Kamil Perry
Manchego is a popular, rich, creamy, semi-firm sheep's milk cheese from the La Mancha region of Spain. It has a distinct nutty flavour and a zigzag pattern on its rind. Manchego is a versatile cheese that can be served as an appetizer, tapas, or as part of a main course. So, what foods pair well with Manchego cheese? Fresh figs, quince paste, Marcona almonds, serrano ham, green olives, pistachios, and Spanish crackers are all excellent choices for a charcuterie board. Manchego also works well in recipes such as scallop and chorizo stacks, risotto with pancetta and peas, and savoury galettes with mushrooms and thyme.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Spanish cheese made from sheep's milk |
| Texture | Crumbly |
| Flavor | Buttery, nutty, sweet, grassy, rich, milky |
| Color | Golden |
| Rind | Distinctive zigzag pattern, orange color |
| Aging | Aged anywhere from 60 days to 2 full years |
| Stages | Fresh (fresco), 2-4 months old (curado), matured for one year (viejo) |
| Preservation | Wrap in parchment paper and seal with a rubber band or tape |
| Pairings | Quince paste, Marcona almonds, serrano ham, fresh figs, Spanish crackers, green olives, pistachios, wine, chocolate, chorizo, dates, honey |
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What You'll Learn
Figs, such as tiger stripe, black mission, and brown turkey
Figs are an ideal pairing with Manchego cheese. Although not juicy, figs are luscious fruits with a delicate aroma and sweet flavour. Their thin skin encloses hundreds of seeds (which are actually miniature fruits themselves) held in a succulent, softly fibrous red or purple flesh.
Depending on the time of year and where you live, you may find specific varieties of fig available. Tiger stripe figs, for example, have a sweet, jammy consistency and a berry-like taste. Black mission figs and brown turkey figs are also good choices to accompany Manchego.
Fresh figs are typically available from August through to early October, so now is the time to buy some and try them with Manchego if you've never done so before! You can find fresh figs at your nearest Whole Foods or other specialty market.
If you're creating a cheeseboard, add some quince paste, Marcona almonds, serrano ham, Spanish crackers, green olives, and pistachios. Garnish with fresh rosemary twigs and serve with a glass of wine.
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Quince paste
When creating a cheeseboard, it is recommended to place the Manchego cheese on a wooden board and add quince paste, Marcona almonds, serrano ham, fresh figs, Spanish crackers, green olives, and pistachios, sorting them into smaller serving dishes if necessary. The board can be garnished with fresh rosemary twigs before serving.
Manchego cheese is a popular, rich, creamy sheep's milk cheese that comes from the La Mancha region of Spain. It has a distinct nutty flavour that can range from mild to sharp depending on how long it has been aged. The cheese is semi-firm and has a rich golden colour. It is available in three different stages: fresh (fresco), 2-4 months old (curado), or matured for one year (viejo).
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Serrano ham
Create a delicious and elegant appetizer by arranging thin slices of Serrano ham and Manchego cheese on a platter. The key is to cut the ham and cheese into similar-sized pieces and alternate them for a visually appealing presentation. You can drizzle extra-virgin olive oil and garnish with pepper to enhance the flavours. This dish can be prepared ahead of time and brought to room temperature before serving. It pairs well with a glass of wine, offering a sophisticated culinary experience.
Spanish Tapas
Charcuterie Board
A charcuterie board is a delightful way to showcase Serrano ham and Manchego cheese. Arrange the ham and cheese on a board with other complementary ingredients such as Marcona almonds, fresh figs, Spanish crackers, green olives, and pistachios. Garnish with fresh rosemary twigs, and don't forget to include a selection of crackers or bread. A charcuterie board is a wonderful way to enjoy a variety of flavours and textures, and it can be tailored to your taste preferences.
Other Combinations
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Chorizo
For a vegetarian option, a vegetable-heavy frittata with chorizo and Manchego cheese is a great choice.
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Wine, such as sparkling cavas, riojas, or sherry
When it comes to wine, there are several options that pair well with Manchego cheese. The cheese's nutty flavour and creamy, buttery texture lend themselves to a variety of wines, from robust reds to dry whites.
If you're looking for a sparkling option, Spanish cavas are an excellent choice. The Cordorniu Anna Brut, for example, can be purchased for around $15 a bottle and will nicely offset the richness of the cheese. For a slightly more expensive option, you could try a Spanish Rioja. The 2006 Contino Reserva Rioja, available at Costco for around $18, is a good choice to complement the nutty notes of the Manchego.
If you're feeling adventurous, Spanish Sherry is another option that pairs well with the cheese. Sherry has a unique, distinct flavour that can range from dry and nutty to sweet and creamy, so it's a versatile choice that can be tailored to your taste preferences.
When creating a cheese platter with Manchego, consider adding some sliced red peppers, slow-roasted tomatoes, olives, Marcona almonds, and dried chorizo to complement your chosen wine.
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Frequently asked questions
Manchego is a rich, creamy, nutty Spanish sheep's milk cheese that pairs well with a variety of foods and drinks. Some common pairings include:
- Quince paste
- Serrano ham
- Chorizo
- Olives
- Marcona almonds
- Fresh figs
- Pistachios
- Chocolate
- Dates
- Spanish crackers
- Bread
It's also a great addition to a charcuterie or cheese board.
Manchego pairs well with both red and white wine. Some sources recommend Spanish wines such as sparkling cavas, riojas, and sherry.
Manchego is a popular Spanish cheese made from sheep's milk. It has a distinctive zigzag pattern and orange rind. Its flavour ranges from mild to sharp depending on how long it has been aged.
To preserve Manchego cheese, wrap it in parchment paper and seal it with a rubber band or tape. Stored in the cheese drawer of your fridge, it should keep for up to two months.
Manchego is commonly served as a table cheese in Spain. It can also be used in various dishes, including appetizers, tapas, mains like risotto or pasta, and pastries.
