Cheddar Cheese In Indian Cooking: Creative Culinary Fusion

Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of Indian dishes. While it may not be a traditional choice for Indian cuisine, cheddar cheese can add a creamy, tangy, and savoury element to various recipes. From grilled cheese sandwiches and dosas to macaroni and cheese, there are numerous ways to incorporate cheddar cheese into Indian cooking. Additionally, cheddar cheese can be used as a topping or filling for dishes like parathas, burgers, and even desserts like pound cake. Its sharp flavour and melting texture make it a popular choice for adding a rich, indulgent twist to both savoury and sweet dishes.

Characteristics and their values

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Cheese balls, corn cheese balls, and cheese sandwiches

Cheese Balls

Indian-style cheese balls are crispy and golden on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, and can be baked or fried. They are vegetarian, gluten-free, and made with potatoes, gram flour, and cheese. To make them, first boil 3 small potatoes (100g) in a steamer, pressure cooker, or electric cooker until fork-tender. When the potatoes are warm, peel them and mash them in a mixing bowl. Allow the potatoes to cool to room temperature before adding the remaining ingredients. Grate 60g of cheddar cheese and set it aside. You can also use processed or American cheese. Add 4 tablespoons of gram flour (or 2-3 tablespoons of arrowroot flour, corn starch, or all-purpose flour), and 2-3 pinches of black salt or regular salt. Mix the ingredients and form them into small balls. The cheese balls can then be baked or deep-fried.

Corn Cheese Balls

Corn cheese balls are a classic snack in India, similar to the European/French style of fried cheese and corn balls or puffs, known as gougeres. They are crunchy and crispy with a sweet and cheesy inside. To make them, you can use either frozen corn or fresh corn cooked in a pan with water until tender. Then, mix the corn with grated cheddar cheese, or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Form the mixture into small balls and fry them in medium-hot to hot oil.

Cheese Sandwiches

There are many ways to make an Indian-style cheese sandwich, and they can be made in an air fryer or a grill. A basic cheese sandwich can be made with sliced bread, cheese slices, and spices such as crushed red pepper or pickled jalapeños. Fresh herbs also work well; basil with mozzarella, thyme with cheddar, fresh dill and Havarti, or oregano with provolone are all good combinations. For a healthier option, use wheat flour bread instead of refined flour bread. To add extra vegetables, you can mix in 1/3 cup of mixed veggies (such as peas, grated carrot, tomatoes, or corn) with 1/2 cup of cheese. To make a grilled cheese sandwich, assemble the sandwich and place it in the air fryer at 350F or 180C for 5 minutes.

Other Ideas for Using Cheddar Cheese in Indian Cooking

Cheddar cheese can also be used in Indian cooking to make pizza, macaroni and cheese, or fondue.

Cheese dosa and cheese chilli toast

Cheese Dosa

The cheese dosa is a popular South Indian dish, often served as a snack or breakfast item. It is a savoury crepe made with dosa batter, onions, green chillies, coriander leaves, and tomatoes, topped with plenty of cheese. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a delicious cheese dosa:

Ingredients:

• Dosa batter (traditional or leftover)
• Cheese (grated or sliced)
• Onions
• Herbs (coriander leaves)
• Green chillies
• Tomatoes or hot sauce
• Oil or butter for greasing

Method:

• Prepare the dosa batter: You can use store-bought dosa batter or make it from scratch. Ensure the batter is slightly thick but still spreadable to get a crisp dosa.
• Grease a cast-iron griddle or non-stick pan with oil or butter. Heat the pan on medium-high heat.
• Spread the dosa batter in a circular motion to form a thin crepe.
• Quickly sprinkle grated cheese or place cheese slices on the dosa.
• Add chopped onions, green chillies, and coriander leaves on top of the cheese.
• If desired, add a drizzle of hot sauce or a spoonful of tomato puree for extra flavour.
• Fold the dosa in half or roll it. Cook until the cheese melts and the dosa turns golden and crispy.
• Serve hot with coconut chutney, sambar, or tomato chutney on the side.

Cheese Chilli Toast

Cheese chilli toast is a quick and easy snack or appetiser with a spicy kick. It can be made in an oven, air fryer, or on a stovetop. Here is a simple recipe for oven-baked cheese chilli toast:

Ingredients:

• Bread (sturdy varieties like sourdough or Texas toast work well)
• Cheese (cheddar or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
• Green chillies
• Coriander leaves

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 220°C in grill mode for 5 minutes.
• Finely chop the green chillies and coriander leaves. Mincing helps reduce the spice level.
• Spread a generous layer of cheese on the bread slices.
• Sprinkle the chopped chillies and coriander leaves evenly over the cheese.
• Place the bread slices on a baking tray lined with greased butter paper or aluminium foil.
• Bake for 2-3 minutes on the top rack until the cheese melts and turns golden.
• Garnish with more coriander leaves if desired and serve hot.

