Parmesan cheese, with its distinctively nutty, salty, and complex flavor, is a cornerstone of Italian cuisine and a favorite worldwide. It’s not just a topping; it’s an ingredient that elevates dishes, adding depth and umami. But what exactly goes good with parmesan? The answer is surprisingly broad, spanning across various food categories and culinary styles. Let’s delve into the delicious world of parmesan pairings.
Pasta Perfection: Parmesan and Noodles
Parmesan and pasta are a match made in culinary heaven. The cheese’s sharpness cuts through the richness of sauces, providing a delightful counterpoint. It’s more than just a sprinkle; it’s a flavor enhancer that brings the entire dish together.
Classic Pairings: Aglio e Olio and Cacio e Pepe
Think about the simplicity of Aglio e Olio, where garlic-infused olive oil coats spaghetti. A generous grating of parmesan adds a salty, savory element that complements the garlic’s pungency. Similarly, Cacio e Pepe, a Roman classic, relies heavily on the quality of its parmesan (or Pecorino Romano). The cheese, combined with black pepper and pasta water, creates a creamy sauce that’s both comforting and flavorful. The key here is the quality of the cheese; a freshly grated, high-quality parmesan will make all the difference.
Beyond the Basics: Creamy Sauces and Tomato-Based Delights
Parmesan shines in creamy pasta sauces like Alfredo. Its nutty notes balance the richness of the cream and butter, preventing the sauce from becoming overly heavy. It also works wonderfully in tomato-based sauces. Sprinkle it over marinara, arrabiata, or even a simple tomato sauce to add depth and umami. The parmesan melts slightly into the sauce, creating a richer, more complex flavor profile.
Vegetable Ventures: Parmesan’s Garden Companions
Parmesan isn’t just for pasta; it’s also a fantastic addition to many vegetable dishes. Its savory flavor enhances the natural sweetness of vegetables, creating a balanced and delicious experience.
Roasted Vegetables: A Simple and Flavorful Combination
Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts benefit greatly from a sprinkle of parmesan. The cheese crisps up in the oven, adding a salty, cheesy crust that complements the roasted vegetables’ caramelized edges. Simply toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and parmesan before roasting for a quick and easy side dish.
Salads: Adding a Savory Touch
Parmesan shavings or grated parmesan can add a sophisticated touch to salads. It pairs well with bitter greens like arugula and radicchio, providing a salty contrast to their peppery flavors. Consider adding it to a Caesar salad for an extra boost of cheesy goodness. It can also be paired with sweeter vegetables like roasted beets or butternut squash in salads, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
Protein Power: Parmesan with Meat and Seafood
Parmesan isn’t limited to vegetarian dishes; it also complements various meats and seafood, adding a savory and umami boost.
Chicken and Veal: Classic Italian Preparations
Chicken Parmesan and Veal Parmesan are classic Italian dishes that showcase the cheese’s versatility. Breaded cutlets are topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan, then baked until golden brown and bubbly. The parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the richness of the meat and the tanginess of the tomato sauce.
Seafood Sensations: Parmesan with Shrimp and Scallops
While pairing cheese with seafood is sometimes debated, parmesan can work surprisingly well with certain seafood dishes. Shrimp scampi with a sprinkle of parmesan adds a salty, savory element that enhances the shrimp’s natural sweetness. Similarly, pan-seared scallops topped with a parmesan crust are a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The parmesan’s umami complements the scallops’ delicate sweetness.
Bread and Beyond: Parmesan in Baked Goods and Snacks
Parmesan finds its way into various baked goods and snacks, adding a savory and flavorful twist to familiar favorites.
Breadsticks and Scones: A Savory Delight
Parmesan cheese can be incorporated into breadsticks and scones for a savory twist. The cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor that elevates these baked goods beyond the ordinary. Parmesan breadsticks are a perfect accompaniment to soups and salads, while parmesan scones are a delicious snack on their own.
Risotto: The Creamy Canvas
Parmesan is a key ingredient in risotto, adding creaminess, richness, and a distinctive flavor. It’s typically added towards the end of the cooking process, along with butter, to create a velvety smooth texture. The parmesan’s saltiness balances the richness of the rice, creating a perfectly balanced and comforting dish. Different types of risotto, from mushroom to saffron, all benefit from the addition of high-quality parmesan.
Wine and Parmesan: A Perfect Pairing
The world of wine and cheese pairings is vast, but parmesan has some standout partners.
