Soft Cheeses To Pair With Manchego: A Guide

Manchego is a semi-soft, pale-yellow Spanish cheese with a distinctive rind and a fruity, nutty, tangy and sweet flavour. It is made from sheep's milk and is known for its signature rind, dense texture and piquant flavour. While Manchego is delicious on its own, it can also be paired with other foods. So, what soft cheese goes with Manchego?

Honey, almonds, and quince paste

Quince paste is made from the pulp of the quince fruit and has a sweet, thick, jelly-like consistency. It is usually sold in round or rectangular plastic tubs and is firm enough to be sliced. The paste pairs well with the salty, nutty flavour of Manchego, creating a symphony of flavours.

Honey's natural sweetness also perfectly complements the salty tang of Manchego. The honey can be drizzled over the cheese or used in a honey-infused dish. The sweetness of the honey balances the salty, nutty flavour of the cheese, creating a delightful culinary experience.

Almonds, with their distinct flavour and crunch, provide a wonderful contrast to the smooth, creamy texture of Manchego. Toasted almonds can be used as a garnish or tossed into a salad with Manchego cheese, adding an extra dimension to the dish.

Together, honey, almonds, and quince paste create a unique and exquisite combination with Manchego cheese, enhancing its flavour and making it a true delight for the senses.

Salads and pasta

Manchego cheese is a versatile ingredient that can add a unique flavour to salads and pasta dishes. Its salty and sweet notes, along with its smooth texture, make it a perfect addition to salads, giving them a salty punch. When added to pasta, it melts beautifully, creating a delectable salty touch.

Salads

For a simple yet delicious salad, combine green leaves with dried fruits and a drizzle of honey. The sweetness of the honey and dried fruits pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the cheese, creating a mouth-watering mix of flavours. You can also add a handful of nuts, such as almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts, for a crunchy texture and extra depth of flavour.

If you're feeling more adventurous, try a sweet and salty Manchego salad. This combination includes honey, tomato jam, dried raisins, or fruits such as figs, apricots, or dates. The sweet and salty dynamic is tantalising and will leave you wanting more.

Pasta

Manchego cheese is an excellent choice for pasta dishes due to its melting quality. Grate it on top of your favourite pasta, such as penne or lasagna, to add a delicious, salty crust. Even a simple spaghetti dish can be elevated by grating some Manchego on top.

For a baked pasta dish, try combining Manchego with chorizo. The cheese will melt beautifully and create a harmonious blend of flavours. You can also experiment with adding vegetables, such as corn on the cob or Brussels sprouts, to create a well-rounded and tasty meal.

Tapas and burgers

Manchego is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from tapas to burgers, and everything in between. Its distinctive flavour and texture make it a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of Spanish flair to their culinary creations.

Tapas

When it comes to tapas, Manchego is a popular choice, often paired with other Spanish delicacies such as jamón Serrano, marinated olives, and bread. Its dense texture and piquant flavour make it a perfect match for the salty, cured ham and briny olives. For a simple yet elegant tapa, try heating a piece of Manchego and topping it with a drizzle of honey and some toasted almonds. The sweetness of the honey and the crunch of the almonds create a delightful contrast to the creamy cheese.

Another classic pairing for Manchego tapas is with fresh or dried fruits, such as figs, dates, and quince paste (membrillo). The sweetness of the fruit complements the savoury cheese, creating a unique culinary experience. Sun-dried tomatoes are also a great option, adding a burst of umami flavour to the plate.

For a more savoury take on Manchego tapas, pair it with Marcona almonds, fried in sunflower oil and salted. The sweet and nutty flavours of the almonds marry beautifully with the cheese. Another option is jamón Iberico, which has a complex personality of sweet and nutty flavours that melt in the mouth, providing a superb partner for the assertive Manchego.

Burgers

Adding Manchego to a burger brings a surprising twist to this classic dish. When melted, Manchego adds an extra layer of savoury, intense flavour that complements the meat patty beautifully. Its rich, nutty flavour and firm texture make it a perfect choice for those looking to elevate their burger game.

Whether served as a tapas or melted on a burger, Manchego is a versatile and delicious cheese that is sure to add a touch of Spanish flair to any dish. With its unique flavour profile and excellent melting characteristics, it is a great choice for those looking to explore the world of Spanish cuisine.

Sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and figs

Sun-dried tomatoes, with their intense flavour and chewy texture, make a great contrast to the salty, creamy Manchego. Olives, particularly marinated ones, also complement the cheese's saltiness, while the sweet flesh and crunchy seeds of figs provide a delightful textural contrast to the firm cheese.

A simple way to enjoy these ingredients together is to prepare a charcuterie platter with sliced Manchego, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives. You can also dice the ingredients and mix them together with olive oil to make a tapas-style dish. For a heartier option, try serving the cheese and tomatoes with a warm focaccia bread studded with olives.

When pairing drinks with this combination, consider a glass of red wine or dry sherry. A Manzanilla, a dry but fresh white wine, would also complement the salty and sweet flavours of the Manchego, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and figs.

Jamón Serrano and marinated olives

Serrano ham-stuffed olives are a common appetiser in Spain, made with Manzanilla green olives, water, Serrano ham paste, a stabiliser, salt, a flavour enhancer (monosodium glutamate), an acidulant (citric acid), and an antioxidant. These olives are sold in 4.5oz cans.

Jamón Serrano can also be used to make a cherry jam, which involves adding cherries and sugar to a pot with olive oil and minced Serrano peppers.

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