Bushra Griffith
Parmesan cheese is a hard, dry cheese that can last for several months in the refrigerator. However, it can become rock-hard and difficult to grate. If you find yourself with a dried-out wedge of Parmesan, there are several tricks you can use to revive it. Celebrity chef Martha Stewart suggests wrapping the cheese in a damp cheesecloth and then in plastic wrap. Other methods include using vinegar to moisten the cheesecloth or brushing the cheese with milk and microwaving it. If you're looking for ways to use up dried-out Parmesan without softening it first, you can grate it over soups, stews, sauces, or beans, or use the rind to add flavour to pizza sauces, pasta dishes, or soups.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Revival method 1 | Wrap dried-out Parmesan in a wet piece of cheesecloth and then cover it in plastic wrap. |
| Revival method 2 | Use a Ziploc bag or sheet of foil instead of plastic wrap. |
| Revival method 3 | Brush the cheese with milk and microwave it for a minute. |
| Revival method 4 | Soak the cheesecloth in vinegar instead of water. |
| Revival method 5 | Enclose a vinegar-soaked sponge in a resealable plastic bag with the cheese. |
| Alternative uses | Use Parmesan rinds to flavor pizza sauces, pasta dishes, soups, stews, sauces, beans, or bolognese. |
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What You'll Learn
Use it to flavour soups, stews, sauces or beans
Dried-out Parmesan cheese can be used to flavour soups, stews, sauces, or beans. The rind of Parmesan cheese can be added to soups or stews to impart a nutty flavour. It can also be grated and sprinkled over pasta, vegetables, or salads to add a savoury boost of flavour.
When adding dried-out Parmesan to soups or stews, it is recommended to add it towards the end of the cooking process to retain its flavour. If you're making a soup or stew that requires a long cooking time, you can add the Parmesan rind during the cooking process and then remove it before serving.
For sauces, dried-out Parmesan can be grated and added directly to the sauce. You can also try melting small pieces of the dried-out cheese in a warm pan and using it as a base for your sauce.
When using dried-out Parmesan in beans, you can try rehydrating the cheese first by wrapping it in a damp cheesecloth and then in plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator overnight. This will help the cheese regain some moisture, making it easier to incorporate into your bean dishes.
Remember, a little Parmesan goes a long way, so start with a small amount and adjust to your taste preferences.
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Toast pieces of rind and put them on bread
Dried-out Parmesan cheese can be revived using a trick shared by Martha Stewart. However, if you are looking for ways to use the dried-out cheese, you can toast pieces of the rind and put them on bread.
To do this, slice off pieces of the Parmesan rind. Toast them over an open flame, such as a gas stove, until the insides are gooey and the outsides are toasted. You can then place the toasted rind pieces on bread.
The rind of Parmigiano-Reggiano is packed with flavour and can be used to enrich sauces, soups, stews, and more. It can be added to broths and stocks to add a subtle burst of rich cheesiness. When adding the rind to a dish, it is recommended to let it cook for at least 30 minutes and up to several hours to unleash as much flavour as possible. Remember to stir occasionally to ensure even flavour distribution and prevent sticking.
While the rind can be eaten, it is typically removed before serving. So, if you are looking to add flavour to your dishes without wasting the rind, toasting pieces and placing them on bread is a delicious option.
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Use it to flavour pizza sauces and pasta dishes
Dried-out Parmesan cheese can be used to flavour pizza sauces and pasta dishes. If you're making a pizza, grate the dried-out Parmesan cheese and sprinkle it over your sauce before adding the rest of your toppings. This will add a burst of flavour to your pizza.
Similarly, dried-out Parmesan cheese can be grated and added to pasta dishes. You can also try shaving or grating the dried-out cheese into a pasta sauce to add a nutty flavour. The cheese can be added while cooking the pasta sauce or sprinkled on top of the pasta dish just before serving.
If you're feeling creative, you can try toasting small slices of the dried-out Parmesan cheese over an open flame, like a gas stove, and adding them to your pasta dish for a unique touch. Alternatively, you can use the rind of the Parmesan cheese, which is the hard outer part, to flavour your pasta dishes. Simply add the rind to your sauce while cooking, or remove it before serving for a subtle nutty flavour.
If you're looking to soften your dried-out Parmesan cheese before using it in pizza sauces or pasta dishes, there are a few tricks you can try. One method is to wrap the cheese in a damp cheesecloth and then cover it with plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator for a few hours. This will help add moisture back into the cheese, making it easier to grate. Another trick is to brush the cheese with milk and microwave it for a minute, giving you softer cheese in no time.
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Wrap in a damp cloth and cover in plastic wrap
If your Parmesan cheese has dried out, you can try wrapping it in a damp cloth and covering it in plastic wrap to restore moisture to the cheese. First, take a piece of cheesecloth big enough to wrap around the cheese, wet it, and wring it out. Then, wrap the damp cheesecloth tightly around the cheese. Finally, add a layer of plastic wrap around the whole thing. Place the wrapped cheese in the refrigerator for a few hours, and it should be somewhat moister than before.
This method can be used with authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano or any wedge of cheese labeled Parmesan. It may also work with other hard, nutty cheeses such as Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano.
There are also other methods to soften dried-out Parmesan cheese. One basic method is similar, except a Ziploc bag or sheet of foil is used instead of plastic wrap. Another method involves brushing the cheese with milk and microwaving it for a minute. Additionally, you can try replacing the water with vinegar, either by using it to moisten the cheesecloth or by enclosing a vinegar-soaked sponge in a resealable plastic bag along with the cheese.
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Brush with milk and microwave for a minute
If you have dried-out Parmesan cheese, you can brush it with milk and microwave it for a minute to restore its texture. This method is ideal for those who want to revive their dried-out Parmesan cheese quickly and effectively.
First, take your dried-out Parmesan cheese and brush it with a small amount of milk. Ensure that the cheese is evenly coated, as this will help to rehydrate the cheese and restore its texture.
Next, place the brushed cheese in the microwave and set the timer for one minute. The microwave's heat, combined with the moisture from the milk, will help to soften the cheese and make it more pliable.
During the microwaving process, the milk will be absorbed into the cheese, infusing it with moisture and flavour. The heat will also cause the milk to evaporate, creating a slightly crispy exterior on the cheese while maintaining a softer and more supple interior.
Once the minute is up, carefully remove the cheese from the microwave and allow it to cool slightly. You can then enjoy your revitalised Parmesan cheese, which will have a similar texture and taste to fresh Parmesan.
This method is a quick and convenient way to restore dried-out Parmesan cheese to a usable and tasty state, ensuring that you can make the most of this delicious and versatile ingredient.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several things you can do with dried-out Parmesan cheese. You can grate it and use it to flavour soups, stews, sauces, beans, or pasta dishes. You can also slice the rind into pieces, toast them over an open flame, and put them on some bread.
One way to revive dried-out Parmesan cheese is to wrap it in a damp piece of cheesecloth and then cover it with plastic wrap. After a few hours in the refrigerator, the cheese should be somewhat moister.
Yes, there are a few alternative methods. One way is to brush the cheese with milk and microwave it for a minute. Another method is to use vinegar to moisten the cheesecloth or enclose a vinegar-soaked sponge in a resealable plastic bag with the cheese.
Yes, dried-out Parmesan cheese is still safe to eat. However, if there are any mouldy bits, cut them off before consuming the cheese.
Yes, dried-out Parmesan cheese can still be used in recipes that call for grated or shaved cheese. It can be grated and used in carbonara or shaved and used in salads or pasta dishes.
