Cumin Cheese Straws

Cumin Cheese Straws

Bring cumin cheese straws to the table for something different alongside a drink. The recipe balances flavour and texture using straightforward techniques and measured ingredients. Serves 8. Have everything ready before you start, follow the cooking and cooling times below, and pour a small glass of Bitter when the food is ready.

Ingredients

Serves 8

• 320 g ready-rolled puff pastry

• 100 g vegetarian cheddar, finely grated

• 1 egg, beaten

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 210°C, 190°C fan and line two trays. Brush half the pastry with egg.

2. Scatter cheese and paprika on that half, fold other half over and roll gently to seal.

3. Cut into 1.5 cm strips, twist each twice and space apart on trays. Brush with egg and scatter cumin seeds.

4. Bake for 15–18 minutes until puffed and golden. Cool on a rack for 5 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve in small bowls or on a sharing board. Crisp snacks are best freshly made, while chilled snacks should stay refrigerated until just before serving. Follow the storage guidance in the method.

Pairing Tips

Start with Bitter. Biscuit-like malt suits cheese, garlic and browned edges. A balanced session bitter leaves room for the food rather than dominating it. Serve a modest measure so the drink supports the food. An alcohol-free beer in a similar style is also an option; choose one with a comparable balance of sweetness and bitterness.