Randy Chandler
Shaved Parmesan cheese is considered to be of better quality than grated Parmesan cheese. However, if you are looking to change shaved Parmesan cheese to grated Parmesan cheese, there are several ways to do so. You can use a Microplane, a box grater, a food processor, or a blender. Using a Microplane or a box grater is best for grating small amounts of Parmesan cheese, while a food processor or blender is more suitable for larger quantities. Once you have grated your desired amount of Parmesan cheese, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to seven days or freeze it for later use.
Characteristics of changing shaved Parmesan cheese to grated Parmesan cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Grated Parmesan may have a "plastic texture" and not melt well due to additives |
| Texture | Grated Parmesan is finer and can be adjusted to your desired size |
| Cost | Grating your own Parmesan is cheaper than buying pre-shredded cheese |
| Time | Grating your own Parmesan takes more time, but can be done in advance and frozen |
| Tools | Tools for grating Parmesan include a blender, food processor, box grater, Microplane, or vegetable peeler |
| Storage | Grated Parmesan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to seven days or frozen |
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What You'll Learn
Grating Parmesan cheese with a blender
To grate Parmesan cheese with a blender, start by cutting the cheese into one to two-inch cubes or pieces. The smaller the pieces, the easier it will be for the blender to process them. Next, place the cheese pieces into the blender jar and secure the lid tightly. Select the desired speed setting on your blender, aiming for a higher speed if you want a finer grate. Pulse the blender until the cheese reaches your desired consistency. Depending on your blender's power and the hardness of the cheese, this may take anywhere from a few seconds to a minute or so.
Some high-powered blenders like the Vitamix are known to work well for grating Parmesan cheese. However, it is important to exercise caution as blending hard cheeses like Parmesan can be strenuous on the blender, and in rare cases, it may cause damage. Always refer to your blender's user manual for specific instructions and safety guidelines.
Once you have achieved your desired consistency, you can use the freshly grated Parmesan cheese in your recipes or store it for later use. Freshly grated Parmesan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to seven days. Alternatively, you can freeze it in freezer-safe bags or containers for extended periods.
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Grating Parmesan cheese with a food processor
First, you will need to cut the Parmesan into rough cubes of about 1/2 to 1 inch in size. You can use a large, sharp knife to carefully remove the rind, but it is okay to leave a thin layer of cheese attached to it, as it will add flavour to any dish. If you are grating a large quantity of cheese, it is best to use a sturdy food processor with a regular blade. Place the cubes into the bowl of the food processor, ensuring it is not overfilled.
Now, simply pulse the cheese in a few 3-second increments. It will be quite loud at first, but as the cheese breaks down, the noise will reduce. Continue processing in longer intervals until the desired size is achieved, which should take about a minute or two. You can also use the grater attachment on your food processor if you wish to grate the cheese into a finer consistency. However, be careful not to over-process the cheese, as the heat from the blade can melt it into a paste.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is best used immediately, but you can also store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to seven days. Grating your own cheese is not only more economical, but it also melts better in cooked dishes as it does not contain anti-caking agents or preservatives. The texture and taste of freshly grated Parmesan are also superior to pre-grated options, which can have a plastic or dry texture.
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Grating Parmesan cheese with a box grater
Grating your own Parmesan cheese is a great way to save money and ensure you're getting the best quality grated cheese. While there are many ways to grate Parmesan cheese, using a box grater is a simple and effective method. Here's a step-by-step guide to grating Parmesan cheese with a box grater:
Step 1: Choose the Right Grater
Select a box grater with a suitable grating surface. Most box graters have multiple grating options, ranging from coarse to fine. For Parmesan cheese, it is generally recommended to use the side with smaller holes, which creates a finer grate.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese
Take a block of Parmesan cheese and use a heavy knife to cut it into smaller pieces or cubes. The size of the pieces will depend on the size of your box grater, but they should be manageable enough to fit comfortably in your hand and be grated against the surface.
Step 3: Grate the Cheese
Hold the box grater steady with one hand and take a piece of Parmesan cheese in the other hand. Start grating the cheese by firmly but carefully running the cut side of the cheese along the grating surface of the box grater. Apply gentle pressure and maintain a steady motion. You will see the grated cheese accumulating at the base of the grater or on the surface below.
Step 4: Collect and Store the Grated Cheese
Once you have grated your desired amount of cheese, collect the grated Parmesan cheese from the box grater and surface below. You can use a spoon or spatula to gather it gently. It is recommended to store freshly grated Parmesan cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to a week.
Tips and Tricks:
- If you plan to use the grated Parmesan cheese in a pasta dish, opt for a finer grate as it will melt better into your pasta sauce.
- For larger quantities of grated Parmesan cheese, consider using a food processor or blender. These appliances can grate a significant amount of cheese in a short time and save you effort.
- You can freeze grated Parmesan cheese in small containers or bags to have ready-to-use portions whenever you need them.
- Always use a sharp knife to cut the Parmesan cheese into pieces before grating to ensure a cleaner cut and safer handling.
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Grating Parmesan cheese with a microplane
To grate Parmesan cheese with a microplane, simply run the desired amount of cheese along the surface of the microplane, and fine shreds of cheese will fall out the other side. This method is perfect for grating small amounts of fresh Parmesan to add to dishes like pasta, salads, or cooled roasted vegetables. It is important to note that microplaned Parmesan should not be used for hot dishes as it will lose its light, feathery texture and melt into a gooey clump.
While microplanes are convenient for grating small amounts of Parmesan, other methods may be more suitable for larger quantities. For instance, a box grater or food processor can be used to grate medium to large amounts of Parmesan, respectively. Additionally, a blender can be used to grate Parmesan in bulk, which is faster and easier to clean than a microplane.
Overall, grating Parmesan cheese with a microplane is a simple and effective way to add fresh, fluffy shreds of cheese to your dishes. However, it is best suited for small quantities and dishes served at room temperature or cooler.
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Storing grated Parmesan cheese
The simplest way to store grated Parmesan cheese is to use an airtight container. This prevents moisture from reaching the cheese, reducing the likelihood of clumping and flavour alteration. It is recommended to store the airtight container in a cool place, ideally below 5°C, such as a refrigerator, to further inhibit moisture absorption and bacterial growth.
If you have grated more Parmesan than you can use within two weeks, consider freezing it. Freezing can extend the shelf life of grated Parmesan while preserving its flavour. You can portion the grated cheese into small containers or bags and store them in the freezer. When needed, simply take out the desired amount and let it thaw.
Additionally, you can add a small amount of cornstarch to your grated Parmesan to absorb any excess moisture and prevent clumping. This simple ingredient will not affect the flavour or quality of the cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a blender or food processor to grate Parmesan cheese. Cut the cheese into cubes and pulse until you get your desired texture.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to seven days.
Yes, you can freeze freshly grated Parmesan cheese in airtight containers or Ziploc freezer bags.
Grating your own Parmesan cheese can be cheaper and healthier than buying pre-grated cheese, which often contains preservatives and anti-caking agents that affect their melting properties.
The best way to grate Parmesan cheese depends on the quantity and your personal preference. You can use a Microplane, box grater, or food processor. For small quantities, a Microplane or box grater is recommended, while a food processor is ideal for larger quantities.
