Randy Chandler
Grated Parmesan cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. While it is commonly associated with pasta, Parmesan can also be used in recipes such as garlic bread, chicken tenders, and breadsticks. The cheese can be purchased pre-grated, but many people prefer to grate their own using a Microplane, box grater, or food processor. Grating your own Parmesan can be more cost-effective and allows you to control the size and texture of the grated cheese. Additionally, freshly grated Parmesan tends to melt better into pasta sauces and other dishes. Whether store-bought or freshly grated, Parmesan cheese adds a delicious, salty flavour to many recipes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Grating tools | Microplane, box grater, food processor, blender |
| Grating methods | Grate small amounts of fresh Parmesan with a Microplane; use a box grater for medium quantities; use a food processor for large quantities |
| Storage | Store leftover grated Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to seven days |
| Serving suggestions | Pasta, breadsticks, chicken wings, garlic bread, chicken Caesar salad, gnocchi, bread |
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What You'll Learn
- Grating methods: Microplane, box grater, food processor, or blender
- Storing grated parmesan: airtight container, refrigerated
- Serving suggestions: pasta, risotto, garlic bread, chicken, salads
- Buying options: pre-shredded, grated, or block
- Health benefits: high protein, easy to digest, calcium, vitamins
Grating methods: Microplane, box grater, food processor, or blender
Grating your own Parmesan cheese is a great way to save money and get the best flavour from your cheese. While you can buy pre-grated cheese, freshly grated Parmesan is cheaper, melts better, and tastes better.
The best method for grating Parmesan depends on the quantity of cheese you need to grate.
A Microplane is a great option for grating small amounts of Parmesan. It's easy to use: simply run the cheese along the surface, and fine shreds of cheese will fall out the other side. This is a good method for grating Parmesan directly onto pasta.
A box grater is a good option for grating medium quantities of Parmesan (around 1-2 cups). For Parmesan, use the side of the box grater with the smaller holes.
If you need to grate a large quantity of Parmesan, a food processor is the best option.
You can also use a blender to grate Parmesan. Cut the cheese into cubes and put them into the blender. Pulse until the cheese has broken down to your desired size.
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Storing grated parmesan: airtight container, refrigerated
Grated Parmesan cheese is notorious for clumping together due to the fats in the cheese clinging to each other. To prevent this, it is recommended to store grated Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dramatically reduces the likelihood of the cheese clumping and the flavour changing. Cool temperatures make it much harder for any food to absorb moisture, including grated Parmesan. To prevent the cheese from clumping or bacteria from growing, the refrigerator temperature should be kept below 5°C.
When using an airtight container, make sure the container is completely dry and that the grated Parmesan is not exposed to moisture. Moisture will cause spoilage. It is recommended to use up grated Parmesan within two weeks of storing it, as it will taste best and be least likely to clump within this timeframe.
If you are unable to use up the grated Parmesan within two weeks, you can freeze it in an airtight container. The cheese will stay fresh and won't clump for up to six months. Before using the frozen Parmesan, make sure to defrost it, which should take a few hours.
To further prevent clumping, you can add a small amount of cornstarch, flour, or arrowroot powder to the grated Parmesan. These ingredients absorb moisture without affecting the flavour or quality of the cheese.
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Serving suggestions: pasta, risotto, garlic bread, chicken, salads
Grated Parmesan cheese can be served with a variety of dishes, including pasta, risotto, garlic bread, chicken, and salads. Here are some serving suggestions for each:
Pasta
Garlic bread with grated Parmesan cheese is a classic side dish to serve with pasta. You can also sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese directly onto your pasta dish before serving it. This will add a sharp and nutty flavour to your pasta.
Risotto
Risotto is a creamy Italian rice dish that commonly includes Parmesan cheese. To make a Parmesan risotto, cook Arborio rice in a broth made from meat, fish, or vegetables. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese at the end of the cooking process for a rich and creamy flavour. You can also top the risotto with parsley and serve it as a first course or side dish.
Garlic Bread
When making garlic bread, you can sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top during the last 2 minutes of baking to create a cheesy garlic bread. This will add a sharp and nutty flavour to the garlic bread. You can also mix shredded mozzarella with the Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy treat.
