When it comes to cheese, few varieties offer the incredible versatility of provolone. This Italian cheese, with its rich flavor and smooth texture, lends itself beautifully to a myriad of culinary applications. Whether you’re preparing a gourmet dish or a simple snack, understanding what to use provolone for will elevate your cooking and impress your family and friends. In this article, we will delve deep into the world of provolone cheese and explore its history, types, uses, and pairing recommendations.
A Brief Overview of Provolone Cheese
Provolone is a traditional Italian cheese that belongs to the pasta filata family, meaning that it is made from curds that are heated and stretched. It is most commonly produced in two primary varieties: Provolone Dolce and Provolone Piccante. The difference between these two types lies in the aging process.
Types of Provolone
- Provolone Dolce: Aged for 2-3 months, this variety is mild, sweet, and creamy. It is ideal for melting and is often used in Italian cuisine.
- Provolone Piccante: Aged for over 4 months, this cheese has a sharper, more robust flavor. The sharpness increases with longer aging, making it perfect for slicing and pairing with strong wines.
The production of provolone cheese is a meticulous process, often resulting in what can be described as a labor of love. It is typically made from cow’s milk and has a smooth, shiny rind. Provolone’s flavor profile can range from nutty and buttery to pungent, depending on its age and the specific production methods used.
Culinary Applications: What Do You Use Provolone For?
Provolone cheese can be used in numerous ways, making it an essential ingredient in both traditional and modern recipes. Below, we’ll examine various culinary applications wherein provolone truly shines.
1. Sandwiches and Paninis
Provolone is a sandwich lover’s dream. Its melting qualities make it ideal for hot sandwiches and paninis. You can include it in a variety of sandwich styles:
Classic Italian Sandwiches
A classic Italian sub with provolone, salami, ham, and roasted peppers is a perfect example of how this cheese enhances flavors.
Grilled Cheese Variations
For a twist on the traditional grilled cheese, consider combining provolone with mozzarella and a touch of pesto. This combination will create an irresistible ooey-gooey sandwich that is comfort food at its finest.
2. Melting Cheese for Dishes
Provolone’s fantastic melting properties make it a preferred choice for several baked and cooked dishes:
Pizza and Flatbreads
Provolone can be used as a pizza topping. It melts beautifully and pairs well with tomato sauce and herbs. Consider trying it on a Margherita pizza, where its creamy texture can complement the mozzarella.
Casseroles and Baked Dishes
In casseroles, provolone can be layered for additional depth of flavor. Whether it’s a cheesy pasta bake or a chicken provolone, the cheese adds richness and enhances the overall dish.
3. Cheese Boards and Pairings
Including provolone on a cheese board can impress your guests. Being versatile, it pairs well with many accompaniments:
Nuts and Dried Fruits
Pair provolone with Marcona almonds or dried apricots to balance the cheese’s sharpness.
Wines
Provolone Piccante is particularly delightful with bold red wines like Chianti or Barolo, while Provolone Dolce works well with lighter white wines such as Pinot Grigio.
4. Pasta Dishes
Provolone can elevate your pasta dishes to gourmet status.
Stuffed Pasta
Incorporate provolone into stuffed pasta dishes, such as ravioli or tortellini, for a gooey surprise when they’re cut into.
Sauces
Melt provolone in a creamy cheese sauce, combining it with other cheeses, like Parmesan, to create a luxurious sauce perfect for drizzling over fettuccine or gnocchi.
5. Salads and Appetizers
Surprisingly, provolone can also make a delightful addition to salads and appetizers.
Salads
Try it diced in a Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
Appetizers
Cut provolone into small cubes and serve with olives or marinated artichokes for a simple, yet elegant appetizer.
Storing and Handling Provolone
Proper storage is crucial for keeping provolone fresh and flavorful.
Best Storage Practices
- Wrap the cheese tightly in wax paper or parchment paper, then place it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
- Store provolone in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to 3 weeks.
Tips for Serving
When serving provolone, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before consumption. This will enable its flavors to develop and offer a better tasting experience.
Cooking with Provolone: Recipes to Try
1. Provolone and Spinach Stuffed Chicken
This dish combines healthy greens with the rich taste of provolone.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts | 4 pieces |
| Provolone Cheese | 1 cup, shredded |
| Fresh Spinach | 2 cups |
| Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic and spinach until wilted.
- Cut a pocket in each chicken breast and stuff with the spinach mixture and provolone.
- Place in a baking dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
2. Creamy Provolone Risotto
Risotto made with provolone is a comforting and delicious dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arborio Rice | 1 cup |
| Chicken Broth | 4 cups |
| Provolone Cheese | 1 cup, shredded |
| Onion | 1, chopped |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/2 cup, grated |
Instructions:
- Sauté onion in a large pot until translucent.
