Enhancing Parmesan: Spices That Complement The King Of Cheeses

Parmesan cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used to enhance a variety of dishes. When it comes to spices that complement Parmesan, several options can be considered. One popular combination is Parmesan with garlic, creating a blend that can be used as a topping for pasta, oven chips, steak, or chicken. Additionally, dried herbs such as parsley, oregano, basil, and thyme are often paired with Parmesan, especially in Italian cuisine. For those who enjoy a hint of spice, paprika or red pepper can be added to Parmesan-based dishes for a subtle kick. Parmesan cheese is also commonly used in salads, where it is paired with ingredients like arugula, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil to create a flavorful and nutritious dish.

Basil, oregano, and other Italian herbs

Parmesan cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of spices and herbs to enhance its flavour. One classic combination is parmesan with basil and oregano, two herbs commonly used in Italian cuisine.

Basil is a popular herb that pairs well with parmesan, especially in Italian dishes. It has a slightly peppery taste that can add a spicy kick to your meal. Fresh basil is often used in dishes like caprese salad, where it is layered with sliced mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar. Basil can also be mixed with other cheeses like ricotta and mozzarella to stuff ravioli or used in a traditional lasagna recipe.

Oregano is another herb that blends beautifully with parmesan and other Italian cheeses. It has a more robust and earthy flavour that can enhance the taste of your dishes. When cooking lasagna, you can add oregano to the mix of cheeses and tomatoes for a flavourful twist. Oregano also goes well with other Italian dishes like pizza and pasta sauces.

In addition to basil and oregano, other Italian herbs can complement parmesan cheese. Parsley, for example, is often used in parmesan herb mixes and can add a fresh flavour to your dishes. Thyme is another herb that pairs well with parmesan and can be used in recipes like parmesan herb crescent rolls or salad dressings.

You can create your own parmesan herb mix by blending dried Italian seasoning, dried parsley flakes, garlic powder, and ground red pepper. This mix can be sprinkled over pasta, vegetables, salads, or used as a breading for chicken. You can also get creative and experiment with other Italian herbs like rosemary, sage, or marjoram to find your own unique flavour combinations.

So, the next time you're looking to add some flavour to your dishes, consider reaching for basil, oregano, and other Italian herbs to enhance the taste of your parmesan cheese.

Parsley, onion, and garlic

Parsley is a versatile herb that can be used fresh or dried. It has a bright, fresh flavour that goes well with Parmesan. When used alongside onion and garlic, it adds a nice, subtle flavour to dishes without being overpowering. It is often used as a garnish, but it can also be added to dishes during cooking to build flavour.

Onion is a staple ingredient in many dishes and goes well with Parmesan. It has a sweet flavour when cooked, which can help to balance the saltiness of the cheese. Onions can be used in a variety of ways, such as being caramelised, sautéed, or raw. When used with garlic and parsley, they create a flavourful base for dishes like pasta sauces or dips.

Garlic has a strong, distinctive flavour that pairs well with Parmesan. It can be used in a variety of forms, such as fresh cloves, powdered, or dried flakes. When combined with onion and parsley, it adds a savoury depth of flavour to dishes.

Together, these three ingredients create a flavour profile that enhances the taste of Parmesan cheese. They can be used in a variety of dishes, such as:

• Pasta sauces: Sautéed garlic and onions can be combined with parsley and Parmesan to create a delicious sauce for pasta.
• Salad dressings: A blend of dried parsley, onion flakes, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese can be mixed with olive oil and vinegar to make a tasty salad dressing.
• Breads: Parsley, onion, and garlic can be mixed with Parmesan and used as a topping or mixed into the dough for savoury breads.
• Dips: These three ingredients can be combined with sour cream or cream cheese to make a tasty dip for vegetables or chips.
• Seasoning blends: Parsley, onion, and garlic can be blended with Parmesan to create a versatile seasoning mix that can be used on meats, vegetables, or popcorn.

