Randy Chandler
Grating parmesan cheese is a tedious task, but it's made easier by using a food processor. The Cuisinart Food Processor is a popular choice for this, with its large food chute, 720-watt motor, and dishwasher-safe features. To grate parmesan cheese in a Cuisinart Food Processor, first, cut the cheese into 1-inch cubes. Then, place the cubes in the food processor, fitted with the regular blade, and pulse in short increments. The result will be a nubby, pebbly texture, similar to pre-grated parmesan. This method is perfect for large quantities of parmesan and can be used in recipes, dressings, or as a topping.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Quantity of cheese | Grating more than a cup or two of Parmesan cheese |
| Type of cheese | Hard cheese |
| Preparation | Cut the cheese into 1-inch cubes or quarters |
| Food processor | Use a sturdy food processor with a regular blade or metal blade |
| Process | Pulse in 3-second increments, then run the processor for longer intervals until the desired texture is achieved |
| Texture | Fine powder or pebbly, ground-up consistency |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for later use |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the cheese
Before you begin grating, you should prepare the cheese. First, use a large, sharp knife to carefully remove any rind from the cheese. Be careful not to cut yourself. It's okay to leave a thin layer of cheese attached to the rind, as it will add flavour to your dish.
Next, cut the cheese into small, rough cubes. The cubes should be around 1/2 to 1 inch square. This step will ensure the cheese is evenly grated and will also help to protect your food processor from damage.
If you are grating a large quantity of cheese, it is recommended to cut the block of cheese into quarters and then grate each piece individually. This will help to ensure an even grate and prevent the food processor from becoming overloaded.
For softer cheeses, it is important to chill the cheese in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before grating. This will help to firm up the cheese and create independent, uniform shreds that melt smoothly.
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Using the food processor
Grating Parmesan cheese in a Cuisinart food processor is a quick and easy process. It is also a lot safer than using a box grater or a Microplane, which can sometimes lead to slicing your knuckles.
Firstly, use a sharp knife to carefully remove the rind from the cheese. It is fine to leave a thin layer of cheese attached to the rind, as it will add flavour to your dish.
Next, cut the cheese into cubes of around 1/2 to 1-inch square. The cheese should then be placed into the food processor bowl. It is important not to overfill the bowl. For a 1-1/2 pound wedge of cheese, process half at a time.
Now, attach the shredding disc to your food processor. If your model does not have one, you may wish to upgrade. Most food processors come with a disc designed for shredding. Affix the drive shaft to the centre of the food processor work bowl, then attach the disc to the top of the shaft.
Then, slowly feed the cheese through the feed tube. You can also simply place the cheese directly into the food processor work bowl and pulse until the cheese has a powdery texture. At first, it will be very loud, but as the cheese breaks down, the machine will get quieter. Continue to process, running the processor in longer intervals, until the cheese reaches your desired size and texture. This should take around one to two minutes.
Finally, you can freeze and save the grated Parmesan for later use. Place the cheese into freezer-safe bags, removing any excess air, and store in your freezer. It is best to use the frozen grated cheese within three months.
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Achieving the desired texture
To achieve the desired texture, cut the parmesan into several pieces before placing them into the food processor. The pieces should be about 1/2 to 1-inch squares or rough cubes. This step ensures that the cheese is evenly grated and prevents overfilling the bowl. Depending on the quantity of grated cheese required, you can cut the block of cheese into quarters and insert each piece into the chute of the food processor.
Once the cheese is cut into the desired size, place the pieces into the bowl of the food processor. The bowl should be fitted with the regular metal blade or the shredding disc, depending on the desired texture. If you want a powdery texture for breading mixtures or salad dressings, skip the shredding disc and go directly for the blade. However, if you want shredded cheese, using the shredding disc will give you the desired texture.
Now, it's time to pulse the food processor. Start with a few quick pulses in 3-second increments. At first, it will be loud, but as the cheese breaks down, the machine will get quieter. Continue processing, gradually increasing the intervals, until the desired texture is achieved. Stop and check periodically to ensure the cheese is not over-processed. For most recipes, a super fine powder is not necessary, but if a finer texture is required, a box grater can be used.
By following these steps and making adjustments based on your specific Cuisinart food processor model, you can achieve the desired texture for your grated parmesan cheese.
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Storing grated Parmesan
Grated Parmesan cheese should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage and maintain its flavour. Parmesan contains a variety of fats that tend to cling to each other, causing the cheese to clump together and potentially ruining its flavour.
To prevent clumping, it is critical to deprive grated Parmesan of moisture. Cool temperatures make it harder for food to absorb moisture, so storing your airtight container of grated Parmesan below 5°C in the refrigerator is ideal.
If you have purchased pre-grated Parmesan in a bag, it is more prone to clumping due to the packaging encouraging moisture. To avoid this, consider transferring the cheese to an airtight container.
While grated Parmesan can be stored in the freezer to extend its shelf life, it is recommended to use it within two weeks of refrigeration to ensure optimal flavour and texture.
Additionally, you can prevent clumping and extend the storage life of your grated Parmesan by adding a small amount of cornstarch, which will absorb any excess moisture without affecting the flavour or quality of the cheese.
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Using grated Parmesan
Grated Parmesan can be used in a variety of ways. It can be added to pasta, pizza, salads, or even bread crumb coatings. It can also be used as a dip for crudités or as a topping for dishes like takeout pizza.
One of the most common ways to use grated Parmesan is to sprinkle it on top of pasta dishes. This can be done by simply running a piece of cheese along a Microplane, which will produce fine shreds of cheese that can be added to the dish. Grated Parmesan can also be added to mason jars and stored in the fridge or freezer for later use. This makes it convenient to pull out and use as needed, whether sprinkling it on pizza or incorporating it into recipes.
For those who prefer to buy grated Parmesan, it is recommended to purchase fresh cheese from the deli or refrigerated section of the grocery store. It is best to avoid dried grated Parmesan that comes in cardboard tube containers, as it may not have much flavour and may not be suitable for recipes.
When using grated Parmesan in recipes, it is important to note that a little goes a long way. Authentic Parmigiano Reggiano or Grana Padano, for example, have strong flavours, so a small amount will suffice. These higher-quality cheeses may be more expensive, but they can be purchased in smaller quantities and used sparingly to make them more affordable.
Additionally, when cooking with grated Parmesan, it is worth noting that it freezes well. Many people choose to grate a large wedge of Parmesan and then freeze it in jars or bags to have on hand for future recipes. This can save time and money, as well as ensure that freshly grated Parmesan is always available to enhance the flavour of dishes.
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Frequently asked questions
Cut the Parmesan into 1-inch cubes, then place them in the food processor's bowl. Attach the shredding disc to the food processor and slowly feed the cheese through the feed tube. Pulse the processor in short bursts until the cheese reaches the desired consistency.
For best results, cut the cheese into evenly-sized cubes before processing. Also, ensure you don't overfill the food processor's bowl. Process the cheese in batches if necessary.
Yes, you can store grated Parmesan cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for later use. Place the cheese in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Use the frozen cheese within three months.
