These Simple Parmesan pearls have a crispy texture and cheesy flavor! It can be a fun and easy appetizer or a snack and it’s made just with 3 ingredients.
What is a Parmesan pearl?
A Parmesan pearl is a small, round ball made of Parmesan cheese and egg whites. Parmesan pearls can be used as a garnish for salads, soups, or pasta dishes, or as a snack on their own. They have a unique texture that is both chewy and creamy, and their intense Parmesan flavor can add a burst of umami to any dish. Making Parmesan pearls is easy and the result is brilliant!
Why is Parmesan so good for this recipe?
Parmesan is a great choice for making Parmesan pearls because of its unique texture and flavor. Parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese that is known for its nutty and salty taste. It is also high in umami, which is the fifth taste that is often described as a savory, meaty flavor.
When grated and mixed with egg whites, Parmesan cheese forms dough-like substance that is perfect for frying. The resulting Parmesan pearls have a unique texture that is both chewy and creamy, with a rich and intense Parmesan flavor that can add depth and complexity to any dish.
In addition, Parmesan cheese is also a good source of calcium and protein, making it a nutritious and flavorful ingredient to use in cooking.
Ingredients for Parmesan Pearls
Here’s a description of each ingredient for Parmesan pearls:
- Egg whites: Egg whites are the clear liquid part of an egg that surround the yolk. They are low in fat and calories, high in protein, and contain essential vitamins and minerals. In this recipe, egg whites are used to bind the Parmesan cheese together and create the structure of the Parmesan pearls.
- Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese that is made from cow’s milk. It has a nutty and salty taste and is high in umami, which is the fifth taste often described as savory and meaty. In this recipe, grated Parmesan cheese is mixed with egg whites to form the base.
- Oil: Oil is used for frying the Parmesan pearls. Any neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, can be used for this recipe. The oil provides heat and creates a crispy exterior for the Parmesan pearls.
These three simple ingredients come together to create a delicious and unique snack or garnish that is sure to impress. The combination of salty, nutty Parmesan cheese with the crispy exterior created by the egg whites and oil makes for a delicious and addictive treat.
How to make Parmesan Pearls?
In a mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until they are frothy and slightly stiff.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the egg whites and mix until well combined and till it gets dough-like texture. Form small balls.
Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Using a small spoon, drop balls of the Parmesan mixture into the hot oil, making sure to keep them spaced apart. Fry the Parmesan pearls for 1 minute or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Remove the Parmesan pearls from the pan with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. Serve them as a snack or appetizer, or use them as a garnish for salads, soups, or pasta dishes.
If you like Parmesan cheese, check out these recipes:
- Parmesan Fish Nuggets
- Parmesan Baked Asparagus
- Mushroom Breadcrumbs Pasta with Truffle oil
- Apple Bulgur Salad
Simple Parmesan Pearls
Ingredients
- 2 egg whites
- 3,5 oz. grated Parmesan cheese
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Beat the egg whites until they are frothy and slightly stiff. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until it gets a dough-like texture. Form small balls.
- Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Drop the Parmesan balls into the hot oil, making sure to keep them spaced apart. Fry the them for 1 minute or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the Parmesan pearls from the pan and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. Serve and enjoy!
Simple Parmesan Pearls