Goat Cheese's Vegetable Partners: A Culinary Adventure

what vegetables go well with goat cheese

Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups and pasta. Its tangy, creamy flavour and texture make it a great pairing with vegetables, and it can be used as a spread, topping, or filling. Some vegetables that go well with goat cheese include beetroot, spinach, arugula, sweet potato, zucchini, peppers, and mushrooms. Goat cheese can also be paired with fruits and nuts, and its creamy texture makes it ideal for spreading on warm bread or toast.

Characteristics Values
Vegetables Artichoke, Arugula, Asparagus, Avocado, Beetroot, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Corn, Cucumber, Mushrooms, Peppers, Pumpkin Seeds, Radish, Spinach, Sweet Potato, Zucchini/Courgette, Roasted Root Vegetables
Fruits Apricot, Apple, Blueberry, Fig, Green Beans, Guava, Honeydew, Nectarine, Peach, Pear, Persimmon, Pomegranate, Strawberry, Tomato
Herbs Basil, Chives, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Tarragon
Nuts Almonds, Hazelnut, Macadamia Nuts, Pine Nuts, Pistachio, Walnuts
Spices Cayenne Pepper, Chervil, Paprika, Black Pepper

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Goat cheese with roasted vegetables

Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to pizzas and even desserts. Its tangy, creamy flavour and texture pair well with vegetables, grains, proteins, and more. Here are some ideas for creating delicious combinations with goat cheese and roasted vegetables.

Roasted Vegetable Ideas

Roasted vegetables are a delicious and healthy option that can be easily elevated with the addition of goat cheese. Here are some vegetables that go well with goat cheese and can be roasted:

  • Beetroot: Beetroot has a sweet and earthy flavour that pairs well with the tanginess of goat cheese. Try roasting beetroot wedges and topping them with crumbled goat cheese and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a simple yet elegant side dish.
  • Zucchini: Sliced zucchini can be marinated and grilled, then topped with crumbled goat cheese for a tasty summer side.
  • Peppers: Bell peppers, especially the red and yellow varieties, have a natural sweetness that is enhanced by roasting. Combine them with goat cheese for a colourful and flavourful addition to any meal.
  • Mushrooms: Meaty mushrooms, such as portobello or cremini, can be roasted and topped with goat cheese for a hearty and savoury dish.
  • Sweet Potatoes: Roasted sweet potatoes have a natural sweetness that pairs well with the tang of goat cheese. Try them in a casserole or salad, or simply roasted with a dollop of goat cheese on top.

Salad Suggestions

In addition to roasted vegetables, goat cheese is a fantastic ingredient to include in salads. Here are some ideas for creating delicious and healthy goat cheese salads:

  • Arugula and Goat Cheese Salad: Combine peppery arugula with crumbled goat cheese, toasted walnuts, and sliced strawberries or apples. Add a tangy lemon dressing and some pumpkin seeds for a crunchy texture.
  • Roasted Beetroot Salad: Whisk together a simple dressing of fresh goat cheese, vinegar, and oil. Toss it with warm roasted beetroot, carrots, and beet greens for a colourful and flavourful salad.
  • Sweet Potato and Spinach Salad: Combine roasted sweet potatoes with spinach and caramelised onions, and crumbled goat cheese. This hearty salad is perfect for a mid-week dinner or weekend lunch.
  • Cucumber and Tomato Salad: Mix cucumbers and tomatoes with tangy tamarillo, aromatic basil, and creamy crumbled goat cheese. Top it with toasted panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture.

Hearty Mains

Goat cheese and roasted vegetables can also be combined to create more substantial mains:

  • Vegetable Tart: Use roasted vegetables of your choice as a base and top them with melted goat cheese for a savoury and creamy vegetable tart.
  • Goat Cheese Polenta: Serve warm roasted vegetables infused with garlic and sage on a bed of creamy polenta, with a generous topping of goat cheese.
  • Pasta: Create a simple pasta dish with roasted vegetables, leeks, walnuts, garlic, chilli, and goat cheese. This full-flavoured and textured dish comes together quickly for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of roasted vegetables and goat cheese to create your own unique dishes!

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Goat cheese and spinach soup

Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups. One such recipe that combines vegetables and goat cheese is the spinach and goat cheese soup. This soup is a delicious and creamy blend of flavours and nutrients, perfect for a hearty meal.

To make this soup, you'll need a combination of fresh spinach, potatoes, onions, and goat cheese as the main ingredients. Start by caramelizing the onions in a large skillet over high heat. Add a touch of butter and a quarter teaspoon of salt, and cook until the onions are browned. Then, add two tablespoons of water and some thyme, covering the pan to let the flavours meld together. Separately, boil the potatoes until soft, and then combine them with the onions, adding some broth and sherry or Marsala to enhance the flavours.

