Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. giuncata cheese
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Cheese grater
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet and stir to coat with the butter and oil. Cook the onions for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown.
3. While the onions are cooking, grate the giuncata cheese using a cheese grater and set aside.
4. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has thickened and become syrupy.
5. Once the onions are caramelized, pour the balsamic syrup over the onions and stir to coat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the onions are coated in the syrup.
6. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated giuncata cheese and crumbled gorgonzola cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.
8. Spread the caramelized onions evenly in the bottom of a baking dish.
9. Spoon the cheese mixture over the onions, spreading it out evenly.
10. Bake the giuncata with caramelized onions and gorgonzola in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 350
Fat per serving: 22g
Carbohydrates per serving: 22g
Protein per serving: 16g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Giuncata cheese can be substituted with ricotta cheese or cottage cheese.
- Gorgonzola cheese can be substituted with blue cheese or feta cheese.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
- Balsamic vinegar can be substituted with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
Variations:
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cheese mixture for added crunch.
- Top the giuncata with caramelized onions and gorgonzola with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before baking.
- Serve the dish with toasted bread or crackers for dipping.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to thinly slice the onions for even caramelization.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the onions from sticking to the pan.
- Grate the giuncata cheese finely for a smoother texture.
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the giuncata with caramelized onions and gorgonzola in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the giuncata with caramelized onions and gorgonzola in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
Pairings:
Pair the giuncata with caramelized onions and gorgonzola with a light red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve the dish with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese is not melting evenly, try stirring it halfway through the baking time.
- If the onions are burning, reduce the heat and stir more frequently.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the giuncata with caramelized onions and gorgonzola to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Giuncata is a fresh cheese made from cow's milk that is popular in Italy. It is similar in texture to ricotta cheese.
Flavor profiles:
The giuncata with caramelized onions and gorgonzola has a creamy and tangy flavor from the cheese, a sweet and savory flavor from the caramelized onions, and a sharp and salty flavor from the gorgonzola cheese.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the giuncata with caramelized onions and gorgonzola as an appetizer or a main dish with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
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