Cheese And Spicy Tasso: A Perfect Pairing

Tasso is a type of spiced, smoked pork made from the shoulder butt of a hog. It is a specialty of south Louisiana and is often referred to as tasso ham, though it is not technically a ham. Tasso is commonly used as an ingredient in Cajun and Creole dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, and macaroni and cheese. It is known for its rich, fatty taste and spicy, salty, and smoky flavour. So, what cheese goes with tasso?

Cajun Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups small shell macaroni
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
• 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups Mexican Style Four Cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning (or your favorite seasoning blend)
• 6 ounces tasso or smoked ham, cubed
• ½ cup breadcrumbs, packed
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded

Method:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a casserole dish.

In a large pot, cook the macaroni in salted boiling water for 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.

In a separate large, heavy pot, melt the butter and add flour, stirring to cook for 1 minute. Add in the chives and tomatoes, stirring to combine. Pour in the milk and cream, stirring continuously with a whisk. Keep stirring until the mixture comes to a boil and let it cook for a few more minutes to thicken the sauce.

Add the cheese a cup at a time to the sauce, ensuring it melts and blends well. Stir in the macaroni, Cajun seasoning, and ham into the cheese sauce, mixing well. Pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish.

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, chives, and parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture on top of the macaroni and cheese.

Bake in the oven for 18-20 minutes. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips:

For an extra kick of spice, add some cayenne pepper to the sauce. If you can't get your hands on tasso, regular ham or even sausage will work as a substitute.

Baked oysters with tasso cream

A signature dish from The Original Oyster House, this recipe combines oysters with a butter cream sauce with tasso, sweet onions and bell pepper.

Ingredients

• 16 oysters on the half shell
• 1 cup medium diced tasso ham
• ½ cup finely diced yellow onion
• ½ cup finely diced green onion
• ½ cup finely diced green pepper
• 1½ sticks unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup fresh shredded Parmesan cheese

Method

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Shuck the oysters, leaving them on the half shell, and place them on a baking sheet. Melt the butter in a thick-walled saucepan. Brush the oysters with melted butter and set aside.

Use the remaining melted butter in the saucepan to sauté the yellow onions and green peppers until the onions are clear. Add the tasso ham and green onions, and continue to sauté for a few minutes. Add the flour and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Heat Half and Half in the microwave for 30 seconds and gradually stir into the flour mixture. Salt to taste. When the mixture has thickened, remove from heat.

Place the oysters in the oven and bake until they begin to plump. Remove and set aside to cool for 5 minutes. Turn the oven to broil. Top the oysters with the tasso ham sauce and shredded cheese. Place under the broiler until the cheese melts. Serve immediately.

Cheese and Tasso

Tasso is a smoked, spiced, and cured meat, a specialty of south Louisiana cuisine. It is often used as a flavour base for stews or braised vegetables, and is commonly found in Creole or Cajun recipes.

Tasso is not typically eaten on its own, but is added to dishes to impart a rich flavour. It is often combined with poultry, meat, or vegetables, but also tastes great with seafood.

Cheese is a common addition to oyster recipes, with Parmesan being a popular choice to pair with tasso.

Tasso as a garnish

Tasso is a type of pork or meat used in Cajun-style cuisine. It is made from the pork shoulder butt, which is fattier and more flavourful than the hind leg used for traditional ham. Tasso is typically smoked, spiced, and cured, and is a specialty of south Louisiana cuisine.

Tasso is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. While it can be eaten on its own, it is more commonly used as a flavour base or garnish. When used as a garnish, tasso adds a burst of flavour and colour to a dish. Its smoky, spicy, and salty taste can elevate the taste of milder ingredients.

For example, tasso can be used as a garnish on macaroni and cheese, adding a spicy-sweet flavour to this comfort food. The smokiness of the tasso pairs well with the creaminess of the cheese sauce, creating a unique and indulgent dish.

In addition to pasta, tasso can also be used as a garnish for vegetables. For instance, it can be added to Cajun-Style Smothered Green Beans with Potatoes, giving this simple side dish a flavourful kick. The smokiness of the tasso complements the earthiness of the green beans, while the spice adds a nice kick to the palate.

Tasso can also be used as a garnish for soups and stews. Its firm texture and rich flavour can enhance the taste of a variety of soup bases. For example, adding diced tasso to a cream-based soup can create a complex and indulgent dish. The smokiness of the tasso can also add depth to a tomato-based soup or stew.

