Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 Oštiepok cheese (about 1 pound)
- 4 slices of bacon, diced
- 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Grater
- Skillet
- Oven-safe dish
Step-by-step instructions:
a. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
b. Grate the Oštiepok cheese and set aside.
c. In a skillet, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
d. In the same skillet, toast the caraway seeds until fragrant.
e. In an oven-safe dish, layer half of the grated cheese, followed by half of the bacon and half of the toasted caraway seeds. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
f. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
g. Serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
5. Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 300
Fat: 23g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 21g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Oštiepok cheese can be substituted with any hard, smoked cheese.
- Bacon can be substituted with pancetta or prosciutto.
- Caraway seeds can be substituted with fennel seeds or cumin seeds.
Variations:
- Add sliced onions or garlic to the skillet when cooking the bacon.
- Top with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, before serving.
- Serve with crusty bread or crackers.
Tips and tricks:
- Grate the cheese on the larger holes of the grater for a chunkier texture.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the cheese from sticking to the bottom.
- Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed in the dish to ensure even melting.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve on a wooden board or platter with crackers and sliced fruit.
Garnishes:
Top with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives.
Pairings:
Pair with a light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the cheese is not melting evenly, try stirring it halfway through the cooking time.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the bacon until crispy to ensure it is fully cooked.
Food history:
Oštiepok is a traditional Slovakian cheese made from sheep's milk. It is typically smoked and has a distinctive shape, with a patterned surface.
Flavor profiles:
The smoky flavor of the cheese pairs well with the salty bacon and earthy caraway seeds.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or as part of a cheese board.
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Region: Slovak