Feel free to adjust the spice level by reducing the amount of green chillies or using milder varieties. You can also add other vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or grated carrots to make it more nutritious and colourful. Enjoy your homemade cheese dosa and cheese chilli toast!

Cheese paratha

Ingredients:

• Wheat flour
• Salt
• Oil
• Water
• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese (optional)
• Onions
• Green chillies (optional)
• Black pepper

Method:

• To make the dough, take flour, salt, and oil in a bowl. Rub well so that the oil mixes with the flour.
• Slowly add water and knead to form a soft, smooth dough.
• Cover the dough and set aside for 30 minutes.
• Divide the dough into equal-sized balls.
• Take a ball and roll it out lightly.
• Place the filling in the centre and seal the edges.
• Use a rolling pin to roll the paratha evenly.
• Heat a tawa or pan. Place the paratha on the hot tawa and cook for a few seconds.
• Flip over, spread some oil, and cook on both sides until golden.

Tips:

• Cheese paratha is best served hot as the cheese will be gooey and melted.
• You can customise the cheese stuffing mixture according to your preference. For a less spicy version, omit the green chillies and reduce the amount of black pepper.
• For a vegan version, use vegan cheese and roast the paratha with a neutral-flavoured oil.
• Experiment with different types of cheese and add-ins, such as vegetables or pizza seasonings, to create your own unique cheese paratha.

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Mac and cheese

To make mac and cheese, start by shredding an 8-ounce block of sharp cheddar. It is important to shred the cheese yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese won't melt as smoothly or evenly in the sauce. Freshly shredded cheese has more flavor and creaminess.

Boil 8 ounces of macaroni according to the package directions (boil for 7-8 minutes, or just until tender). Drain the macaroni in a colander. Start the cheese sauce while the macaroni is boiling or while it's draining. Add 3 tablespoons of butter, 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder to the pot. Place the pot over medium heat and whisk the butter, flour, and onion powder together until the mixture becomes bubbly and frothy. Cook and whisk for about one minute after it bubbles.

Whisk 2 cups of milk into the butter and flour roux. Continue to cook and whisk over medium heat until the milk begins to gently simmer and thickens. Make sure the milk has thickened before adding the cheese. If the starches in the roux have not thickened the sauce, the cheese won't melt smoothly. Begin adding the shredded cheddar, one handful at a time, whisking until it is completely melted before adding more. If the sauce becomes too cold to melt the cheese, place it over low heat. Do not let the cheese sauce boil. Overheating the sauce can cause it to separate and become grainy.

Add the cooked and drained macaroni back to the pot and stir to combine with the cheese sauce. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. Top with more shredded cheese, then bake for 15 minutes.

You can customize your mac and cheese by adding different ingredients. Some suggestions include onion powder, Parmesan cheese, cayenne pepper, diced ham, peas, chicken, broccoli, yellow mustard, and crushed Ritz crackers.

Baked goods: cookies, scones, and pound cake

Cheddar cheese can be used in a variety of baked goods, including cookies, scones, and pound cakes. Here are some ideas and instructions for incorporating cheddar cheese into these baked treats:

Cheddar Cheese Cookies

When it comes to cookies, cheddar cheese can be used to create a savoury twist. For example, you can try making Indonesian-style shortbread-like cookies with a buttery, cheesy base. These cookies will have a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture with a subtle tang from the cheddar. You can experiment with different types of cheddar, such as sharp or mild, to find your preferred flavour profile.

Cheddar Cheese Scones

Cheddar cheese scones are a classic example of savoury baked goods. Here's a basic recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

• Flour
• Salt
• Baking powder
• Butter (cold)
• Cheddar cheese (grated)
• Spring onions or scallions (thinly chopped)
• Milk
• Mustard powder (optional)
• Garlic powder (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F or higher, depending on your preference. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and any desired spices or herbs.
• Cut the cold butter into small cubes and work it into the flour mixture with your fingers or a pastry blender until it resembles coarse crumbs.
• Add the grated cheddar cheese and chopped spring onions, mixing well.
• Make a well in the centre and pour in the milk. Use a spatula or your hands to combine the ingredients until a dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
• Transfer the dough to a floured surface and roll it out to a thickness of about 2-3 cm.
• Use a cookie cutter to cut out scones in your desired shape and size. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
• Brush the tops of the scones with milk or an egg yolk wash for a golden colour. You can also sprinkle additional grated cheddar on top.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Feel free to experiment with add-ins like herbs, diced onions, sun-dried tomatoes, or jalapeños for a spicy kick. You can also shape the dough into triangles or traditional round scones.

Cheddar Pound Cake

While there aren't any specific recipes for a cheddar pound cake, you can experiment with adding small amounts of cheddar cheese to a traditional pound cake recipe. Start with a small amount of grated cheddar and adjust to taste, as too much cheese may affect the texture of the cake. You can also try incorporating other complementary ingredients, such as herbs or sun-dried tomatoes, to create a savoury pound cake.

Frequently asked questions