Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 Tumazzu di Vacca (Cow's milk cheese)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup water
Special equipment needed:
- Oven-safe baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the top off each Tumazzu di Vacca and scoop out the cheese with a spoon, leaving a 1/4-inch thick shell.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each Tumazzu di Vacca with the breadcrumb mixture and place them in an oven-safe baking dish.
5. Drizzle the olive oil over the stuffed Tumazzu di Vacca and pour the tomato sauce and water around them.
6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 16g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Tumazzu di Vacca can be substituted with any other type of cheese with a thick rind.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with any other type of hard cheese.
- Parsley can be substituted with any other fresh herb.
- Tomato sauce can be substituted with marinara sauce or any other type of pasta sauce.
Variations:
- Add cooked ground beef or sausage to the breadcrumb mixture for a meaty version.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the breadcrumb mixture for a Mediterranean twist.
- Use different types of cheese, such as Gouda or Cheddar, for a different flavor profile.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to leave a thick enough shell of cheese when scooping out the Tumazzu di Vacca to prevent it from breaking.
- Use a spoon to stuff the breadcrumb mixture into the cheese shell to prevent it from spilling out.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the stuffed Tumazzu di Vacca to help the breadcrumb mixture brown and crisp up.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover stuffed Tumazzu di Vacca in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the stuffed Tumazzu di Vacca in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the stuffed Tumazzu di Vacca on a bed of arugula or mixed greens for a colorful presentation.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added flavor and visual appeal.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the tomato sauce.
- Pair with a light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir or Chianti.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts.
- Garlic mashed potatoes or polenta.
- Caesar salad or Caprese salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese shell breaks when scooping out the cheese, try using a smaller spoon or letting the cheese soften at room temperature before scooping.
- If the breadcrumb mixture is too dry, add a little more olive oil or water to moisten it.
- If the cheese is not melting, try baking for a few more minutes or increasing the oven temperature.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and any utensils used in the preparation of the recipe to prevent the spread of bacteria.
- Make sure to cook the stuffed Tumazzu di Vacca to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Tumazzu di Vacca is a traditional cheese from Sicily, Italy, made from cow's milk and aged for several months.
Flavor profiles:
- The stuffed Tumazzu di Vacca has a rich and creamy flavor from the melted cheese and a crunchy texture from the breadcrumb mixture. The tomato sauce adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or main dish with a side salad or vegetables.
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Region: Sicilian
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