Bushra Griffith
Cheese spread is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of Indian dishes. While it is commonly used in Western countries as a dip or spread for crackers and bread, Indian cuisine incorporates cheese spread in unique and innovative ways. From savoury snacks to main courses, cheese spread adds a creamy texture and a burst of flavour to any dish. In this article, we will explore the different ways to use cheese spread in Indian cooking, including some traditional and unconventional recipes that will elevate your culinary creations.
How to use cheese spread in Indian cooking
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese spread as a dip | Cheesy Pepper dip, Dabeli Cheese Fondue, King Crab Spread, Feta Spread/Dip |
| Cheese spread as a starter | Cheese Carrot Canapes |
| Cheese spread as a main course | Four Cheese Pizza, Chilli Cheese Paratha, Cheese Burst Pizza |
| Cheese spread as a sandwich filling | Triple Cheese Grill Sandwich, Cheesy Thepla Potato Wraps, Grilled Panini, Bread Rolls |
| Cheese spread as a soup ingredient | Cream of Eggplant Soup |
| Cheese spread as a cookie ingredient | Cheese and Oatmeal Cookies |
| Cheese spread as a replacement for butter | Pavbhaji |
| Cheese spread as a cake ingredient | Only if it's not very salty |
| Cheese spread as a replacement for cream | Cream of Eggplant Soup |
| Cheese spread as a replacement for mayonnaise | Eggless Mayonnaise |
| Indian-style cream cheese spread | Made with paneer, milk, and spices |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese spread as a dip for carrot canapes
Cheese spread is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of Indian dishes, including carrot canapes. Here is a step-by-step guide to making delicious carrot canapes with cheese spread as a dip:
Ingredients:
- Carrots (medium-sized)
- Cheese spread (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan)
- Mayonnaise (preferably full-fat)
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, chives, or thyme (optional)
- Baguette or any bread of your choice
Instructions:
Start by peeling and rinsing the carrots. Finely grate the carrots and place them in a mixing bowl. Grating the carrots gives a nice texture and flavour to the canapes. You can also cook the carrots before grating them to make them softer.
Next, add your choice of finely grated or shredded cheese to the bowl. The cheese can be cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan. Grating your own cheese will give the canapes a creamier texture.
Add 1 cup of mayonnaise and pressed garlic to the bowl. You can adjust the amount of mayonnaise and garlic according to your taste. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
For an extra kick of flavour, you can add salt and pepper to taste. If you want to include fresh herbs, finely chop your choice of dill, parsley, chives, or thyme and add them to the mixture.
Slice a baguette or any bread of your choice and spread a generous amount of the carrot and cheese mixture on each slice. You can also toast the bread slices before spreading for a crunchier texture.
Finally, serve the carrot canapes with a bowl of cheese spread as a delicious dip on the side. The cheese spread can be kept plain or made into a dip with added ingredients like peppers or Indian spices.
These carrot canapes with cheese spread as a dip are perfect for a dinner party or as an appetizer. They can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, making them a convenient and tasty option for entertaining guests.
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Cheese spread on bread, roti, or khakhra
Cheese spread is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of Indian dishes, including as a spread on bread, roti, or khakhra. Here are some ways to use cheese spread on these bases:
Cheese Spread on Bread
Cheese spread can be used as a simple and delicious topping for bread. You can create a variety of open sandwiches by spreading cheese on a slice of bread and topping it with ingredients like chopped vegetables (such as onions, capsicum, or tomatoes), salt, black pepper, oregano, chilli flakes, or herbs. You can also make a grilled cheese sandwich by spreading cheese spread on bread, adding toppings like vegetables or meat, and grilling it until the cheese is melted. Another option is to make a triple-layered cheese grilled sandwich, which is sure to be a kid-friendly treat.
Cheese Spread on Roti
Roti, a traditional Indian flatbread, can be taken up a notch with cheese spread. You can simply spread the cheese on the roti and roll it up, or you can get creative and make a cheese paratha. To make a cheese paratha, roll the dough into a circle about 7 to 8 inches in diameter. Spread some olive oil on the dough and add a layer of pizza sauce, making sure it's not too runny. Then, spread the cheese stuffing evenly and add additional toppings of your choice. Seal the edges and roll it again into a paratha. Roast the paratha on a hot tava or skillet, flipping it a few times and spreading ghee or oil to ensure it cooks evenly and gets those crispy brown spots.
Cheese Spread on Khakhra
Khakhra, a crispy Indian flatbread, can be turned into a tasty pizza base with cheese spread. Simply spread a generous amount of cheese spread on a khakhra and top it with roasted vegetables, corn, or a tomato sauce topping. This quick and easy snack can be served with Masala Chai or Espresso Coffee.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese spreads, such as cream cheese spread, herb cream cheese, or processed cheese spreads, to find your favourite flavour combinations!
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Cheese spread in a fondue
Cheese fondue is a Swiss dish that gained popularity in the US in the 1960s and remains popular today. It is made by melting cheese and serving it in a pot over a portable stove. People dip bread into the communal pot using long-stemmed forks.
To make a fondue with cheese spread, you can use a basic recipe that involves melting the cheese spread in a pot and serving it with dippers of your choice. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Grate or shred the cheese spread. Grating the cheese helps it melt more easily and smoothly.
