![what kind of cheese is el viajero panela basket cheese](https://cycheese.com/images/resources/what-kind-of-cheese-is-el-viajero-panela-basket-cheese_20250211115919.webp)
El Viajero Queso Panela Basket is a traditional Mexican basket cheese made from 100% Wisconsin milk. It is a mild, white cheese with a firm, crumbly texture. As it softens without melting, it is a popular cooking cheese, adding a rich dairy flavour to recipes and casseroles. Panela cheese is made from cow's milk, and its history dates back to pre-Hispanic times. It is traditionally made by curdling the milk with rennet or lemon juice, shaping it into a round mould, and pressing it to remove excess whey.
What You'll Learn
- El Viajero Queso Panela Basket is a traditional Mexican basket cheese
- It is a fresh, mild, white cheese with a firm, crumbly texture
- Panela cheese is made from cow's milk, salt, and enzymes
- It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes
- Panela is a good source of calcium and protein and is suitable for those who are lactose intolerant
El Viajero Queso Panela Basket is a traditional Mexican basket cheese
The name "Panela" comes from the Spanish word "basket", as this cheese takes on the shape of the basket in which it was formed. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, both sweet and savoury. Its mildly tangy flavour pairs well with fruits like figs, grapes, and apples, making it a delightful addition to cheese platters and dessert boards. When combined with honey or agave nectar, it becomes a delicious spread for crackers or toast.
In the kitchen, Panela cheese is a wonderful cooking cheese. It softens but does not melt, making it perfect for grilling or frying without losing its shape. This characteristic sets it apart from other cheeses and makes it a unique ingredient. It can be sliced or crumbled and added to salads, sandwiches, tacos, and quesadillas. Its mild flavour and crumbly texture also make it an excellent garnish, as it allows other ingredients and flavours to shine.
El Viajero Queso Panela Basket is made from pasteurized 100% Wisconsin milk, ensuring safety and quality. It is similar in texture to mozzarella and shares some characteristics with Indian paneer cheese, such as its resistance to melting. Each serving provides 6 grams of protein, 20% of the recommended daily calcium intake, no trans fat, and only 5 grams of fat. This makes it a nutritious and tasty addition to any meal or snack.
Crumbling Cheese: What's the Deal?
You may want to see also
It is a fresh, mild, white cheese with a firm, crumbly texture
El Viajero Queso Panela Basket is a fresh, mild, white cheese with a firm, crumbly texture. This authentic Mexican cheese is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavour and texture of various dishes. Its mildness and crumbly texture make it an excellent topping or filling, as it can easily absorb other flavours without overwhelming them.
As a fresh cheese, Panela is typically consumed shortly after production to enjoy its delicate, milky flavour. It is made from cow's milk and has a soft, creamy texture, similar to mozzarella, that sets it apart from other cheeses. Unlike cheeses that melt easily, such as mozzarella or cheddar, Panela softens without losing its shape, making it ideal for grilling or frying. This characteristic also enables it to be stuffed into pastries or added to baked goods, providing a gooey, melted texture without becoming runny.
In terms of taste, Panela cheese offers a mildly tangy and slightly sweet flavour, making it a delightful addition to both sweet and savoury dishes. It pairs well with fruits like figs, grapes, and apples, and can be drizzled with honey or agave nectar to create a savoury-sweet spread for crackers or toast. Its high melting point and ability to hold its shape when heated make it a popular choice for Latin American recipes, including Colombian empanadas and Mexican quesadillas.
Nutritionally, Panela cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, and it is lower in fat and calories compared to some other cheeses. It is also suitable for individuals who are lactose intolerant, as the cheese-making process removes most of the lactose present in the milk. However, it is important to note that it is still high in sodium, so consumption should be moderated for those with high blood pressure or related conditions.
Overall, El Viajero Queso Panela Basket cheese is a delightful, versatile ingredient that can add a rich, creamy element to culinary creations. Its mild, fresh flavour and unique texture make it a perfect choice for those seeking an authentic Mexican cheese experience.
Best Cheeses for Broccoli-Stuffed Chicken Breasts
You may want to see also
Panela cheese is made from cow's milk, salt, and enzymes
El Viajero Queso Panela Basket is a type of cheese made from cow's milk, salt, and enzymes. It is a traditional Mexican basket cheese, taking its name from the basket-shaped mould in which it is formed. This cheese is an essential ingredient in authentic Mexican recipes and dishes, adding flavour, texture, and an exciting dimension to your culinary creations.
