Chilli Cheese Sablés
Serves: Makes 30
Takes: Over 1 hour
Sablé is the French word for 'sand' and is a biscuit - almost like shortbread. It has the most delicious, crumbly texture which should only be baked until light golden brown.
This recipe uses chilli flakes for a little background heat which works wonderfully with the salty cheese flavour. Instead of adding chilli you can add herbs such as rosemary or thyme, or even add both. To make my life easier I find it best to make them in a food processor as too much handling can make them a little tough, but don't worry if you don't have one. It's the perfect biscuit with a glass of red wine.
Ingredients
80g plain flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
1 teaspoon chilli flakes, or more if you love chilli
75g unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
75g parmesan cheese or pecorino cheese, finely grated
1 egg, beaten, to glaze
sea salt, to sprinkle
Method
In a food processor or mixer, put the flour, salt, mustard powder (if using) and chilli flakes and press the pulse button.
Add the chilled cubed butter and pulse until it forms breadcrumbs.
Add the cheese and a tiny bit of cold water (about 1/2 teaspoon) and pulse the mixture until it comes together.
Tip the ball out onto a lightly floured surface and quickly but gently, bring the mixture together. Roll into a log around 5 cm wide before wrapping in parchment paper and then cling film.
Pop in the fridge to chill down for a few hours.
Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas 4 and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Remove the dough from the fridge and slice into rounds about 1/2 cm thick.
Place the biscuits on the parchment leaving a small gap in between them as they will spread a little.
Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle over a little sea salt and a few more chilli flakes (if you wish).
Bake for 12 - 15 minutes, or until light golden brown before removing from the oven and leaving to cool on the trays. Store in an airtight container for a few days.