Italian Reds: Chianti and Barolo
Italian red wines, particularly those from Tuscany like Chianti Classico, are excellent companions for parmesan. Their acidity cuts through the cheese’s richness, while their fruity notes complement its nutty flavors. For a more special occasion, consider pairing parmesan with a Barolo, a powerful and complex red wine from Piedmont. The wine’s tannins and earthy notes complement the cheese’s savory flavors.
White Wine Wonders: Crisp and Refreshing Choices
While red wines are a classic pairing, certain white wines also work well with parmesan. Crisp, dry white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc can provide a refreshing contrast to the cheese’s richness. Their acidity helps to cleanse the palate, making each bite feel fresh and new. Sparkling wines, like Prosecco, can also be a delightful pairing, especially with parmesan-based appetizers.
Unexpected Pairings: Exploring Culinary Creativity
Parmesan’s versatility extends beyond traditional pairings. Don’t be afraid to experiment and discover new flavor combinations.
Fruit and Nut Board: A Sweet and Savory Combination
Parmesan can be a surprising but delightful addition to a fruit and nut board. Its savory flavor complements the sweetness of fruits like grapes and figs, while its saltiness contrasts with the richness of nuts like walnuts and almonds. Consider serving parmesan with honey or balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
Popcorn and Parmesan: A Savory Snack
Sprinkling freshly grated parmesan over popcorn is a simple yet satisfying snack. The cheese adds a salty, savory flavor that elevates the popcorn beyond the ordinary. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or paprika for an extra kick.
Understanding Parmesan: Quality and Types
Not all parmesan is created equal. Understanding the different types and qualities of parmesan is crucial for maximizing its flavor potential.
Parmigiano-Reggiano: The King of Parmesan
Parmigiano-Reggiano is the authentic Italian parmesan cheese, produced in a specific region of Italy according to strict regulations. It’s aged for a minimum of 12 months, and often longer, resulting in a complex, nutty, and slightly granular texture. Look for the official Parmigiano-Reggiano stamp on the rind to ensure authenticity.
Grana Padano: A Worthy Alternative
Grana Padano is another Italian hard cheese that is similar to Parmigiano-Reggiano but produced in a wider geographical area and with slightly different regulations. It’s generally less expensive than Parmigiano-Reggiano and has a slightly milder flavor. It’s a good option for everyday cooking.
Imitation Parmesan: Know What You’re Buying
Imitation parmesan cheeses, often found in pre-grated form, often lack the flavor and texture of authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano. They may contain cellulose or other additives to prevent clumping. While they may be convenient, they are not a substitute for the real thing. Opt for a block of authentic parmesan and grate it yourself for the best flavor.
Tips for Using Parmesan: Maximizing Flavor
To get the most out of your parmesan, keep these tips in mind.
- Buy a block and grate it fresh: Pre-grated parmesan loses its flavor quickly. Grating it fresh releases the cheese’s aromatic oils and ensures the best flavor.
- Use a microplane grater: A microplane grater creates finely grated parmesan that melts easily into sauces and dishes.
- Store it properly: Wrap the parmesan tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator to prevent it from drying out.
- Don’t throw away the rind: Parmesan rinds can be added to soups and stews for extra flavor. Remove them before serving.
Parmesan cheese is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can enhance a wide variety of dishes. By understanding its flavor profile and exploring different pairings, you can unlock its full culinary potential and elevate your cooking to new heights. From classic pasta dishes to unexpected snacks, parmesan is a true culinary treasure.
What types of pasta dishes pair best with Parmesan cheese?
Parmesan cheese enhances a wide variety of pasta dishes, particularly those with rich, savory sauces. Classic choices include spaghetti carbonara, fettuccine Alfredo, and lasagna. The salty, nutty flavor of Parmesan complements the creamy textures and deep flavors of these sauces, adding a layer of complexity and enhancing the overall taste profile. For tomato-based sauces, Parmesan provides a welcome counterpoint to the acidity, creating a more balanced and harmonious flavor.
Beyond the classics, Parmesan works beautifully with simpler pasta dishes as well. Consider using it with aglio e olio (garlic and oil) for a sharper edge, or with pesto for a richer, more savory experience. It’s also a fantastic addition to baked pasta dishes like mac and cheese or stuffed shells, adding a flavorful crust and depth to the creamy filling. Don’t hesitate to experiment and discover your own favorite pasta and Parmesan pairings!
