Randy Chandler
Parmesan cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient, but what happens when it dries out and becomes hard? Luckily, there are several ways to salvage it. Martha Stewart, the queen of entertaining, has shared a brilliant trick on social media to revive dried-out Parmesan cheese. While the exact method is unknown, there are several other ways to soften hard Parmesan cheese, such as grating it into a sauce or using a coffee grinder to blitz it into a powder that can be used to make crackers or biscuits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soften hard parmesan cheese | Grate it into a sauce or onto food |
| Use a coffee grinder to blitz it into a powder, then use the powder for crackers or biscuits | |
| Break the cheese into chunks and put them in a blender to make a cheese powder |
Explore related products
Grate it
Grating is a great way to use hard parmesan cheese. Grating the cheese will break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some tips to get the most out of grating hard parmesan:
Use a Microplane Grater: A microplane grater, also known as a rasp grater, is an excellent tool for grating hard cheeses. Its sharp, razor-like edges make it easy to grate even the hardest parmesan cheese into a fluffy pile of cheese strands.
Grate Over a Large Bowl: To catch the grated cheese and avoid making a mess, hold the cheese in one hand and grate it over a large bowl. This will allow you to see the amount of cheese you have grated and make it easy to measure and use in your recipes.
Grate with a Light Touch: Apply gentle pressure when grating to avoid breaking the cheese into uneven pieces or, worse, grating your knuckles! Hold the cheese firmly but gently, and use a light, smooth motion to grate it effectively.
Store the Grated Cheese: Once you have grated your desired amount of cheese, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Grated parmesan cheese can last for several weeks when properly stored, so you can enjoy its flavour and texture in multiple meals.
Experiment with Recipes: Hard parmesan cheese can add a delicious, strong flavour to various dishes. Try sprinkling it over pasta, salads, or soups. You can also use grated parmesan as an ingredient in recipes for biscuits, crackers, or bread. Get creative and enjoy the unique flavour it adds to your meals!
Parmesan vs Pecorino Romano: What's the Difference?
You may want to see also
Use a coffee grinder
While there are several ways to soften hard Parmesan cheese, using a coffee grinder is not recommended as it may gum up the appliance and be difficult to clean.
However, if you have a spare coffee grinder, you can blitz the hard Parmesan cheese into a powder or granular consistency. This method will not soften the cheese per se, but it will change the texture of the cheese, making it easier to sprinkle on top of dishes or incorporate into recipes.
To do this, cut the hard Parmesan cheese into small chunks that will fit into the coffee grinder. Depending on the size of your coffee grinder, you may need to work in batches. Secure the lid tightly and pulse the grinder in short bursts until the cheese reaches your desired consistency. Be sure to clean the grinder thoroughly after each use to prevent cheese buildup and maintain the longevity of the appliance.
If you are looking to soften hard Parmesan cheese, other methods include grating the cheese into fine shreds, which will soften more quickly at room temperature. You can also place the cheese in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in short intervals until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can use a double boiler method by simmering water in a saucepan and placing a heatproof bowl with the cheese over it, stirring continuously until softened.
Creative Uses for Leftover Grated Parmesan Cheese
You may want to see also
Add to a sauce
Hard parmesan cheese can be softened by adding it to a sauce. You can grate the hard cheese into a sauce or break it into small chunks and add them to the sauce. The cheese will then melt as the sauce cooks, adding flavour to the dish. You can also grate hard parmesan cheese into soups or stocks.
If you are looking for ways to soften hard parmesan cheese before adding it to a sauce, there are a few methods you can try. One method is to wrap the cheese in a damp cheesecloth and then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminium foil. Place the wrapped cheese in a zip-top bag, remove any excess air, seal the bag, and store it in the refrigerator for about two days. You can also place a vinegar-soaked sponge in the bag along with the cheese and store it in the refrigerator.
Another option is to cut the cheese into thin slices and melt it in the microwave. You can also grate the cheese using a microplane or food processor, although this may be challenging with very hard cheese.
Keep in mind that softening hard parmesan cheese may affect its texture, and it might not return to its original softness.
