thanks to the parmesan cheese used in the recipe.

Vitamins and minerals

Parmesan cheese is a good source of calcium, which is important for bone health.

Alergens

Frico crisps contain dairy (butter and cheese) and may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Frico crisps are a delicious and crunchy snack that is low in carbohydrates, high in healthy fats, and a good source of protein and calcium.

Summary

Frico crisps are a simple and delicious snack made from just two ingredients - butter and parmesan cheese. These crispy treats are perfect for serving as an appetizer or as a crunchy topping for salads and soups. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Frico Crisps. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in the beautiful countryside of Italy. Maria was a wonderful cook, always creating the most delicious dishes with the freshest ingredients from her garden. That day, she invited me to help her make a special appetizer for a family gathering - Frico Crisps.

As we gathered the ingredients, Maria explained to me that Frico Crisps were a traditional Italian dish made with just two simple ingredients - cheese and herbs. She told me that the key to making the perfect Frico Crisps was to use a high-quality aged cheese, such as Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano, and to finely shred it before baking it to achieve a delicate, crispy texture.

Maria showed me how to grate the cheese and mix it with a generous amount of freshly chopped herbs, such as rosemary and thyme, to add a savory flavor to the crisps. She then placed small mounds of the cheese mixture on a baking sheet and baked them in the oven until they were golden and crispy.

The aroma that filled Maria's kitchen as the Frico Crisps baked was absolutely divine. I couldn't wait to try them, and when they were finally ready, Maria served them alongside a glass of chilled prosecco. The combination of the crispy, cheesy crisps and the bubbly wine was simply heavenly.

From that moment on, I was hooked on Frico Crisps. I knew that I had to learn how to make them myself so that I could enjoy them whenever I pleased. Maria graciously shared her recipe with me, and I made a mental note to add it to my collection of cherished recipes.

Over the years, I have made Frico Crisps countless times for family gatherings, dinner parties, and even just as a special treat for myself. Each time, the simple yet elegant dish never fails to impress. The crispy texture of the cheese, combined with the fragrant herbs, creates a burst of flavor that is truly irresistible.

I have since shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of Frico Crisps to the next generation. It brings me great joy to see others enjoy this delicious appetizer as much as I do.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen, I can't help but smile. The memories of learning to make Frico Crisps with my dear friend are ones that I will always hold close to my heart. And whenever I make this dish, I am transported back to that moment, surrounded by the love and warmth of good food and even better company.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a simple yet impressive appetizer to serve at your next gathering, I highly recommend giving Frico Crisps a try. I promise you won't be disappointed. Until then, happy cooking!