- In a medium bowl, combine the grated cheese spread with a small amount of cornstarch or flour, tossing thoroughly to coat all pieces. The cornstarch or flour will help thicken the fondue and give it a smoother texture.
- Rub the inside of a fondue pot or a heavy saucepan with a garlic clove. This step is optional but adds flavour to the fondue.
- Add butter to the fondue pot and let it melt. You can also use ghee or oil instead of butter.
- Add some wine to the pot and bring it to a simmer over medium-low heat. You can also use beef broth instead of wine for a non-alcoholic version.
- Slowly start adding the cheese spread to the pot, a little at a time, stirring continuously until it melts and becomes smooth.
- If the fondue is too thick, add a little more wine or broth to adjust the texture to your liking.
- Season the fondue with spices and herbs of your choice. Some common seasonings include salt, nutmeg, garlic powder, or other spices and herbs. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for extra flavour.
- Once the fondue is ready, arrange an assortment of bite-sized dippers on a platter.
- Serve the fondue with forks or wooden skewers for dipping.
- Cubed crusty bread or French bread
- Baby potatoes or steamed red-skinned potato chunks
- Bell peppers or mini peppers
- Sliced apples or pears
- Cauliflower or broccoli florets
- Meat or salami
- Croutons, breadsticks, or pretzels
Feel free to get creative with your dippers and choose options that suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your delicious cheese spread fondue!
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Cheese spread in a sandwich
Cheese spread can be used to make a variety of sandwiches, from simple, quick snacks to more complex, multi-layered creations. Here are some ideas for using cheese spread in a sandwich:
Simple Cheese Sandwich
Butter both sides of two slices of bread. Place them in a heated pan and grill until golden. Flip the slices and spread the cheese on the hot bread. You can sprinkle chilli flakes and herbs, if desired. Cover the bread with another slice, with the hotter side over the cheese. Grill on low to medium heat until golden and the cheese begins to melt.
Three-Layered Grilled Cheese Sandwich
This sandwich combines three different types of cheese, with a little ketchup and chilli flakes for a kick. Simply spread the cheese on slices of bread and layer them on top of each other. You can also add vegetables, such as capsicum, spring onion, cucumber, and tomatoes, to add more flavour and texture.
Trini Cheese Paste Sandwich
This Caribbean-style sandwich uses a creamy and cheesy spread made with cheese, butter, and various seasonings. The spread can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To make the sandwich, simply spread a generous amount of the cheese paste on slices of bread, such as a sandwich loaf or potato bread. You can also add other ingredients, such as eggs, to the spread, but this will reduce its shelf life.
Cream Cheese Sandwich with Mixed Veggies
This sandwich combines cream cheese with a variety of vegetables, such as onions, tomatoes, cucumber, capsicum, and mixed herbs. Simply spread the cream cheese on a slice of bread, add the vegetables and herbs, and cover with another slice of bread. You can then toast the sandwich in a toaster or grill until the bread is toasted to your liking.
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Cheese spread in cream of eggplant soup
Cheese spread is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of Indian dishes, from snacks to main courses. One innovative way to use cheese spread is to incorporate it into a cream of eggplant soup, replacing the traditional cream with the spread to create a unique and flavourful dish.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need:
- Eggplants
- Cheese spread
- Fresh basil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
- Garlic (optional)
Preparation
Start by washing the eggplants thoroughly and slicing them into halves or cubes. You can keep the skin on for added texture and flavour, or peel it if you prefer. Brush the eggplants with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. You can also add some crushed garlic cloves for extra flavour. Place the eggplants on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) until they are tender and slightly charred.
Once the eggplants are roasted, scoop out the pulp and discard the skins if you haven't already. Place the eggplant pulp in a blender or food processor and add the cheese spread and fresh basil. You can adjust the amount of cheese spread to your taste preference. Blend until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
Cooking
Transfer the blended mixture to a saucepan and heat it over medium heat. You can add a little water or vegetable broth to adjust the consistency if needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve the soup warm, and optionally, pair it with a salad, sandwich, or bread.
Variations and Tips
- For a more exotic flavour, you can char the eggplants over an open flame before blending them to give the soup a smoky taste.
- If you want to add more vegetables, try roasting some bell peppers along with the eggplants. This will add a subtle sweetness and vibrant colour to your soup.
- If you're serving this soup as a starter, consider garnishing it with crispy, fried cheese bits for an extra indulgent touch.
- If you want to make this soup heartier, you can add white beans and pasta, creating a satisfying vegetarian meal.
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Frequently asked questions
You can add cheese spread to pasta, noodles, or pavbhaji, or use it as a spread on bread, roti, or khakhra. You can also make a triple-layered cheese grilled sandwich, or add it to a chilli cheese paratha.
Cheese spread can be used to make a fondue with an Indian palate, such as a Dabeli Cheese Fondue. It can also be used as a dip for snacks or as a replacement for cream in soups, such as a Cream of Eggplant Soup.
Cheese Carrot Canapes are a great starter to serve at a dinner party. You can also make Cheesy Thepla Potato Wraps, or spread it on crackers with pickle masala and raw mango.
You can make an Indian-style cream cheese spread by using fresh paneer, blended into a smooth paste with cream and milk. You can also make a Feta Spread/Dip with feta cheese, sour cream, cucumber, celery, dill, garlic, and lemon juice.
