Italian > Southern Italian > Calabrian > Canestrato Crotonese Cheese

Canestrato Crotonese with Sausage and Peppers Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb Canestrato Crotonese cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 lb Italian sausage, sliced
- 2 red bell peppers, sliced
- 2 green bell peppers, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced sausage to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the sliced peppers, onion, and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Add the cooked sausage back to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Add the cubed Canestrato Crotonese cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and combined with the sausage and peppers.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 35g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Canestrato Crotonese cheese can be substituted with any hard, salty cheese such as Pecorino Romano or Parmesan.
- Italian sausage can be substituted with any type of sausage or even ground beef or turkey.
- Red and green bell peppers can be substituted with any color of bell pepper or even other vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant.

Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet for an extra earthy flavor.
- Use spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat.
- Add a can of diced tomatoes to the skillet for a saucier dish.

Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cut the Canestrato Crotonese cheese into small cubes so that it melts evenly.
- Use a wooden spoon to stir the ingredients in the skillet to avoid scratching the surface of the pan.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve in a large bowl or on a platter for a family-style meal.

Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Pairings:
Serve with a glass of red wine such as Chianti or Sangiovese.

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

Troubleshooting advice:
If the cheese is not melting evenly, try adding a splash of milk or cream to the skillet to help it melt.

Food safety advice:
Be sure to cook the sausage to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
Canestrato Crotonese is a hard, salty cheese that originated in the Calabria region of Italy.

Flavor profiles:
Salty, savory, and slightly spicy.

Serving suggestions:
Serve as a main dish or as a side dish to a larger meal.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Herbal, Aromatic