Bushra Griffith
Goat cheese espuma is a light, airy, creamy foam made from goat's cheese. It is a healthy alternative to classic sauces and foams and can be used to top a variety of dishes, such as soups, sauces, pancakes, waffles, canapes, or desserts. The word espuma means foam in Spanish and is often used to describe a type of culinary foam created using a whipped cream dispenser. This foam is usually flavoured with cheese, such as goat cheese, and can be infused with other ingredients to create complex flavours and colours.
Goat Cheese Espuma Characteristics
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Goat cheese, olive oil, sour cream, milk, double cream, spices, herbs, vegetables, and bread |
| Texture | Light, airy, creamy, smooth, soft |
| Taste | Intense, rich, mild |
| Preparation | Blend, whisk, mix, shake, stir, sieve, refrigerate |
| Tools | Blender, food processor, iSi Whip, whipped cream canister, whipped cream charger, strainer, spatula, bowl, ISI Creative Whip |
| Uses | Appetizer, dip, sauce, topping, spread, foam, coffee topping, dessert |
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What You'll Learn
Goat Cheese Espuma Recipe
Goat cheese, or chèvre, is a popular ingredient with a strong flavour. It is often used in salads, pastas, and spreads. A goat cheese espuma is a type of foam made from goat's cheese that can be used as a topping for dishes such as soups, sauces, desserts, or drinks.
Ingredients:
- Goat cheese
- Olive oil
- Sour cream
- Seasoning (e.g. salt, pepper)
- ISI Whip
- ISI cream charger
Optional Ingredients:
You can add other ingredients to enhance the flavour and colour of the espuma. Some options include:
- Sun-dried tomatoes or black olives for a Mediterranean twist
- Fresh garlic, used sparingly
- Herbs such as chives, basil, thyme, or rosemary. You can also use dried herb mixes such as herbes de Provence.
Instructions:
- Blend the goat cheese, olive oil, sour cream, and seasoning in a blender or food processor. Remember to season more than you normally would, as the mixture will expand 2-3 times.
- Whisk the cream in a separate bowl until it forms soft peaks and resembles the texture of whipped cream. Set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together the goat cheese and milk until the cheese softens. The cheese should be at room temperature for the best results.
- Pour the mixture into an ISI Whip and screw on an ISI cream charger. Shake vigorously.
- Your goat cheese espuma is now ready to be used as a topping or ingredient in various dishes!
Serving Suggestions:
The espuma can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion and your preferences:
- As a spread or dip with slices of bread or crackers
- As a topping for canapés or crostini, perfect for finger foods at a party
- In a bowl, allowing guests to help themselves and dip in their choice of crudités or bread
Grilled vegetables, salads, and pastas are also great options to pair with the espuma. Get creative and enjoy the versatility of this delicious, airy treat!
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History of Goat Cheese
Goat cheese, or "chèvre" in French, has a long history that dates back thousands of years. The domestication of goats for milk production is believed to have started around 5000 BC, with the first documented proof of cheesemaking from goat's milk found in Poland and dated to around 7500 years ago (5500 BC). Goats were one of the first animals to be domesticated due to their ability to thrive on rough land, making them a reliable source of milk for early cheese makers.
In ancient times, goat milk was carried in pouches made from animal stomachs, and the milk would partially solidify inside these containers, creating a new flavour. This process was later enhanced by the discovery of rennet, an enzyme found in the stomach that speeds up milk curdling. The knowledge of cheesemaking was closely guarded, and in ancient Egypt, only priests knew the formula for making goat cheese.
Goat cheese continued to be significant throughout history, with the Romans playing a role in perfecting the draining technique and exporting it to regions like Great Britain. By 77 BC, there were at least thirteen varieties of goat cheese being produced under the Roman Empire, where it was considered a luxury item. In the Middle Ages, goat cheese became so valuable that it was used as currency by pilgrims travelling to Santiago de Compostela.
The popularity of goat cheese spread to France with the arrival of the Moors in the 8th century AD, who brought goats to the Loire Valley and began making French goat cheeses, or "chèvres." The term "chèvre," which simply means ""goat" in French, became synonymous with fresh, rindless goat cheese logs found in grocery stores, artisanal shops, and farmers' markets.
Today, goat cheese is produced worldwide, with France being the leading European manufacturer of goat milk cheeses. There are over 120 varieties of goat cheese, showcasing the versatility of goat's milk in terms of texture and flavour. The distinct tang of goat cheese is attributed to the higher concentration of fatty acids, particularly caproic, caprylic, and capric acid, found in goat's milk. This also makes goat cheese easier to digest and suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
Goat cheese has a long and rich history, spanning from ancient civilisations to modern times, and continues to be a beloved and diverse culinary delight.
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Health Benefits of Goat Cheese
Goat cheese, or chèvre, is a nutritious and delicious dairy product with a range of health benefits. With its distinct flavour and creamy texture, it is a popular alternative to cow's milk cheese and can be used as a spread, topping, or side in various dishes. Here are some reasons why you may want to include goat cheese in your diet:
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Goat cheese is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, copper, vitamin D, vitamin K, and B vitamins like thiamine, niacin, and riboflavin. These nutrients are essential for maintaining bone, teeth, and tissue health, and they also offer protection against diseases.