So, whether you're looking to create a savoury dish, a tasty snack, or a flavourful seasoning, the combination of parsley, onion, and garlic is a great choice to enhance the flavour of Parmesan cheese.

Spicy arugula salad

Ingredients:

• Arugula (baby arugula is ideal for a milder flavour)
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper (freshly ground)
• Parmesan cheese (shaved with a vegetable peeler or grated)
• Pine nuts (toasted)
• Honey

Optional Ingredients:

• Garlic powder
• Dried parsley
• Paprika
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Dried thyme

Instructions:

• Make the dressing by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
• Place the arugula in a large bowl. Drizzle with the dressing and toss until the leaves are evenly coated.
• Add the shaved or grated Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts, if using.
• For added spice, you can include garlic powder, dried parsley, paprika, or a combination of dried oregano, basil, and thyme. These spices will enhance the flavour of the salad and complement the Parmesan cheese.
• Toss the salad gently to incorporate the cheese, nuts, and any additional spices.
• Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it is too sharp, add a little more olive oil. If it is dull, add a sprinkle of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice.
• This salad is best served immediately to preserve the texture of the arugula and the freshness of the flavours.

Enjoy your spicy arugula salad with Parmesan cheese and spices!

Thyme and goat's cheese

One option is to make thyme and goat's cheese crackers. This recipe involves blending goat's cheese and butter with thyme, zest, salt, and pepper, and then adding flour to create a dough. The dough is then rolled into a log, chilled, and cut into discs before being baked until golden.

Another idea is to create goat's cheese and thyme thumbprint cookies. These cookies have a double dose of goat's cheese: it is creamed into the dough and also smeared on top of the baked cookies with a touch of honey. The addition of whole-wheat flour and thyme gives these cookies a savoury, earthy flavour that pairs perfectly with the goat's cheese.

For something simpler, you can marinate fresh goat's cheese in olive oil with thyme and other herbs and spices. This infused goat's cheese can then be used as a topping for crackers, a spread for sandwiches, or crumbled into salads.

Whether you're looking for a savoury snack or an interesting addition to your cheese platter, the combination of thyme and goat's cheese is a delicious and versatile option.

Paprika and chilli

A simple way to incorporate these ingredients is to make a Parmesan chilli pasta. Cook penne pasta according to the packet instructions, drain the water, and then pour over some extra virgin olive oil. The oil is a must as it helps the cheese stick to the pasta and enhances the flavour. Grate a generous amount of parmesan cheese and sprinkle over dried chilli flakes, to taste. Mix well and serve. This is a quick and easy meal that can be adjusted to your liking—add more or less of the spices and cheese to suit your preference.

For a more substantial meal, you can make a chicken parm chilli. This one-pot meal is perfect for when you're craving chicken parmesan but don't want the hassle of making it. Heat some olive oil in a Dutch oven or soup pot and add sliced garlic and onion. Once translucent, add oregano and red pepper flakes with another dash of olive oil and toast the spices until fragrant. Then, mix with the onions and garlic. Add salt, pepper, and ground chicken to the pot and brown. Next, add beans, broth, tomatoes, a parmesan rind, and some fresh herbs. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Ladle into bowls and garnish with more parmesan, mozzarella, herbs, and ricotta cheese.

You can also try chilli con carne, which features paprika and is served with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese. This dish takes longer to make but is well worth the effort. It's a great option to make in a large batch and freeze for later. The recipe involves dissolving brown sugar in a pan with water and heating until the sugar caramelises. Add white wine vinegar, olive oil, and garlic to the mixture. Then, add onions, carrots, peppers, and bay leaves and cook for 8-10 minutes. Add cubed beef and cook for another 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then add paprika, flour, and crushed tomatoes. Let this simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, and then add some red wine. After the 45 minutes, stir in the beans and cook for a further 15 minutes. Serve with a dollop of plain yoghurt and a sprinkling of parmesan cheese. You can also serve it with rice or pasta.

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