Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 wheel of Furmaggiu du Quagliu cheese (about 1 lb)
- 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup of pine nuts
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Grill pan or outdoor grill
- Food processor or blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cut the Furmaggiu du Quagliu cheese into 1/2-inch slices.
3. In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil. Pulse until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Brush both sides of the cheese slices with the pesto sauce.
5. Place the cheese slices on the grill pan or outdoor grill. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and slightly charred.
6. Remove the cheese slices from the grill and transfer them to a serving plate.
7. Garnish with additional pesto sauce and fresh basil leaves.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 6-8 minutes
Temperature:
Grill pan or outdoor grill: medium-high heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 18g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Furmaggiu du Quagliu cheese can be substituted with any soft, creamy cheese such as Brie or Camembert.
- Pine nuts can be substituted with walnuts or almonds.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced tomatoes or roasted red peppers on top of the grilled cheese for extra flavor.
- Use different herbs such as parsley or cilantro instead of basil for a different flavor profile.
- Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top of the grilled cheese for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the grill pan or outdoor grill is well-oiled to prevent the cheese from sticking.
- Use a spatula to carefully flip the cheese slices to prevent them from breaking apart.
- Serve the grilled cheese immediately while it's still warm and gooey.
Storage instructions:
Leftover grilled cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the grilled cheese, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the grilled cheese on a wooden board or platter with additional pesto sauce and fresh basil leaves for garnish.
Garnishes:
Fresh basil leaves, balsamic glaze, sliced tomatoes, roasted red peppers.
Pairings:
Crusty bread, crackers, sliced apples, grapes, white wine.
Suggested side dishes:
Mixed greens salad, roasted vegetables, grilled asparagus.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the cheese starts to melt too quickly, lower the heat on the grill pan or outdoor grill.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use pasteurized cheese to prevent the risk of foodborne illness.
Food history:
Furmaggiu du Quagliu is a soft, creamy cheese from Sardinia, Italy. It's made from sheep's milk and has a mild, slightly tangy flavor.
Flavor profiles:
Creamy, tangy, nutty, herbaceous.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the grilled cheese as an appetizer or as a light lunch or dinner.
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Region: Italian