Italian recipes
  1. Home
  2. Recipe types
  3. Appetizers
  4. Steamed muffin with olive and feta
Appetizers

Steamed muffin with olive and feta

⏱ 45 min🍳 30 min👤 4 pp★★★☆☆

So you think it's impossible to make an entire meal from starter to dessert, simply by steaming? Steam cooking is healthy because it avoids using fats and prevents foods from leaching out their nutrients into their cooking water. In addition, it is also very economical: in no time, and without having to add special ingredients, you will get an excellent result, full of flavour. Nowadays there are many types of steaming cookware. We may think of the steamer as simply designed to cook more than one item at a time, on two levels, but there are also food processors that steam, such as the Thermomix, and more traditional methods such as simple baskets made of metal or perhaps of bamboo as in oriental cookery. Today's recipe is for muffins with olives and feta cheese, made by simple and healthy steam cooking. Sceptical? Well, don't be! Read our recipe and try it with us.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 420 kcal / serving
Protein
12g
Carbohydrates
38g
Fat
24g
Fiber
2g

* approximate values per serving

Information
45 minutes Preparation time
30 minutes Cooking time
Serves 4 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

In a bowl, break the eggs and beat them with a whisk by hand with some salt. Pour in the oil, then the milk and continue to beat with a whisk. At this point sift in the flour and baking powder together. Continue stirring so that everything is well mixed. Add the diced feta and olives. Pour into silicone muffin cups. Place the cups in a basket for steam cooking, and then place the basket in a pan with hot water that doesn’t come up further than the bottom of the basket or the cups. Cover and steam over a high heat for about half an hour, adding more water if necessary. Remove from heat and let the muffins cool before turning them out ..

Tips
When you come to fill the cups with the muffin mixture, which contains baking powder, take care not to do so to more than three-quarters of their capacity. As they cook the muffins will rise, partly overflowing their cups and making them slightly deformed.
Trivia
Feta is a cheese made with sheep's milk. However, you can find this lovely traditional Greek cheese made with 20% goat’s milk.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Steamed Muffins with Taggiasca Olives and Greek Feta

Steamed muffins with Taggiasca olives and Greek feta can be customized in various ways. One of the tastiest variations is the addition of sun-dried tomatoes, which provide an intense Mediterranean flavor. These muffins can also be enriched with aromatic herbs like oregano or basil, to give a fresh and fragrant touch. Additionally, Taggiasca olives can be replaced with green olives for a bolder taste. Experimenting with different ingredients allows for unique variations of this dish, making it ideal for any occasion, from appetizers to informal dinners.

Steamed Muffins with Greek Feta in Ligurian Style

The preparation of steamed muffins with Greek feta can follow a Ligurian tradition, using typical ingredients from this region. For example, pine nuts and fresh basil can be added, evoking the flavors of the famous Ligurian cuisine. Moreover, steaming keeps the muffins light and soft, a fundamental aspect of Ligurian cooking, which favors healthy dishes. The muffins prepared this way can be served as an appetizer during a summer lunch or as a snack during a dinner with friends, bringing a piece of Liguria to the table.

Light Steamed Muffins with Greek Feta and Taggiasca Olives

For those seeking a lighter version of steamed muffins with Greek feta and Taggiasca olives, it is possible to replace whole milk with skim milk or a plant-based beverage, thus reducing the caloric content. Additionally, one can opt for low-fat feta, while still maintaining the characteristic flavor of the dish. These light muffins are perfect for those following a balanced diet, without sacrificing taste. They can be enjoyed at breakfast or as a snack throughout the day, providing a source of protein and essential nutrients.

Nutritional Benefits of Steamed Muffins with Greek Feta and Taggiasca Olives

Steamed muffins with Greek feta and Taggiasca olives offer numerous nutritional benefits thanks to the ingredients used. Greek feta is a source of protein and calcium, essential for bone health. Taggiasca olives, rich in antioxidants and monounsaturated fats, help maintain heart health and improve metabolism. Furthermore, the use of steaming preserves the nutritional properties of the ingredients, making these muffins a healthy choice. On average, each muffin contains about 150 calories, depending on the ingredients used, making them a light yet nutritious option.

Can Steamed Muffins with Greek Feta and Taggiasca Olives be Frozen?

Freezing steamed muffins with Greek feta and Taggiasca olives is possible and can be a practical solution to always have a tasty snack on hand. It is advisable to freeze them once they have completely cooled, wrapping them individually in plastic wrap or placing them in an airtight container. This way, freshness and flavor are preserved. When you wish to consume them, simply let them thaw at room temperature or briefly heat them in the microwave. This convenience makes muffins an excellent choice for make-ahead preparations, without compromising the taste and quality of the dish.