Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 Tronchetto Alpino cheese (about 8 oz)
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Grill pan or outdoor grill
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat your grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat.
2. Slice the Tronchetto Alpino cheese into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
3. Brush the cheese slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the cheese slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and slightly charred.
5. Remove the cheese from the grill and place them on a serving platter.
6. Arrange the sliced tomatoes on top of the grilled cheese.
7. Sprinkle the chopped basil leaves over the tomatoes.
8. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the top of the dish.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 6-8 minutes
Temperature:
- Grill pan or outdoor grill: medium-high heat
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 12g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Tronchetto Alpino cheese can be substituted with any semi-soft cheese such as Fontina or Gouda.
- Tomatoes can be substituted with roasted red peppers or grilled zucchini.
Variations:
- Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top of the dish for added sweetness.
- Top the dish with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for added crunch.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brush the cheese slices with olive oil to prevent them from sticking to the grill.
- Use a spatula to carefully flip the cheese slices on the grill to prevent them from breaking apart.
- Let the cheese cool for a few minutes before adding the tomatoes and basil to prevent the cheese from melting too much.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover grilled cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the dish, place the cheese slices and tomatoes in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the dish on a large platter with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves over the top.
Garnishes:
- Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Pairings:
- Serve the dish with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant.
- Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese starts to melt too much on the grill, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes before continuing to cook.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the cheese to an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent any foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
- Tronchetto Alpino is a semi-soft cheese that is made in the Alpine region of Italy.
Flavor profiles:
- The Tronchetto Alpino cheese has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the acidity of the tomatoes and the freshness of the basil.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the dish as an appetizer or as a light lunch or dinner.
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Region: Italian