Savory Muffins with Peas and Cherry Tomatoes

Savory muffins with peas and cherry tomatoes are a perfect choice for a tasty appetizer or a fancy idea for a picnic. Here is the recipe, with an Italian twist.

Ingredients

• 250 g of flour
• 100 g of peas (fresh or frozen)
• 100 g of cherry tomatoes
• 2 eggs
• 100 ml of milk
• 80 ml of extra virgin olive oil
• 1 packet of baking powder for savory preparations
• 80 g of grated cheese (Parmesan or Pecorino), for an Italian touch
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of sugar to enhance the sweetness of the tomatoes
• Fresh basil (optional, but recommended for a Mediterranean aroma)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
2. In a bowl, mix the sifted flour with the baking powder, then add the grated cheese and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs with the milk and oil. If you are using frozen peas, blanch them for a few minutes in boiling water, then drain well.
4. Cut the cherry tomatoes into quarters, and if necessary, sprinkle with a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
5. Combine the egg, milk, and oil mix with the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula until you have a homogeneous mixture, trying not to overwork it.
6. Add the peas and cherry tomatoes to the mixture and gently fold in.
7. Distribute the batter into muffin cups, filling them about 3/4 full.
8. If you wish, you can add a few fresh basil leaves on each muffin for a more intense aroma.
9. Bake in the center of the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the muffins are golden and well-risen.
10. Let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

Curiosity

In Italian cooking, the use of aromatic herbs like basil is fundamental to imparting that fresh and aromatic touch typical of Mediterranean dishes. If you add fresh basil to your muffins, you will not only enrich the flavor but also incorporate an element very present in our culinary tradition.