Panela cheese is made from pasteurized cow's milk, with the addition of salt and enzymes playing a crucial role in its production. The process begins by heating the milk and then coagulating it using a combination of acids and enzymes, causing the milk to curdle. This curdling action separates the milk into curds and whey. The curds are then pressed to remove excess moisture, and the resulting cheese is moulded into the desired shape.
The unique combination of cow's milk, salt, and enzymes gives Panela cheese its distinctive characteristics. It is known for its mild, slightly sweet flavour and soft, crumbly texture, making it a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savoury dishes. The mildness of the cheese allows it to complement other ingredients, enhancing their flavours without overwhelming them.
In terms of its nutritional profile, Panela cheese is a good source of calcium and protein. It is also lower in fat and calories compared to some other cheeses, making it a more nutritious option for those conscious of their calorie intake. However, it is important to note that it contains high levels of sodium, so individuals with high blood pressure should consume it in moderation.
Overall, the combination of cow's milk, salt, and enzymes in the production of Panela cheese results in a delicious and versatile ingredient that is beloved in Latin American cuisine. Its mild flavour and soft texture make it a perfect addition to a variety of dishes, adding a rich and creamy element to any meal.
Cheddar Powder Choice for a Farmer's Cheese
You may want to see also
It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes
El Viajero Queso Panela Basket is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. This Mexican basket cheese is a mild, white cheese with a firm, crumbly texture. Its characteristics allow it to absorb other flavours easily, making it a wonderful cooking cheese.
In savoury dishes, Panela cheese is often added to salads, sandwiches, tacos, and omelettes. It can be crumbled over dishes, grated as a topping, or melted into sauces. Due to its high melting point, it is also suitable for grilling and frying, making it a great addition to quesadillas and other hot dishes.
When it comes to sweet dishes, Panela cheese pairs well with fruits like figs, grapes, and apples. It can be combined with honey or agave nectar to create a delicious spread for crackers or toast. In countries like Colombia and Venezuela, Panela is commonly used in dishes such as arepas, empanadas, and pandebonos. The cheese's ability to hold its shape when heated makes it ideal for stuffing pastries and adding a melted texture to baked goods.
Whether in savoury or sweet dishes, El Viajero Queso Panela Basket is a versatile and flavourful ingredient that can enhance the taste and texture of your culinary creations.
The Ultimate Cheeses for a Perfect Grilled Sandwich
You may want to see also
Panela is a good source of calcium and protein and is suitable for those who are lactose intolerant
El Viajero Panela Basket Cheese is a type of Mexican cheese with a mild, white, fresh flavour and a firm, crumbly texture. It is made from cow's milk and is traditionally pressed into a round shape using a pan or mould. This cheese is a good source of calcium and protein and offers several health benefits.
Firstly, panela cheese is an excellent source of calcium, which is crucial for maintaining strong and healthy bones and teeth. Calcium plays a vital role in bone health throughout life, from building strong bones during childhood to preserving bone density as we age.
Secondly, panela is a good source of high-quality protein. Protein is essential for muscle growth, repair, and maintenance. The body uses protein to build and replace tissues, and it is especially important for those who are physically active or looking to build muscle mass.
In addition to calcium and protein, panela cheese contains other essential vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of vitamin A, which is important for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and immune function. Panela also contains phosphorus and potassium, which are necessary for energy production, nerve function, and various other bodily processes.
Another benefit of panela cheese is its suitability for those who are lactose intolerant. The process of making panela involves removing most of the lactose present in the milk, making it a safe and enjoyable option for those with lactose intolerance.
While panela cheese offers these nutritional benefits, it is important to consume it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Like most cheeses, it contains saturated fat and sodium, so consuming large amounts regularly can contribute to excess saturated fat and sodium intake.
Tiramisu's Cheesy Secret: What's Inside This Italian Dessert?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
El Viajero Panela Basket Cheese is a traditional Mexican basket cheese. It is a mild, white, fresh cheese with a firm and crumbly texture.
El Viajero Panela Basket Cheese is made from cow's milk, as well as salt and enzymes. It is pasteurized and made with 100% Wisconsin milk.
El Viajero Panela Basket Cheese is a versatile cooking cheese. It can be crumbled over salads, tacos, and sandwiches, or melted into sauces. It can also be grilled or fried without losing its shape, making it a good option for quesadillas and other hot dishes.