Chicken
You can make chicken Parmesan by breading and frying chicken breasts with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. This will give the chicken an extra crunchy and flavourful coating. After frying, transfer the chicken to a baking pan, adding a small amount of sauce and a mixture of cheeses, such as mozzarella, Provolone, and Parmesan. Bake it in a hot oven to achieve a slightly browned and crispy texture.
Salads
You can make a simple lettuce salad with a lemon dressing and grated Parmesan cheese. The sharpness of the cheese pairs well with the crisp lettuce and tangy dressing. You can also add grilled fish, chicken salad, shrimp, or tuna to make it a more substantial meal.
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Buying options: pre-shredded, grated, or block
When it comes to buying Parmesan cheese, you have several options: pre-shredded, grated, or block. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Pre-shredded Parmesan cheese is undoubtedly convenient and easy. You can simply reach for a bag of shredded cheese in your refrigerator and sprinkle it on your pasta or pizza. However, this convenience comes at a cost. Pre-shredded cheese often contains preservatives and anti-clumping agents such as potato starch, powdered cellulose, and natamycin. These additives can affect the melting properties of the cheese, resulting in clumpy sauces and uneven melting on pizza. Additionally, pre-shredded cheese has a shorter shelf life than block cheese, and you may end up with a smaller volume of cheese compared to grating a block yourself.
Grated Parmesan cheese can be purchased fresh from the deli or refrigerated section of your grocery store. This option provides the convenience of pre-grated cheese without the additives and preservatives found in pre-shredded bags. Freshly grated cheese from the deli is best enjoyed soon after purchase, as it has a shorter shelf life than block cheese.
Buying Parmesan cheese in a block offers several advantages. Firstly, you can grate the exact amount you need, ensuring freshness and minimizing waste. Grating your own cheese also allows you to control the fineness or coarseness of the shreds, which can be important for different recipes. Additionally, block cheese tends to have a longer shelf life than pre-shredded or grated cheese, and it yields a larger volume of cheese per ounce. However, grating a block of cheese requires more time and effort, and you will need to invest in a Microplane, box grater, or food processor to do so.
In summary, each buying option for Parmesan cheese has its trade-offs. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient but may compromise on performance and taste due to added preservatives. Grated cheese from the deli offers freshness and convenience without the additives, but it needs to be consumed quickly. Block cheese provides the most control over the grating process and yields a larger volume of cheese, but it requires more effort and the purchase of additional equipment. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal preferences, the requirements of your recipe, and how much time you're willing to spend in the kitchen.
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Health benefits: high protein, easy to digest, calcium, vitamins
Grated parmesan cheese can be used in a variety of dishes, including pasta, risotto, chicken wings, and breadsticks. It can be grated using a Microplane, box grater, or food processor, and can also be purchased pre-grated. However, freshly grated parmesan is generally considered to have better flavour and texture.
Now, let's discuss the health benefits of parmesan cheese, focusing on its high protein content, ease of digestion, and rich supply of calcium and vitamins.
High Protein
Parmesan cheese is an excellent source of protein, with 10 grams of protein per one-ounce serving. This makes it a valuable addition to vegetarian and vegan diets, which can sometimes lack sufficient protein.
Easy to Digest
Parmesan cheese is naturally lactose-free, making it a suitable option for individuals with lactose intolerance. Lactose is a type of carbohydrate found in milk, and most people worldwide cannot digest it due to a deficiency in the enzyme lactase. Removing the whey during the cheese-making process eliminates most of the lactose, making parmesan a more digestible choice.
Calcium
Calcium is abundant in parmesan cheese, with each serving providing 26% of the recommended daily value. Calcium is crucial for bone health, and a deficiency can lead to osteoporosis. The casein in parmesan cheese enhances calcium absorption, ensuring your body gets the most benefit.
Vitamins
While specific vitamins are not detailed, parmesan cheese is said to contain a number of vitamins and minerals.
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Frequently asked questions
You can grate parmesan cheese using a Microplane, box grater, or food processor. You can also use a blender, which is a quick and easy way to get freshly grated cheese.
Pre-shredded parmesan cheese tends to be more expensive than blocks of cheese. Grating your own cheese can save you money, and freshly grated cheese also melts better into pasta sauces and other dishes.
Grated parmesan cheese can be used in a variety of recipes, including pasta dishes such as carbonara, garlic bread, chicken parmesan, and risotto. It can also be used in non-pasta dishes such as chicken wings, mashed potatoes, and breadsticks.