High in Protein
A serving of goat cheese provides 6 grams of protein, which is essential for the proper functioning of the body. While goat cheese has slightly less protein than cheddar cheese, it still offers a decent amount to contribute to your daily needs.
Healthy Fats
Goat cheese contains healthy fats, including medium-chain fatty acids like capric acid and caprylic acid, which have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These fats are metabolized faster than those in cow's cheese, promoting satiety and aiding in weight loss.
Probiotics
Goat cheese is a good source of probiotics, or friendly bacteria, that compete with unhealthy bacteria in the intestines. Probiotics improve digestive health, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation in the body.
Low Lactose
Goat cheese has significantly lower amounts of lactose than cow's milk cheese, making it a better option for those with lactose intolerance. Goat milk also contains less A1 casein, which has been linked to digestive distress and increased inflammation in those with lactose intolerance.
Reduced Sodium
Goat cheese contains less than half the amount of sodium found in regular cheese. Lowering sodium intake is important for maintaining a healthy heart and reducing the risk of chronic conditions and potential fatal diseases like heart attacks and strokes.
Goat cheese, with its unique flavour and health benefits, is a tasty and nutritious addition to any meal. Whether enjoyed as a spread, a topping, or a side, it provides a good source of vitamins, minerals, protein, and healthy fats, all while delighting your taste buds!
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Goat Cheese as a Substitute
Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, has been a popular ingredient in the Mediterranean and Middle East for centuries. It is known for its strong flavour and versatility, ranging from simple soft spreads to complex, flavoured variations.
Goat cheese espuma is a light and airy foam made from goat's cheese. It is a delicious and healthy alternative to classic sauces and foams, with a low-fat percentage compared to cow's cheese. The espuma can be made using a whipped cream canister, such as the Galaxy Gas Whipped Cream Canister, and adding nitrous oxide or NO2 cartridges to create a creamy foam. This technique allows the goat cheese to rapidly infuse with other ingredients, creating a perfect, light, and airy espuma.
To make goat cheese espuma, you can follow a simple recipe by blending goat cheese, olive oil, sour cream, and seasoning to taste. This mixture is then passed through a tamis or strainer to ensure smoothness, and double cream or whipped cream is added. The mixture is then poured into a whipped cream canister, and nitrous oxide or NO2 cartridges are used to create the light and airy foam. The canister is shaken vigorously and the espuma is ready to be served immediately or can be refrigerated for later use.
Goat cheese espuma can be used in a variety of dishes, including canapes, braised pumpkin, soups, sauces, cocktails, and desserts. It is a versatile ingredient that can add a creative and elegant touch to any dish. Additionally, it can be used as a healthy substitute for classic sauces and foams, offering a delicious and nutritious option for health-conscious individuals.
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Serving Suggestions
Goat cheese espuma is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your espuma and impress your guests:
Breads and Crackers
Goat cheese espuma pairs well with a variety of breads. Try serving it with olive bread, pumpernickel bread, nut bread, whole wheat bread, sourdough, rye, French bread, or brioche. You can also spread it on crackers or breadsticks for a crunchy texture contrast.
Fruits and Vegetables
The tanginess of goat cheese espuma complements the sweetness of fruits. Try serving it with apples, grapes, dry fruits, or pineapple. For a savoury option, pair the espuma with grilled or steamed vegetables like broccoli, tomatoes, baby potatoes, or pickles.
Proteins
Goat cheese espuma can also be served as a delicious accompaniment to various proteins. It goes well with poultry options such as roasted chicken breasts, salmon, shrimp tempura, tuna, or crab. For meat lovers, try serving it with veal fillet, steaks, or pepperoni.
Warm or Cold
Goat cheese espuma can be served warm or cold, depending on your preference. For a warm option, serve it with maple syrup or flavoured cream. If serving cold, dispense the espuma directly onto your dish of choice, such as braised pumpkin, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy foam.
Storage
It is important to note that goat cheese espuma should not be dispensed from the whipped cream canister if you plan to store it. Instead, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to ten days.
With these serving suggestions, you can elevate your goat cheese espuma and create delicious and versatile dishes that are sure to impress!
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Frequently asked questions
Goat cheese espuma is a light and airy foam made from goat cheese. It is a healthy alternative to classic sauces and foams and can be used to top various dishes.
To make goat cheese espuma, you can use a food processor or blender to mix goat cheese, olive oil, sour cream, and seasoning. The mixture is then passed through a tamis, mixed with double cream, and poured into a whipper to be shaken vigorously. It is then refrigerated for at least an hour before serving.
Goat cheese espuma can be served with bread, crackers, or vegetables. It can also be used as a topping for canapes or crostini, making it a great appetizer for parties or gatherings.
Goat cheese is a healthier alternative to classic cow's cheese as it has a lower fat percentage, including good fats. It also has an intense flavor and is a good source of protein.
Yes, you can get creative and experiment with different ingredients in your goat cheese espuma. You can add herbs such as chives, basil, thyme, or rosemary, or Mediterranean ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, or garlic.
