Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 wheel of Toma di Mendatica cheese (about 1 lb)
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Cheese knife
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
3. Add the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar to the skillet and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
4. Continue cooking the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and sticky, about 5-10 minutes more.
5. While the onions are cooking, remove the Toma di Mendatica cheese from its packaging and slice it into wedges or cubes.
6. Arrange the cheese on a serving platter or individual plates.
7. Spoon the caramelized onions over the cheese, making sure to distribute them evenly.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve immediately.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
5. Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Any type of semi-soft or soft cheese can be used in place of Toma di Mendatica.
- White sugar can be used instead of brown sugar.
- Red wine vinegar can be used instead of balsamic vinegar.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the onions while they are cooking.
- Top the cheese and onions with chopped fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary.
- Serve the cheese and onions on top of toasted bread or crackers.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to slice the onions thinly so they cook evenly and caramelize properly.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the onions from sticking to the bottom.
- If the onions are cooking too quickly, reduce the heat to low.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover cheese and onions in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the cheese and onions in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the cheese and onions on a rustic wooden board or platter.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary
- A drizzle of olive oil
Pairings:
- Crusty bread
- Crackers
- Sliced apples or pears
- Salumi or cured meats
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Green salad
- Grilled meats or fish
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the onions are burning or sticking to the skillet, reduce the heat and add a splash of water to the skillet.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to store any leftover cheese and onions in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food history:
- Toma di Mendatica is a semi-soft cheese that is made in the Liguria region of Italy. It is made from cow's milk and has a mild, nutty flavor.
Flavor profiles:
- The Toma di Mendatica cheese has a mild, nutty flavor that pairs well with the sweet and savory caramelized onions.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the cheese and onions as an appetizer or as part of a cheese board.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Sweet, Savory, Tangy, Umami, Caramelized