Cheese For Chili: Gordon Ramsay's Top Picks

Gordon Ramsay is a world-renowned chef, known for his restaurants, books, and television shows. His fans adore him for his epic dishes, but he once caused a stir with his unconventional grilled cheese sandwich, which was criticised for its choice of cheeses, bread thickness, and inclusion of kimchi. Despite this, Ramsay has several popular recipes that include cheese, such as his Chilli Con Carne, which is often served with grated Monterey Jack cheese. This recipe includes spices such as paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper, and is served on a hot dog with sour cream, fresh chilli, and chives.

Monterey Jack cheese for garnish

When it comes to garnishing a dish like chilli, Gordon Ramsay opts for grated Monterey Jack cheese. In his Chilli Dog recipe, Ramsay includes a ladle of hot chilli con carne on a roasted hot dog in a toasted brioche bun. To finish, he adds a drizzle of sour cream, sliced fresh chilli, some chopped chives, and the grated cheese.

Monterey Jack cheese is a good melting cheese, which makes it perfect for garnishing chilli. It has a mild, buttery flavour with a hint of nuttiness, and a semi-soft texture. When grated, it can be easily sprinkled over the top of a dish, adding a creamy, savoury element.

Ramsay's choice of Monterey Jack cheese for his chilli recipe is a versatile option that complements the other ingredients without overwhelming them. The mild flavour of the cheese enhances the overall taste of the dish, while its melting properties create a desirable, creamy texture.

Monterey Jack cheese is a popular choice for garnishes and toppings due to its versatility and ability to blend seamlessly with other ingredients. It can be shredded, sliced, or melted and adds a creamy, savoury touch to various dishes, including chilli.

When choosing cheese as a garnish, it is essential to consider the flavour profile and melting qualities of the cheese. In the case of chilli, a cheese like Monterey Jack that melts smoothly and has a subtle flavour can enhance the dish without overpowering the other ingredients.

Cheddar, Havarti, or Gruyere are good melting cheeses

Cheddar, Havarti, or Gruyere are indeed good melting cheeses. They are all great options for a grilled cheese sandwich, but each has its own unique characteristics.

Cheddar is a firm cheese that can be white or orange, with a sharp, nutty taste. Young cheddar melts smoothly, while aged cheddar can become oily and grainy, so it's best to stick with younger cheddars when making a grilled cheese sandwich.

Havarti is a super buttery cheese, similar to Monterey Jack, but with a light acidity that works for both sweet and savoury dishes. It's a great choice for grilled cheese, especially when paired with herbs and spices like pepper, horseradish, or dill.

Gruyere is a firm Swiss cheese aged for about six months or longer. It has a nutty, grassy flavour that becomes creamy and rich when melted, making it an excellent choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. Young Gruyere has maximum meltability, so look for younger versions of this cheese.

While these three cheeses are excellent choices for a grilled cheese sandwich, there are other options as well. Mozzarella, for example, is known for its melting capabilities and is a mild, milky cheese that pairs well with various dishes. Gouda is another good melting cheese, with a "sweeter" flavour profile and a supple, chewy texture.

Pecorino and Asiago are strong-flavoured, hard cheeses

When it comes to cheese, Gordon Ramsay is not afraid to experiment. In one instance, he opted for a combination of Pecorino with pepperberries and Asiago for a grilled cheese sandwich. Both of these cheeses are strong-flavoured and hard, which makes them less than ideal for melting. They are more commonly used for grating. Pecorino and Asiago are firm, dense cheeses with a robust and pungent flavour profile. Pecorino, made from sheep's milk, has a salty, nutty, and tangy taste that can range from mild to sharp depending on its age. Asiago, on the other hand, is crafted from cow's milk and exhibits a buttery, sweet, and slightly sharp character.

While these cheeses may not be the typical choice for a grilled cheese sandwich, Ramsay is known to push culinary boundaries. In his sandwich, he cut these strong cheeses into thick planks, which further contributed to their inability to melt. The result was a sandwich that many deemed a "culinary catastrophe". The key to a successful grilled cheese is melting the cheese, and with hard cheeses like Pecorino and Asiago, grating or shaving them beforehand is crucial to achieving that gooey, creamy texture.

However, it's important to note that these cheeses can still be delicious in the right context. Hard cheeses like Pecorino and Asiago are valued for their intense flavours and are often used to enhance pasta dishes, salads, or soups. When grated or shaved, they can add a salty, savoury note to a variety of recipes. Their strong flavours mean that a little goes a long way, making them versatile ingredients in the kitchen.

In the case of Gordon Ramsay's grilled cheese, the choice of Pecorino and Asiago, along with thick bread slices and the addition of kimchi, resulted in a sandwich that deviated from the classic grilled cheese experience. While Ramsay praised his creation, the public's reaction was less than favourable, emphasising the importance of adapting strong-flavoured, hard cheeses like Pecorino and Asiago to suit the specific culinary application.

Despite the criticism, Ramsay's willingness to experiment with unconventional ingredients showcases his creative approach to cooking. While the execution may have missed the mark, it serves as a reminder that even the simplest dishes, like grilled cheese sandwiches, can benefit from careful consideration of ingredient selection and preparation techniques. In the world of culinary exploration, sometimes it's the unexpected combinations that pave the way for new flavour discoveries.

Avoid burning the bread

To avoid burning the bread when making Gordon Ramsay's grilled cheese sandwich, it's important to control the heat. Ramsay himself has been criticised for using overly thick bread slices and burning the bread before the cheese has had a chance to melt.

To avoid this, it's recommended to cook the sandwich on medium-low heat. This will allow the cheese to melt properly without burning the bread. It's also important to be patient and not rush the cooking process. Give the sandwich enough time to cook through and the cheese to melt.

Ramsay's choice of butter as a spread has also been questioned, as butter has a lower smoke point than other alternatives like mayonnaise. Butter can start to smoke and burn between 302°F and 350°F, whereas mayonnaise doesn't start smoking until around 450°F. This makes mayonnaise a better option for achieving an even, golden-brown crust without burning the bread.

Additionally, the type of bread used can also impact the likelihood of burning. Ramsay uses thick slices of rustic country-style bread, which may contribute to the issue. Choosing a different type of bread, such as sourdough, whole wheat, or brioche, could help reduce the chances of burning.

By following these tips and choosing the right ingredients, you can minimise the risk of burning the bread when making Gordon Ramsay's grilled cheese sandwich.

Kidney beans are a key ingredient

While cheese is an important component of a chili dish, the base ingredients are what give it its body and flavor. Kidney beans are a key ingredient in Gordon Ramsay's chili con carne recipe, providing texture, flavor, and nutritional benefits.

Kidney beans are a versatile legume with a creamy texture and a slightly nutty, earthy flavor. They are a staple in many cuisines and are particularly popular in chili recipes. In Ramsay's recipe, kidney beans play a crucial role in adding substance to the dish, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.

The beans are added towards the end of the cooking process, ensuring they retain their shape and texture without becoming mushy. By allowing the sauce to thicken first, the beans can absorb the rich flavors of the spices, tomatoes, and beef without becoming overcooked. This technique ensures the beans remain distinct, adding a pleasant bite to the dish.

Moreover, kidney beans offer several nutritional advantages. They are an excellent source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, making the dish more filling and aiding in digestion. Kidney beans also contain essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, potassium, and various B vitamins, contributing to a well-rounded and nutritious meal.

In conclusion, while cheese can enhance the flavor and creaminess of a chili dish, kidney beans are the cornerstone of Gordon Ramsay's chili con carne. They provide texture, flavor, and nutritional benefits, making them an indispensable ingredient in this classic comfort food.

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