Italian > Pasta

Cacio Figurato with Lemon and Basil Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound Cacio Figurato cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Cheese grater

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Grate the Cacio Figurato cheese and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped basil.
3. Pour the dressing over the grated cheese and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: N/A
Temperature:
N/A
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 450mg
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 22g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Cacio Figurato cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil.

Variations:
- Add diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a pop of color and flavor.
- Substitute the lemon juice with balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist.
- Add cooked pasta to turn this into a pasta salad.

Tips and tricks:
- Use a microplane or fine grater to grate the cheese for a finer texture.
- Make sure the cheese is at room temperature before grating to make it easier to work with.
- Use high-quality olive oil for the dressing for the best flavor.

Storage instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
N/A

Presentation ideas:
Serve the Cacio Figurato with Lemon and Basil on a platter with a sprig of fresh basil on top.

Garnishes:
Fresh basil leaves

Pairings:
- Serve with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
- Pair with crusty bread or crackers for a delicious appetizer.

Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled vegetables
- Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted potatoes

Troubleshooting advice:
If the cheese is too salty, rinse it under cold water before grating.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to store any leftovers in the refrigerator and discard after 3 days.

Food history:
Cacio Figurato is a traditional Italian cheese made from sheep's milk. It is named after its unique shape, which resembles a pear or a gourd.

Flavor profiles:
The Cacio Figurato cheese has a nutty and slightly salty flavor, which pairs perfectly with the tangy lemon and fresh basil.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the Cacio Figurato with Lemon and Basil as an appetizer or a light lunch.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Italian

Taste: Tangy, Citrusy, Herbal, Savory, Aromatic