As many of you know, I was born in Posadas, the capital of Misiones, in the north east of Argentina.
The most traditional snack from my homeland is “Chipa“. This is a little cheese-roll made with tapioca flour and it’s also a traditional snack in Paraguay and in the south of Brazil (with some differences).
Today, I’m super happy to share with you my family recipe for this yummy gluten-free delicacy.
You’ll need:
- 1 lb tapioca starch
- 3 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups gouda cheese shredded or crumbles
- 6 tbsp unsalted organic butter
- 1/2 cup organic milk
- 1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp aniseed (Optional)
![37565fcff386d8d949b23c79d048232e](http://andreacomenta.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/37565fcff386d8d949b23c79d048232e-1024x1024.jpg)
Make a crown with the flour.
![IMG_8653](http://andreacomenta.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMG_8653-1024x1024.jpg)
Add the eggs, cheese, salt, baking powder, butter (which should be at room temperature), milk in the middle of the crown and the aniseed (optional).
![IMG_8655](http://andreacomenta.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMG_8655-1024x1024.jpg)
Start making a dough.
Tapioca flour/starch doesn’t have gluten so it will resemble to corn meal in the beginning because it’ll be crumbly and it will be a little bit difficult to create an homogeneous dough. But keep going, it’ ll be good at the end.
![IMG_8667](http://andreacomenta.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMG_8667-768x1024.jpg)
After 5 to 8 minutes you’ll have a dough like this. If it’s still too crumbly, add a little more milk. Try adding 1/2 tablespoon first.
![IMG_8668](http://andreacomenta.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMG_8668-768x1024.jpg)
Once you have an uniform dough, separate the dough and create 4 rolls. Use a knife to create a thin line thru the roll (it will help to cook the inside).
![IMG_8669](http://andreacomenta.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMG_8669-768x1024.jpg)
Chipas can be storage raw in your freezer for up to 3 months. You don’t need to defrost the dough before baking; just put them straight to the oven at 375F for 25 minutes… Isn’t that great?
![IMG_8671](http://andreacomenta.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMG_8671-768x1024.jpg)
If you’re going to bake them without freezing them, then set your oven at 350F and bake them for 30-40 minutes. Serve them warm!
![IMG_8677](http://andreacomenta.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/IMG_8677-768x1024.jpg)
… And enjoy!
***If using a Kitchen aid:
1. Add dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) to the bowl and stir.
2. Add cheese crumbles, soft butter, eggs slighted beaten and milk. Mix until it becomes a homogenous dough. Then follow steps to create rolls and cut the little pieces.