Bolita di Keshi is a popular dish from the island of Aruba. It is a delicious appetizer or snack that features cheese balls filled with ground beef or chicken, spices, and a variety of other ingredients. Bolita di Keshi is typically served at parties, gatherings, and other festive occasions in Aruba.

Bolita di Keshi is a savory, crispy and cheesy delight that is a beloved dish in Aruba. The cheese balls are made with a mixture of ground beef or chicken, spices, and shredded Gouda cheese, which is a popular cheese in the Dutch Caribbean. The meat is cooked with onion and garlic, giving it a flavorful base. The spices used in Bolita di Keshi, including cumin and paprika, provide a deliciously spicy kick.

The cheese balls are then formed by mixing the meat and cheese together, and rolling the mixture into small balls. The balls are then coated in breadcrumbs, which provide a crispy texture to the outer layer. When fried in hot oil, the cheese inside the balls melts, creating a deliciously gooey and cheesy center.

Bolita di Keshi is typically served as an appetizer or snack, and is perfect for sharing with friends and family. It is often served with dipping sauces, such as hot sauce or aioli, which provide an extra burst of flavor. The dish is especially popular during the holidays and other festive occasions in Aruba, but can be enjoyed any time of the year.

Overall, Bolita di Keshi is a mouth-watering dish that is sure to impress your taste buds with its rich flavors and textures. It is a perfect dish for those who love cheesy snacks and are looking to try something new and exciting.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make Bolita di Keshi:

Ingredients:

1- 1 pound ground beef or chicken

2- 1 onion, diced

3- 2 garlic cloves, minced

4- 1 teaspoon cumin

5- 1 teaspoon paprika

6- Salt and pepper to taste

7- 2 cups shredded Gouda cheese

8- 1 egg

9- 1 cup breadcrumbs

10- Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or chicken over medium heat until browned. Add the onion and garlic, and continue cooking until the onion is translucent.

2- Add the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet, and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

3- Remove the skillet from the heat, and allow the mixture to cool.

4- In a medium bowl, combine the cooled meat mixture with the shredded Gouda cheese and egg.

5- Use your hands to form small balls from the mixture, about 1-2 inches in diameter.

6- Roll each ball in the breadcrumbs, making sure it is fully coated.

7- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cheese balls to the skillet, and fry until they are golden brown on all sides.

8- Use a slotted spoon to remove the Bolita di Keshi from the skillet, and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

9- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes:

1- Bolita di Keshi can be made with ground beef or chicken, depending on your preference.

2- You can also add other ingredients to the meat mixture, such as chopped peppers or herbs, to give it more flavor.

3- Be sure to fully coat the cheese balls in breadcrumbs to ensure they hold their shape when frying.

4- Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is hot enough for frying, but not too hot that it burns the cheese balls.

Nutrition Facts:

1 pound ground beef or chicken:

• Calories: 450-600 (depending on type and fat content)
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fat: 25-30g (depending on type and fat content)
• Protein: 70-100g (depending on type and lean/fat ratio)
• Sodium: 100-200mg (depending on seasoning and type)

benefits: Provides a good source of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, and is rich in various nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

1 onion, diced:

• Calories: 40-60
• Carbohydrates: 10-15g
• Fat: negligible
• Protein: 1g
• Sodium: 2mg

benefits: Contains antioxidants and compounds that may help reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and support immune function.

2 garlic cloves, minced:

• Calories: 10-15
• Carbohydrates: 2-3g
• Fat: negligible
• Protein: 0.5g
• Sodium: 1mg

benefits: Known for its medicinal properties, garlic may help boost the immune system, reduce blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels.

1 teaspoon cumin:

• Calories: 8
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fat: 0.5g
• Protein: 0.5g
• Sodium: 1mg

benefits: Rich in antioxidants and may aid digestion, improve blood sugar control, and promote weight loss.

1 teaspoon paprika:

• Calories: 6
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fat: 0.3g
• Protein: 0.3g
• Sodium: 1mg

benefits: Contains vitamin A, vitamin E, and other antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and improve eye health.

Salt and pepper to taste:

• Calories: negligible
• Carbohydrates: negligible
• Fat: negligible
• Protein: negligible
• Sodium: depending on usage, but usually a small amount

2 cups shredded Gouda cheese:

• Calories: 800-1000 (depending on brand and type)
• Carbohydrates: 4-8g
• Fat: 60-80g
• Protein: 50-60g
• Sodium: 1200-2000mg (depending on brand)

benefits:Contains calcium and phosphorus, important for bone health, and is a good source of protein and vitamins like vitamin B12.

1 egg:

• Calories: 70-80
• Carbohydrates: 0.6g
• Fat: 4.5g
• Protein: 6g
• Sodium: 60mg

1 cup breadcrumbs:

• Calories: 400-500 (depending on type)
• Carbohydrates: 80-100g
• Fat: 4-10g (depending on type)
• Protein: 10-15g
• Sodium: 700-1000mg (depending on type)

Vegetable oil for frying:

• Calories: 120-130 per tablespoon
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fat: 14g per tablespoon
• Protein: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg

benefits:Provides healthy fats and vitamin E, and when used in moderation, can contribute to heart health and overall well-being.

Keep in mind that these are rough estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods. Also, the nutritional values provided are per individual ingredient, not for the entire dish. To calculate the overall nutritional information for the entire recipe, you will need to add up the values for each ingredient and adjust based on the number of servings you get from the recipe.

Bolita di Keshi is a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to be a hit at any party or gathering. Enjoy!