Crispy Puffed Rice Bites with Aged Cheese and Caramelized Onion

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 200 °C / 400 °F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. 2

   Heat a skillet over medium heat with 10 ml (2 tsp) olive oil and the butter. Add the yellow onion with 1/4 tsp salt and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring, until golden and caramelized. Let it cool for 5 minutes.

3. 3

   In a bowl, combine the caramelized onion, beaten egg, grated aged Manchego cheese, garlic powder, dried thyme, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, half of the fresh chives, crushed puffed rice, and breadcrumbs until the mixture holds together when pressed.

4. 4

   With your hands lightly greased with the remaining 5 ml (1 tsp) olive oil, shape 12 small compact bites. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.

5. 5

   Bake at 200 °C / 400 °F for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the bites are golden and crisp around the edges.

6. 6

   While they bake, make the dip by stirring together the plain Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, the remaining fresh chives, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.

7. 7

   Let the bites rest for 3 minutes after baking so they firm up. Serve warm or hot with the black pepper yogurt dip.