- Add Arborio rice and toast it for a few minutes.
- Gradually add chicken broth, one ladle at a time, stirring continuously.
- Once the rice is creamy and al dente, stir in the provolone and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
Final Thoughts: The Timeless Appeal of Provolone
The versatility of provolone cheese is undeniable. From enhancing everyday sandwiches to elevating gourmet dinners, this cheese is a cornerstone of cuisine both old and new. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a treasured ingredient in kitchens worldwide, bringing joy to countless dishes.
Next time you’re in the cheese aisle, consider reaching for a piece of provolone. Your culinary creations will benefit from its addition, whether you’re melting, slicing, or pairing it. With provolone in your pantry, the possibilities are endless. Embrace its versatility and discover just how much this delightful cheese can do for your meals!
What is provolone cheese?
Provolone cheese is a semi-hard, Italian cheese that originates from the southern regions of Italy, particularly Campania and Apulia. Made from cow’s milk, provolone is known for its robust flavor and smooth texture. It has two main varieties: Provolone Dolce, which is aged for two to three months and has a milder, sweeter taste, and Provolone Piccante, which is aged for a longer period, typically over four months, resulting in a sharper, more intense flavor.
The cheese is shaped like a large pear or a sausage and is traditionally tied off in the form of knots, which also helps create its unique rind. It is often used in various culinary applications, from being served on cheese boards to melting in sandwiches and pasta dishes, making it a versatile ingredient in many cuisines.
How is provolone cheese produced?
Provolone cheese production involves a process called pasta filata, which means the curds are heated and stretched to create a distinct texture. Initially, whole cow’s milk is heated and combined with rennet to form curds, which are then cut and gently cooked to expel whey. The curds are then kneaded, pulled, and shaped, which contributes to the cheese’s characteristic elasticity. The cheese is left to drain and then aged to develop flavor.
After shaping, provolone undergoes a brining process that not only enhances flavor but also helps to preserve the cheese. Aging can occur in controlled environments where temperature and humidity are carefully monitored to achieve the desired characteristics. This meticulous process is what gives provolone its unique taste and texture, making it a beloved cheese around the world.
What dishes can I use provolone cheese in?
Provolone cheese’s adaptability makes it an excellent addition to a variety of dishes. It can be used on cheese boards paired with fruits, nuts, and crackers, where its flavors can shine alongside other cheeses. Provolone can also be melted in sandwiches, such as the classic Italian sub, where its creamy texture and savory taste complement cured meats and fresh vegetables perfectly.
In addition to sandwiches, provolone is delightful in pasta dishes, whether sprinkled over a steaming plate of baked ziti or incorporated into creamy sauces. It can also enhance the flavor of pizzas or risottos. The cheese’s ability to melt and incorporate into various culinary creations truly showcases its versatility in both everyday cooking and gourmet meals.
How should provolone cheese be stored?
To keep provolone cheese fresh and maintain its quality, it is essential to store it properly. The cheese should be wrapped in parchment paper or wax paper, followed by a loose cover of plastic wrap to allow it to breathe while preventing it from drying out. This method helps preserve the cheese’s moisture and flavor.
For longer storage, provolone can be placed in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ideally, it should be consumed within a few weeks of purchase for optimal freshness and taste. When you are ready to use it, it’s best to let it come to room temperature before serving, as this allows the flavors to fully develop.
What are the health benefits of provolone cheese?
Provolone cheese offers several health benefits, making it a nutritious addition to your diet when consumed in moderation. One of the primary advantages is its high protein content, providing essential amino acids that are important for muscle growth and repair. It also contains calcium, which is vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as supporting various bodily functions.
Moreover, provolone cheese contains beneficial nutrients such as vitamin A, which is essential for eye health, and B vitamins that support energy metabolism. However, it’s important to keep in mind that provolone can be high in fat and sodium, so portion control is necessary, especially for those managing dietary restrictions or health conditions.
Can provolone cheese be made at home?
Making provolone cheese at home is a rewarding endeavor, although it requires specific ingredients and equipment. The basic ingredients include fresh cow’s milk, rennet, salt, and cultures to aid in fermentation. To produce provolone, you will need access to tools like a thermometer, cheese molds, and a press. Additionally, a controlled environment for aging the cheese is essential for achieving the correct flavor and texture.
The process includes heating the milk, culturing it, forming the curds, cutting, and kneading them, followed by shaping and salting. Then, the cheese must be aged to capture the distinct flavor associated with provolone. While it can be quite challenging for beginners, with the right preparation and patience, making your own provolone cheese can be a fun project that elevates your culinary skills.