The next step is to stir in the spinach, cayenne, and nutmeg. Cover and cook until the spinach is tender but still retains its vibrant green colour. At this point, you can add some milk to the soup for extra creaminess. Remove the soup from the heat and stir in the star ingredient—goat cheese! Add a touch of butter and a tablespoon of lemon juice, allowing the cheese to melt and create a silky smooth texture.

For the final touch, puree the soup using an immersion blender or a regular blender in batches. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and lemon juice to your preference. Serve this delicious soup in bowls, garnished with a large soup crouton and some extra crumbled goat cheese on top. This soup is not only tasty but also nutritious, providing you with the health benefits of spinach, potatoes, and the tangy goodness of goat cheese.

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Goat cheese and beetroot salad

Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to desserts. Its complex tang and creamy texture make it a perfect partner for roasted beets in a salad. Here is a recipe for a delicious and healthy goat cheese and beetroot salad that is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

  • Beets (red, golden, or Chioggia beets)
  • Soft goat cheese
  • Walnuts
  • Fresh greens (arugula or spring mix)
  • Granny Smith apple or pear
  • Shallots
  • Olive oil
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Maple syrup
  • Garlic
  • Mustard
  • Sea salt
  • Black pepper

Optional Ingredients:

  • Honey
  • Dijon mustard
  • Red wine vinegar

Instructions:

Slice the beets into 1/4-inch-thick rounds and drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Roast them in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 60-65 minutes. Let them cool, then cut into one-inch cubes. Add the greens, shallots, apples or pears, walnuts, and cheese. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, and mustard. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.

Variations:

This salad is very flexible, and you can make substitutions based on your preferences. For example, you can swap out the beets for strawberries, use feta cheese instead of goat cheese, or try pecans, almonds, or pistachios instead of walnuts. You can also add sliced red onions or caramelized onions for extra flavour.

Tips:

  • You can cook the beets and make the dressing up to two days in advance and store them in the fridge.
  • If you want to add the dressing to the greens, do so just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.
  • Top the salad with the beets rather than mixing them in to avoid turning the entire salad pink.

This goat cheese and beetroot salad is a perfect side dish for any fall or winter meal, and it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next dinner party or holiday gathering. Enjoy!

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Goat cheese and sweet potato

Goat cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to desserts. Its creamy texture and tangy flavour make it a perfect pairing for many vegetables, including sweet potatoes.

Sweet potatoes, known for their vibrant orange colour and naturally sweet flavour, are a delicious and nutritious vegetable. When paired with goat cheese, the tanginess of the cheese balances the sweetness of the potato, creating a flavourful combination. This pairing can be used in a variety of ways, from simple baked dishes to more elaborate recipes.

One popular way to enjoy goat cheese and sweet potato is in a baked dish. This can be as simple as baking the sweet potatoes and topping them with dollops of creamy goat cheese, or you can create a more complex dish by stuffing the sweet potatoes with a mixture of goat cheese, Greek yoghurt, honey, and spices like cinnamon. Baking the sweet potatoes until they are soft and then topping them with a creamy, buttery cinnamon-whipped goat cheese mixture creates a luxurious side dish or main course.

Another option is to create sweet potato rounds or slices, which can be served as a healthy and tasty appetizer or finger food. Simply slice and bake the sweet potatoes, then top them with crumbled goat cheese, walnuts, and dried cranberries, and finish with a drizzle of honey and balsamic glaze or reduction. The combination of sweet, tangy, and crunchy textures and flavours makes this a delightful party appetiser or snack.

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Goat cheese and caramelised onions

Goat's cheese and caramelised onions are a match made in heaven. The sweetness of the onions is offset by the slight saltiness of the goat's cheese, creating a delicious savoury-sweet flavour combination.

One way to enjoy this pairing is in a tart. To make a caramelised onion and goat's cheese tart, start by making the pastry. This can be a simple short and buttery pastry that is easy to handle and roll out. For the filling, heat some olive oil in a large frying pan over low heat and add finely sliced onions. Cook, stirring regularly, for 20-25 minutes until they are soft and collapsed. Add some brown sugar and balsamic vinegar and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring to ensure the onions don't stick to the pan. They should now be a glossy pale toffee colour. In a bowl, whisk some eggs and then mix in cream, milk, and a little salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste. Spread the onion mixture evenly over the base of the tart shell. Break up the goat's cheese with your fingers and sprinkle it over the onions. Give the egg mixture another quick whisk and drizzle it over the top. Finish with a sprinkling of Parmesan and thyme sprigs. Bake the tart for 35-40 minutes, or until it is golden and lightly set. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Another option is to make caramelised onion and goat's cheese toast. Heat some oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and a pinch of salt, and cook for 5 minutes. Add some thyme and continue cooking over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown, about 20 to 30 minutes. Spread the caramelised onions on toast and top with creamy goat's cheese. This makes a great appetiser or side dish with soup or salad.

Goat's cheese and caramelised onions can also be used in a variety of other dishes, such as pasta, pizza, and salads. The versatility of goat's cheese makes it a great ingredient to experiment with, and its complex tang and creamy texture can enhance the flavour of many recipes.

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