Playful Polenta, Cheese and Pea Stars
Soft on the inside and lightly golden on the outside, these little bites are made with creamy polenta, mild cheese, and mashed peas. They are cut into star shapes for extra fun and are perfect for small hands.
Ingredients
- 120 g instant polenta (of cocción quick)
- 480 ml water (for cocinar the polenta)
- 100 g peas (fresh or congelados)
- 80 g shredded mozzarella cheese (suave, of sabor delicado)
- 1 unit egg (beaten)
- 15 ml olive oil (more extra for engrasar)
- 1 g garlic powder (optional, sabor suave)
- 2 g salt (ajustar to taste)
- 30 g breadcrumbs (for dar estructura)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C / 400 °F and lightly grease a baking tray or line it with parchment paper.
- 2
2. Pour the water into a medium saucepan and heat it until it begins to gently boil. Add the salt and garlic powder.
- 3
3. Slowly whisk in the instant polenta and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly, until thick and smooth.
- 4
4. Add the peas and cook them in the hot polenta for 2 minutes. Then lightly mash them with a fork so small green bits are spread throughout the mixture.
- 5
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the shredded mozzarella, beaten egg, and olive oil. Mix very well until fully combined.
- 6
6. Stir in the breadcrumbs and mix until a thick dough forms that can be spread. Let it rest for 5 minutes so it firms up slightly.
- 7
7. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased surface or tray and spread it with your hands or a spatula to about 1.5 cm / 1/2 inch thick.
- 8
8. Cut the dough with a star-shaped cutter. If you have scraps left, gather them again and cut more shapes.
- 9
9. Place the stars on the prepared tray and bake for 15 minutes at 200 °C / 400 °F, flipping them halfway through so they brown evenly.
- 10
10. Serve the stars warm so they stay soft inside and pleasant for young children to eat.
Chef tips
If the mixture feels too soft, add 1 or 2 extra tablespoons of breadcrumbs. For a softer texture, avoid overbaking.
Substitutions
You can use Oaxaca cheese or another mild melting cheese instead of mozzarella. Peas can be replaced with very tender edamame for a different version, keeping in mind the soy allergen.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ratings & reviews
Sign in to rate this recipe
Sign in