When using tasso as a garnish, it is important to consider the other flavours in the dish. The intense taste of tasso can easily overpower milder ingredients. Therefore, it is best to use tasso sparingly and taste as you go to ensure the balance of flavours is just right.

Tasso in breakfast casserole

Tasso is a type of pork or meat used in Cajun-style cuisine. Although it is often referred to as tasso ham, it is not made from the hind leg of a hog, but rather the hog's shoulder. This cut is typically fatty and, because the muscle is constantly used by the animal, it has a great deal of flavour. Tasso is usually smoked, spiced, and cured, and is a speciality of south Louisiana cuisine. It is often used as a flavour base for stews or braised vegetables, and is commonly found in recipes of Creole or Cajun origin, such as jambalaya.

Tasso is a great addition to breakfast casseroles. Here is a recipe for a tasty breakfast casserole with tasso:

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds tasso, cut into small cubes
• 1 cup sour cream (light or regular)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk

Method:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.

In a large bowl, combine the eggs, sour cream, milk, cheese, and salt and pepper. Mix until just combined.

In a large skillet, cook the tasso over medium heat until browned. Drain the grease and add the tasso to the bowl with the egg mixture.

In the same skillet, sauté the bell peppers for 2-3 minutes. Add to the bowl with the eggs and stir to combine.

Pour the mixture into the greased baking pan and bake for 35-50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centre is still slightly jiggly. The casserole will continue to cook and set as it cools.

This breakfast casserole can be stored in the fridge and enjoyed within 3-4 days. It is also a great make-ahead option, as it can be prepared a day in advance or frozen and baked at a later date.

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or Swiss, or add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini. You can also try substituting the tasso with other meats, such as sausage or bacon.

Enjoy your tasty breakfast casserole!

Tasso in a stew

Tasso ham is a Cajun-style cured meat made from boneless pork shoulder. It is a specialty of South Louisiana cuisine and is commonly used in Creole and Cajun dishes.

When it comes to incorporating Tasso into a stew, there are several options and recipes to consider. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to guide you through the process:

Preparing the Tasso:

Start by purchasing or preparing Tasso ham. You can typically find it in specialty grocery stores and butcher shops in Louisiana, or order it online. If you want to make your own, here's a basic process:

• Cut the pork shoulder into 3-inch chunks, removing excess fat and the shoulder blade bone.
• Create a seasoning mix with ingredients like cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic, brown and white sugar, chipotle powder, black pepper, ground cloves, and pink curing salt.
• Coat each piece of pork generously with the seasoning mix.
• Place the seasoned pork in zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible, and refrigerate for about a week, turning the bags daily.
• After curing, set up your grill for two-zone cooking and preheat it to 225°F.
• Prepare a wood-chip foil pack and place it on the hottest part of the grill to generate smoke.
• Smoke the Tasso ham until the internal temperature reaches 150°F.
• Allow the smoked ham to cool, then vacuum seal and freeze for future use.

Incorporating Tasso into a Stew:

Now, for the stew! Here are some ideas and suggestions for creating a delicious and hearty Tasso stew:

• Ingredients: In addition to the Tasso, you'll need a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, onions, celery, potatoes, and peas. You can also add beans, corn, or any other vegetables of your choice. For extra heartiness, consider adding some diced potatoes or sweet potatoes.
• Broth: Choose a broth that complements your stew. You can use chicken, beef, or vegetable broth as a base and season it with herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
• Cooking Process: Start by sautéing some aromatic vegetables like onions, celery, and garlic in a large pot. Add your chosen broth and bring it to a boil. Toss in the diced Tasso ham and let it simmer for a while to infuse the broth with its flavour. Then, add the rest of your vegetables and continue cooking until they are tender.
• Seasoning: Taste your stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, or any other spices that suit your taste.
• Garnishes: To finish your stew, consider adding some fresh herbs like parsley or chives as a garnish. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the flavours.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your Tasso stew with some crusty bread or rice on the side to soak up all the delicious broth. It's a hearty and flavourful meal, perfect for a cold winter day.

Remember, you can adjust the ingredients and seasonings to your taste preferences and get creative with your additions. Enjoy your homemade Tasso stew!

Frequently asked questions