Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. fresh Pecora cheese
- 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives
- 2 lemons, juiced and zested
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Cheese grater or mandoline slicer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Grate or thinly slice the Pecora cheese and arrange it on a serving platter.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the olives, lemon juice, lemon zest, and olive oil.
3. Season the olive mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Spoon the olive mixture over the Pecora cheese.
5. Serve immediately.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: N/A
5. Temperature:
N/A
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 12g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pecora cheese can be substituted with any fresh sheep's milk cheese.
- Kalamata olives can be substituted with any other type of pitted olive.
- Lemon juice and zest can be substituted with lime or orange juice and zest.
Variations:
- Add chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the olive mixture.
- Top the cheese with roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a mandoline slicer to get even slices of cheese.
- Make sure the olives are pitted before adding them to the mixture.
- Serve with crusty bread or crackers.
Storage instructions:
This dish is best served fresh and should not be stored.
Reheating instructions:
N/A
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the cheese and olive mixture in a circular pattern on a large platter for an elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Pairings:
Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side salad of mixed greens and a vinaigrette dressing.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the cheese is too soft, place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes before slicing.
Food safety advice:
Make sure the olives are pitted to avoid choking hazards.
Food history:
Pecora cheese is a fresh sheep's milk cheese from the Berici Hills region of Italy.
Flavor profiles:
This dish is tangy and salty with a bright lemon flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as an appetizer or as part of a cheese board.
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