Parmesan: The Secret Salad Topping Weapon
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Blend into a powder
Powdered Parmesan cheese, also known as "shaker parm", is a versatile ingredient that can be used to enhance the flavour of various dishes. It is made by blending or grinding hard Parmesan cheese into a fine powder. This process can be done using a coffee grinder, blender, or food processor. Here is a step-by-step guide to blending hard Parmesan cheese into a powder:
Preparing the Cheese
Begin by trimming off any wax or very hard exterior layers from the Parmesan cheese using a paring knife. This step is optional but recommended, as the hard exterior may not grind down easily and can affect the final texture of the powder. You can choose to use only the leftover rinds or include a portion of the cheese itself, depending on how much you want to powder.
Cutting the Cheese
Cut the prepared cheese into small, uniform chunks. Aim for pieces that are around 1 to 2 inches in size. Smaller pieces will speed up the drying process and ensure more even results.
Drying the Cheese
Place the cheese chunks on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high power. The time required will vary depending on the size of the cheese pieces and the power of your microwave. Typically, it takes around 90 seconds to 2 minutes for the cheese to dry out sufficiently. Keep a close eye on the cheese as it microwaves, as you want to remove it when it looks dry but before it starts to brown or burn.
Blending the Cheese
Once the cheese has dried and cooled down, it's time to blend it into a powder. You can use a blender, food processor, or coffee grinder for this step. If using a blender, ensure it is powerful enough to handle the hard cheese and pulse the cheese until it reaches a fine, consistent powder form. Alternatively, you can place the dried cheese chunks in a bag and smash them with a heavy object, then sift the resulting crumbs to ensure a fine powder.
Storing the Powdered Cheese
Store your freshly made Parmesan powder in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for a few weeks, allowing you to sprinkle or shake it onto your favourite dishes whenever you need an extra burst of flavour.
By following these steps, you can transform hard Parmesan cheese into a versatile powder that can be used in a variety of culinary applications.
The Mystery of Oily Parmesan Cheese
You may want to see also
Put in soups or stews
Hard parmesan cheese can be softened and added to soups and stews in several ways. Firstly, you can grate or shred the cheese. By breaking it down into smaller particles, you increase the surface area, making it easier to melt. You can use a box grater, food processor, or microplane for this purpose. It is recommended to use a cold cheese as it is easier to grate or shred than cheese at room temperature.
Another option is to soften the cheese in the microwave. Place the cheese in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a paper towel. Heat it in short intervals of 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to prevent overheating, until the desired consistency is achieved. You can also steam the cheese in a steamer basket for a few minutes, but be careful to avoid using high-pressure steam, as it can cause the cheese to melt too quickly.
If you are looking for a more gradual softening method, you can let the parmesan cheese sit at room temperature for several hours or overnight. This technique is ideal if you want to achieve a slightly softened texture. Additionally, you can add a small amount of liquid to the hard cheese, such as milk, cream, or even wine, and gently stir until it softens. Be cautious not to add too much liquid, as it can make the cheese too soft or cause it to separate.
Once you have softened your parmesan cheese, you can enhance the richness of your soups and stews by stirring it into the dish. You can also top your soups with grated parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavour.
The Secret Ingredient in Alfredo Sauce: Parmesan Cheese
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are a few ways to soften hard parmesan cheese. You can grate it into a sauce or use a coffee grinder to blitz it into a powder, which can then be used to make crackers or biscuits. Alternatively, you can cut it into small chunks and use a powerful blender to turn it into a cheese powder.
Yes, hard parmesan cheese can be grated or chopped into small pieces and added directly to dishes such as soups or stews.
Hard parmesan cheese can be grated or blended into a powder and used as an ingredient in biscuits, crackers, or other baked goods.
While it may not be as enjoyable as soft parmesan cheese, hard parmesan cheese can be eaten as a snack.
Unfortunately, there is limited information on how to revive dried-out parmesan cheese. Some sources suggest grating or blending it into a powder, indicating that it may not be possible to restore its original texture. However, it can still be used in various ways, as mentioned above.
