Savory Cheese Muffins (Proja)
Savory Cheese Muffins, known as Proja, are a cherished traditional dish in Serbia. These delightful muffins are made with a rich blend of eggs, yogurt, and cottage cheese, resulting in a moist and fluffy texture that can be enjoyed at any meal. Whether served warm or cold, they pair exceptionally well with creamy yogurt or can be enjoyed on their own as a snack. For a creative twist, you can substitute the cheese with ground spinach for a nutritious variation. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side dish, these muffins are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggs
5 (large, beaten)
Salt
1-2 (teaspoon, to taste)
Corn Grits
9 (tablespoons, top full (can substitute with cornmeal))
All-Purpose Flour
9 (tablespoons, top full)
Baking Powder
2 (teaspoons)
Yogurt
200 (ml)
Oil
200 (ml)
Cottage Cheese
2 (cups)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 480°F (250°C). Grease a muffin tin or line with muffin liners.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, yogurt, and oil until well combined.
3
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, corn grits (or cornmeal), baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
4
Gradually merge the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
5
Fold in the cottage cheese, making sure not to overmix to keep the muffins light.
6
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tins, filling each cup about 2/3 full.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature with yogurt on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Proja?
Proja is a traditional and cherished savory cheese muffin dish from Serbia, known for its moist and fluffy texture.
What are the main ingredients in Savory Cheese Muffins?
The main ingredients include eggs, salt, corn grits, all-purpose flour, baking powder, yogurt, oil, and cottage cheese.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
You will need 5 large, beaten eggs for this recipe.
Can I substitute corn grits in the recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the 9 tablespoons of corn grits with cornmeal if preferred.
What type of cheese is used in Proja?
This recipe uses 2 cups of cottage cheese.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking these muffins?
The oven should be preheated to 480°F (250°C).
How long should I bake the Savory Cheese Muffins?
Bake the muffins for 30 to 35 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
Is there a nutritious variation for these muffins?
Yes, you can create a nutritious variation by substituting the cottage cheese with ground spinach.
How should I serve Proja?
Proja can be served warm or cold and pairs exceptionally well with creamy yogurt.
What should I do with the dry ingredients before mixing?
You should sift together the all-purpose flour, corn grits, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution.
How much yogurt and oil are needed?
The recipe calls for 200 ml of yogurt and 200 ml of oil.
How full should the muffin tins be filled?
Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full with the prepared batter.
How do I check if the muffins are fully cooked?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the muffins are done.
Should the cottage cheese be mixed vigorously?
No, you should fold in the cottage cheese gently and avoid overmixing to keep the muffins light.
Is Proja suitable for breakfast?
Yes, it is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a side dish or snack.
What texture can I expect from these muffins?
They have a moist and fluffy texture thanks to the blend of eggs, yogurt, and cheese.
How much baking powder is used?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of baking powder.
Should the muffin tin be prepared?
Yes, grease the muffin tin or line it with muffin liners before adding the batter.
How much salt should I add?
Add 1-2 teaspoons of salt, or adjust to your personal taste.
Where do I let the muffins cool?
Let them cool slightly in the tin before transferring them to a wire rack.
What is the preparation for the eggs?
The 5 large eggs should be beaten before being whisked with the yogurt and oil.
Can these muffins be eaten as a snack?
Yes, they can be enjoyed on their own as a savory snack.
How many tablespoons of flour are needed?
The recipe calls for 9 top full tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
How many ingredients are in the recipe in total?
There are 8 total ingredients in this recipe.
Is Proja considered Serbian cuisine?
Yes, it is a traditional dish belonging to Serbian cuisine.
What category of food does this fall under?
It is categorized as a savory muffin or quick bread.
Can I use cornmeal instead of corn grits?
Yes, the recipe specifically mentions cornmeal as a valid substitute for corn grits.
What is the mixing order for the wet ingredients?
Whisk together the eggs, yogurt, and oil until they are well combined.
Are these muffins considered comfort food?
Yes, they are tagged as a type of comfort food.
Should the dry mixture be added all at once?
No, you should gradually merge the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently.