Italian > Italian Cheeses > Canestrati Pugliesi

Canestrato Pugliese with Mushrooms and Ricotta Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb Canestrato Pugliese cheese, sliced
- 1 lb mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- None

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add the mushrooms and thyme to the skillet and sauté until the mushrooms are tender and the liquid has evaporated.
4. Season the mushrooms with salt and pepper to taste.
5. In a baking dish, layer the Canestrato Pugliese cheese slices.
6. Spoon the mushroom mixture over the cheese.
7. Top the mushrooms with dollops of ricotta cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve hot.


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

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 25g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Canestrato Pugliese cheese can be substituted with any hard cheese, such as Parmesan or Pecorino Romano.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese or feta cheese.

Variations:
- Add sliced onions to the mushroom mixture for extra flavor.
- Top the dish with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to slice the cheese thinly for even melting.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the mushrooms from sticking.
- Serve the dish with crusty bread for dipping.

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

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the dish in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the dish in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika.

Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil
- Paprika

Pairings:
- Serve with a crisp green salad for a light meal.
- Pair with a full-bodied red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.

Suggested side dishes:
- Crusty bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled chicken or steak

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese is not melting evenly, try slicing it thinner or using a different type of cheese.

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

Food history:
- Canestrato Pugliese is a hard cheese from the Puglia region of Italy. It is made from sheep's milk and has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor.

Flavor profiles:
- The dish has a rich, savory flavor from the cheese and mushrooms, with a creamy texture from the ricotta.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the dish as an appetizer or a light meal.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Rich, Creamy, Earthy, Nutty, Aromatic