Italian > Antipasti > Canestrati Crotonesi

Canestrato Crotonese with Mushrooms and Prosciutto Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1/2 pound Canestrato Crotonese cheese, grated
- 1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced
- 4 slices of prosciutto, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- None

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and are browned, about 10 minutes.
5. Add the chopped prosciutto and cook for another 2 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. In a baking dish, layer half of the grated Canestrato Crotonese cheese.
8. Add the mushroom and prosciutto mixture on top of the cheese.
9. Layer the remaining Canestrato Crotonese cheese on top of the mushroom mixture.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Serve hot.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 20g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Canestrato Crotonese cheese can be substituted with any hard, salty cheese such as Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano Reggiano.
- Mushrooms can be substituted with any other type of mushroom.
- Prosciutto can be substituted with bacon or pancetta.

Variations:
- Add chopped fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the mushroom and prosciutto mixture.
- Add sliced onions to the mushroom and prosciutto mixture.
- Top with chopped fresh tomatoes before baking.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to grate the cheese finely to ensure even melting.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the mushroom mixture from sticking.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the melted cheese.

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

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve on a platter with fresh herbs and sliced bread.

Garnishes:
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or basil.

Pairings:
- Serve with a light red wine such as Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.

Suggested side dishes:
- Serve with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese is not melting evenly, try grating it more finely or spreading it more evenly in the baking dish.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the mushrooms and prosciutto thoroughly to prevent any foodborne illness.

Food history:
- Canestrato Crotonese is a hard cheese made from sheep's milk in the Calabria region of Italy.

Flavor profiles:
- Canestrato Crotonese is salty and nutty, while the mushrooms and prosciutto add a savory and earthy flavor.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or as a main course with a side salad.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Umami, Salty, Rich, Earthy