Patrick Oconnell
Grating your own cheese in a Thermomix is easy and allows you to use your favourite cheeses, avoiding the anti-caking agents and preservatives found in pre-grated cheese. To grate Parmesan cheese in a Thermomix, start with very cold or frozen cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes, and grate for 10 seconds at speed 10. For best results, grate hard cheeses like Parmesan separately from softer cheeses, and store in the freezer in zip-lock bags for up to 6 months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amount of Parmesan cheese | 100g maximum |
| Speed | 10 |
| Time | 10 seconds |
| Other types of cheese | Semi-hard cheese: 200g-250g, grate for 10-15 seconds at speed 7 |
| Soft cheese: 200g-250g, grate for 15 seconds at speed 7 | |
| Finer grate | First grate, then freeze. Grate again at 5-10 seconds/speed 9 |
| Storage | In a zip bag in the freezer for 6 months |
| In the fridge in a Tupperware or zip bag for 15 days (hard cheese), 7 days (soft cheese) |
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What You'll Learn
Grating hard cheese in a Thermomix
Grating hard cheese, such as Parmesan, in a Thermomix is a straightforward process. It is recommended that you grate no more than 100g of hard cheese at a time, and do so for 10 seconds at speed 10. For semi-hard cheeses, you can grate up to 250g, but reduce the speed to 7 and grate for 10-15 seconds.
Before grating, it is important to ensure the cheese is very cold, and ideally, it should be placed in the freezer for 30 minutes beforehand. You should also cut the cheese into 1-inch cubes or 3 cm pieces, removing the crust.
Once grated, the cheese can be stored in a zip bag in the freezer for up to 6 months. Alternatively, it can be kept in the fridge in a Tupperware or zip bag for up to 15 days.
If you want a finer grate, you can freeze the cheese after the first grate, and then grate it again with the same weights at 5-10 seconds at speed 9.
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How to store grated Parmesan
Grated Parmesan cheese should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator at a temperature of 40 degrees F. Cool temperatures make it harder for food to absorb moisture, which can cause clumping and bacteria growth. To prevent clumping, you can add a small amount of cornstarch, flour, or arrowroot powder to the grated Parmesan. These ingredients will absorb moisture without affecting the flavour or quality of the cheese.
If you are not planning to use the grated Parmesan within two weeks, it is best to freeze it. Place the airtight container in the freezer, where it will stay fresh and clump-free for up to six months.
When you are ready to use frozen grated Parmesan, take it out of the freezer and gently bang it on a bench to break up the cheese. This will make it easier to use and help maintain its flavour.
It is also important to note that freshly grated Parmesan has a smaller surface area than pre-packed grated cheese, which reduces its ability to absorb moisture. Therefore, it is recommended to grate your own Parmesan as needed or purchase it freshly grated in a bag.
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Grating multiple cheeses in a Thermomix
Grating multiple types of cheese in a Thermomix is an easy and convenient way to prepare cheese for your recipes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese
Start by preparing the different types of cheese you want to grate. It is recommended to grate around 200g of cheese at a time in the Thermomix, and the cheese should be very cold or even frozen for the best results. Hard cheeses like Parmesan or Gruyère should be cut into small cubes or 1-inch pieces, while softer cheeses like mozzarella can be cut into larger pieces.
Step 2: Grate the Hardest Cheese First
When grating multiple cheeses, always start with the hardest cheese. Add the cheese to the Thermomix and grate it according to the recommended settings for that specific type of cheese. For hard cheeses, grate no more than 100g at a time for about 10 seconds at speed 10.
Step 3: Remove and Add the Next Cheese
Once the hardest cheese is grated to your desired consistency, remove it from the Thermomix using the basket accessory, and place it into a ziplock bag. Then, add the next hardest cheese to the Thermomix and grate it using the appropriate settings. Repeat this process until you have grated all the desired cheeses.
Step 4: Store the Grated Cheese
You can store the grated cheese in ziplock bags or airtight containers. Label the bags or containers with the type of cheese and the date. The cheese can be stored in the fridge for up to 15 days for hard cheeses and 7 days for soft cheeses. Alternatively, you can freeze the grated cheese, which will last for up to 6 months.
Tips:
- If you want an even finer grate, freeze the grated cheese first, and then grate it again in the Thermomix at 5-10 seconds/speed 9.
- If you plan to use the frozen cheese for recipes like pizza, let it thaw to room temperature before use, as it may require a longer cooking time.
By following these steps, you can efficiently grate multiple cheeses in your Thermomix, ensuring a fresh and chemical-free ingredient for your recipes.
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Grating Parmesan in a food processor
To begin, use a heavy knife to cut the parmesan into 1 to 1-1/2 inch pieces. It is important not to overfill the bowl of the food processor, so only add enough pieces to cover half of the bowl. Fit the food processor with its regular metal blade before placing the cheese inside.
Turn on the food processor and let it run until the parmesan reaches your desired texture. Harder cheeses like parmesan may require extra processing, so be sure to stop and check the consistency periodically. If there are still some chunky bits, continue processing until the desired texture is achieved.
Once the parmesan is grated, transfer it to a container for storage. You can use a 1/2 pint (1 cup) mason jar, which is a convenient size for pulling out of the freezer when needed. Alternatively, you can use zip-top bags or airtight containers. Label the container with the type of cheese and the date, then store it in the freezer. When stored properly, grated parmesan can last for up to six months in the freezer and up to 15 days in the fridge.
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Grating small amounts of Parmesan
Another option for grating small amounts is to use a box grater. This is suitable for when you need 1-2 cups of grated Parmesan to incorporate into a recipe. For Parmesan, use the side of the box grater with the smaller holes.
When grating small amounts of Parmesan in a Thermomix, it is recommended to grate no more than 100g at a time for hard cheeses like Parmesan. Grate for 10 seconds at speed 10. It is important to note that the cheese should be very cold, and ideally, placed in the freezer for 30 minutes before grating.
After grating, the Parmesan can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container, such as a Tupperware or zip bag, for a maximum of 15 days.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you grate no more than 100g of hard cheese, such as Parmesan, at a time.
For hard cheeses like Parmesan, grate for 10 seconds at speed 10.
Cut the cheese into 1-inch cubes or 3 cm pieces. It is important that the cheese is very cold, so consider freezing the pieces for 30 minutes before grating.
Yes, you can store grated Parmesan cheese in the freezer for up to 6 months. Place the grated cheese in a zip bag or container and store it in a flat, wide shape for easy access. You can also store it in the fridge in a zip bag or Tupperware for up to 15 days.
Grating your own Parmesan cheese ensures that it is fresh and free from additives such as anti-caking agents. It is also more cost-effective and convenient to grate a large batch and store it for future use.