Can Parmesan cheese be used effectively in salads?
Yes, Parmesan cheese adds a delightful umami and textural element to salads. Shaved Parmesan or grated Parmesan are both popular choices. The cheese’s salty, slightly sharp flavor contrasts beautifully with fresh greens, crisp vegetables, and tangy dressings. It provides a satisfying chewiness and a depth of flavor that elevates simple salads.
Consider using Parmesan in Caesar salads for a classic pairing. It also complements salads with roasted vegetables, such as beets or butternut squash, offering a savory counterpoint to their sweetness. Additionally, Parmesan pairs well with salads featuring fruits like pears or apples, creating a complex and balanced flavor profile. Experiment with different textures and presentation styles to find your perfect Parmesan salad.
What are some recommended vegetable pairings with Parmesan cheese?
Parmesan cheese elevates the flavor of many vegetables, both raw and cooked. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts benefit greatly from a sprinkle of Parmesan, which adds a salty, savory note that complements their natural sweetness. Grilling or sauteing vegetables like zucchini or eggplant and then topping them with Parmesan creates a simple yet satisfying side dish.
Raw vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers can also be paired with Parmesan for a refreshing snack or appetizer. Consider pairing Parmesan with roasted garlic for a particularly flavorful combination. Ultimately, the pairing of vegetables and Parmesan depends on personal preference, but its versatility makes it a valuable addition to any vegetable-centric dish.
How does Parmesan cheese complement meat dishes?
Parmesan cheese is an excellent complement to a variety of meat dishes, enhancing both flavor and texture. It can be grated over grilled or roasted chicken, pork, or beef to add a salty, savory crust. In meat sauces like Bolognese, Parmesan contributes depth and richness, melding with the other ingredients to create a more complex and satisfying flavor profile.
Furthermore, Parmesan is a key ingredient in many meat-based Italian dishes, such as chicken Parmesan and veal Parmesan. It can also be used as a filling for stuffed meats like pork loin or chicken breast, adding a creamy, cheesy element. When paired with meat, Parmesan provides a welcome contrast in textures and flavors, enriching the overall dining experience.
What are some lesser-known but effective uses of Parmesan cheese?
Beyond traditional pasta dishes, Parmesan cheese has numerous creative applications. Consider using a rind of Parmesan to enhance the flavor of soups and stews. Simmering a rind in the broth infuses it with a subtle, savory depth. Parmesan can also be grated finely and used to coat chicken cutlets or fish fillets before baking or frying, creating a crispy, flavorful crust.
Another unique application is to make Parmesan crisps. Simply bake grated Parmesan on a baking sheet until melted and golden brown. These crisps can be enjoyed as a snack, used as a garnish for soups and salads, or served alongside appetizers. Experimenting with Parmesan in unexpected ways can unlock new and exciting culinary possibilities.
What beverages pair well with Parmesan cheese?
Parmesan cheese’s complex flavor profile allows it to pair well with a range of beverages. Dry, crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio provide a refreshing counterpoint to the cheese’s richness. The acidity in these wines cuts through the cheese’s fat, cleansing the palate and highlighting its nutty notes. Sparkling wines like Prosecco or Champagne also make excellent choices, offering a lively effervescence that complements the cheese’s saltiness.
For red wine enthusiasts, lighter-bodied reds like Chianti or Pinot Noir are generally better choices than heavier, tannic reds. The fruit-forward characteristics of these wines harmonize with the cheese’s savory flavors without overpowering them. Additionally, certain beers, such as pale ales or IPAs, can provide a pleasant bitterness that contrasts well with Parmesan’s saltiness. Ultimately, the best beverage pairing depends on the specific Parmesan and the surrounding dish.
How should Parmesan cheese be stored to maintain its quality?
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality and flavor of Parmesan cheese. Ideally, Parmesan should be wrapped tightly in cheese paper or parchment paper and then placed in a resealable plastic bag or container. This helps to prevent it from drying out and absorbing odors from other foods in the refrigerator. The cheese should be stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the cheese drawer or the back of a shelf.
Whole blocks of Parmesan generally keep longer than pre-grated or shredded Parmesan. If mold develops on the surface of the cheese, it can usually be cut away, leaving the rest of the cheese edible. Avoid freezing Parmesan if possible, as freezing can alter its texture and flavor. With proper storage, Parmesan can last for several weeks, allowing you to enjoy its rich, complex flavor for an extended period.