Andy Montoya
The perfect jam pairing for Manchego cheese is quince paste, or 'dulce de membrillo' in Spanish. This sweet jelly is made from quince fruit and is commonly served with Manchego in Spain. Other jams that complement Manchego well include fig jam and tomato jam.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Jam type | Quince paste/jelly, Fig jam, Tomato jam |
| Cheese type | Manchego |
| Other foods to serve with | Crackers, Bread, Toast, Nuts, Olives, Chocolate, Honey, Fruits |
| Wine to pair with | Tempranillo, Verdejo, La Mancha |
What You'll Learn
Quince paste/jelly/jam
Quince paste, jelly, or jam is a perfect match for Manchego cheese. The paste is a sweet jelly made from quince fruit, which has a subtle tang and sweetness that complement the nutty flavour of Manchego. Quince jelly is a traditional pairing with Manchego, and is the national snack of Spain when served with this cheese. Quince paste can be found in jars, tubes, or even cubed, and is often found in the gourmet cheese section of a grocery store.
Quince jelly is an excellent choice for a cheese board, as it pairs well with crackers and bread. Spread quince paste on a cracker with a slice of Manchego for a heavenly combination. Quince jelly is also a great addition to a sandwich with Manchego.
Quince jelly is a great pairing with milder cheeses made from sheep's milk, as it accentuates the cheese's earthy and grassy undertones. It is best paired with younger Manchego, aged for less than four months.
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Fig jam
The sweetness of fig jam makes it an ideal match for the richness of manchego, a popular Spanish cheese. Fig jam can be used in various ways to elevate the flavour of manchego. One option is to create crostini by spreading fig jam on toasted baguette slices, topping it with grated manchego, and baking until the cheese melts. Alternatively, you can make crunchy manchego fig straws by spreading fig jam on puff pastry, sprinkling grated manchego on top, cutting the pastry into strips, twisting them, and baking until golden brown.
When creating a charcuterie board, it's essential to choose the right accompaniments to enhance the flavour of the jam and cheese pairing. Some suggestions for pairings with fig jam and manchego include Spanish green olives, Spanish chorizo or other cured meats, and Marcona almonds. As for wine, a Pinot Noir is an excellent choice to accompany this flavour combination.
Overall, fig jam is a delicious and versatile option that can elevate the flavour of manchego cheese and create a sophisticated and enjoyable culinary experience.
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Blueberry jam
Manchego Cheese
Stilton Cheese
Parmigiano Reggiano
While Parmigiano Reggiano is a sharper cheese, its complex flavour profile can stand up to the sweetness of blueberry jam. This pairing will offer a well-rounded taste experience, with the jam bringing out the nuttier undertones of the cheese.
Goat Cheese
Goat cheese, also known as chevre, is a soft and tangy cheese that pairs beautifully with blueberry jam. The sweetness of the jam will help balance the tanginess of the cheese, resulting in a harmonious combination.
Fried Cheese
For a unique twist, try pairing blueberry jam with fried cheese. This combination is sure to delight your taste buds! The warm, crispy exterior of the fried cheese will create an interesting textural contrast with the smooth, sweet jam.
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Tomato jam
Manchego is a firm, Spanish sheep's-milk cheese with a nutty, slightly sweet taste and a crumbly texture. It is aged for at least six months and pairs well with sweet fruit jams like strawberry or raspberry. However, for a more savoury pairing, tomato jam is an excellent choice. The acidity of the tomato jam balances the richness of the cheese.
In addition to enjoying tomato jam with cheese, it can also be used in recipes such as fried manchego with tomato jam. This dish combines the fried manchego triangles with the sweetness of the tomato jam, creating a delicious tapa. The recipe includes coating manchego triangles with seasoned flour, dipping them in beaten egg, and then coating them with breadcrumbs before frying. The result is a tasty treat that can be served with the tomato jam on the side.
Whether enjoyed as part of a cheese board, in a sandwich, or as a tapa, tomato jam is a wonderful pairing for manchego cheese. The combination of flavours is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
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Chestnut jam
When pairing chestnut jam with Manchego cheese, it is essential to consider the balance of flavours. The sharpness of Manchego, especially if it is aged around 4-6 months, will be complemented by the sweetness of the chestnut jam. The nutty and buttery notes of the cheese will be accentuated by the rich and nutty flavours of the jam.
So, if you're looking for a unique pairing with Manchego cheese, look no further than chestnut jam. With its versatility, richness, and nutty flavour, it will surely elevate your cheese board and provide a memorable tasting experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Quince paste, or "dulce de membrillo", is a popular choice to pair with Manchego cheese. It is a sweet jelly with a subtle tang that complements the nutty flavour of the cheese.
Other jams that go well with Manchego cheese include fig jam, tomato jam, and blueberry jam.
Quince paste and Manchego cheese can be served with crackers or spread on toast.
Manchego cheese is a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of foods, including fresh figs, grapes, dates, chocolate, and pistachios. It also goes well with Spanish olives, breadsticks, and truffle crackers.
Manchego cheese pairs well with a variety of drinks, including red wine, beer, and Verdejo white wine.
