Fresh cheese is a popular dairy product that lends rich flavour and creamy texture to a wide range of recipes. Fresh cheese, unlike matured cheeses, is youthful, wet, and soft, providing a particular flavour and adaptability in the kitchen. Whether you’re creating homemade cheese from scratch, trying out new recipes, or buying fresh cheese at the market, this book offers all the hidden facts and insights you need.
What is fresh cheese?
Fresh cheese is a dairy product that has not gone through the maturing process. As a result, it maintains a silky, creamy texture and contains more moisture than its older equivalents. Fresh cheese is often prepared from cow, goat, or sheep milk and can range from mild to slightly acidic depending on the variation.
Fresh cheese lacks the nuanced flavours of cured cheeses due to its lack of ageing. Instead, it’s generally praised for its mild, refreshing flavour. Popular varieties include mozzarella, ricotta, and cottage cheese. It is commonly used in savoury and sweet recipes, ranging from pasta to sweets.
Types of Fresh Cheese
There are several sorts of fresh cheese, each having its own distinct texture and application in cooking. Some of the most well-known variants are:
Ricotta
Ricotta is a mellow, creamy cheese with a somewhat sweet flavour. It is derived from whey and is often used in Italian cuisine such as lasagna, cannoli, and filled pasta. Its airy, fluffy texture makes it ideal for adding to baked items or savoury fillings.
Cottage cheese
Cottage cheese is made from little curds and has a somewhat sour flavour and creamy texture. It may be eaten alone, combined with fruit, or added to salads and savoury recipes such as casseroles.
Mozzarella
Mozzarella is a popular cheese recognised for its rubbery feel when melted. It’s a common ingredient in Italian cuisine, notably in pizza, Caprese salad, and filled breads. Fresh mozzarella tastes milder than aged mozzarella.
White American cheese
This is a mild cheese that has been treated to achieve a smooth, soft feel. It is commonly used in fast food and melts well, making it popular for sandwiches, burgers, and cheese sauces.
Paneer
Paneer is a fresh, non-melting cheese used in recipes such as Palak Paneer and Paneer Tikka. It is prepared by curdling milk with lemon juice or vinegar and then pressing it into a block.
Fresh Cheese Recipes
Fresh cheese is quite flexible and may be used in a wide range of cuisines. Here are two easy recipes to try at home:
Homemade Fresh Cheese Recipe Ingredients:
- One litre of whole milk (cow or goat milk)
- Two teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
Instructions:
Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to simmer (but not boil).
Add Acid: Gradually add lemon juice or vinegar while gently stirring. This causes the milk to curdle, separating it into curds and whey.
Let it Sit: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the curds to develop completely.
Strain the curds: To separate the curds and whey, pour the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine sieve.
Press and Shape: Wrap the curds in the cloth, press out any extra whey, and shape into a round ball or block.
Add salt to taste and refrigerate: Use within 3–5 days.
White American Cheese Sauce Ingredients:
Two glasses of whole milk.
1 cup shredded white American cheese.
Two teaspoons of butter.
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions:
Melt the Butter: In a saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat. Cook the flour for 1-2 minutes, stirring regularly.
Add Milk: Slowly pour in the milk, stirring to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens.
Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the shredded white American cheese until melted and smooth.
Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper. Use as a dip for nachos, or drizzle over pasta or sandwiches.
Advantages and disadvantages of fresh cheese
Pros:
Fresh cheeses are rich in protein, calcium, and vitamins A and B12.
Low in Fat: Certain types, such as cottage cheese, might be lower in fat than older versions, making them ideal for people on a weight-loss plan.
Fresh cheese may be used in a broad range of meals, from savoury to sweet, as a thickening, emulsifier, or simple flavour enhancer.
Easy to digest.
