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Never Struggle with Grating Parmesan Cheese Again – Follow These Expert Tips
Grating Parmesan cheese can be a time-consuming and frustrating task, especially if you are not equipped with the right tools and techniques. However, with a few expert tips, you can easily grate Parmesan cheese without struggling.
Firstly, it is important to invest in a high-quality grater that is specifically designed for hard cheese. A microplane grater is an excellent option as it can produce fine, fluffy shreds of cheese.
Next, ensure that the Parmesan cheese is at room temperature before grating. This will make it easier to grate and prevent any clumping or sticking of the cheese.
When grating the cheese, use a light and gentle pressure, and use long strokes with the grater. This will help to prevent the cheese from breaking or sticking to the grater.
If you find that the cheese has become too easy to handle or soft, pop it into the freezer for a few minutes to firm it up once more.
Finally, store the grated Parmesan cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use. It can be kept for up to a week, making meal prep and planning a breeze.
Follow these expert tips and you will never again struggle with grating Parmesan cheese.
Never Struggle with Grating Parmesan Cheese Again – Follow These Expert Tips
If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, then you know that adding some freshly grated parmesan cheese can elevate your dish to a whole different level. However, as much as we love this type of cheese, grating it can be a real hassle – from it getting stuck in the grater to having an uneven texture.
Choose the right grater
The first thing you need to do is to select the right grater. There are a few different types of graters to choose from, including box graters, rotary graters, and microplane graters. Each grater has its own unique benefits, so choose one that suits your needs. For hard cheeses like parmesan, microplane graters work best. They produce fine shreds, making it easier to melt and incorporate into your dish.
Pre-freeze the cheese
Another tip to make grating parmesan cheese easier is to pre-freeze it for about 10-15 minutes. This will make it firmer and less likely to stick to your grater. When you’re ready to grate the cheese, hold it with a piece of folded parchment paper instead of using your bare hands. This will not only protect your hands from injury but also help prevent the cheese from melting due to the warmth of your hands.
Clean your grater correctly
To avoid the frustration of having cheese get stuck in your grater, it’s important to clean it correctly after use. Avoid placing it in the dishwasher and instead clean it by hand with a brush or a scouring pad. If you’re finding strands of cheese getting stuck in the grater holes, try using a toothbrush to gently remove them without damaging the blade.
Store cheese correctly to keep it fresh
Lastly, it’s important to store your parmesan cheese correctly to keep it fresh. Instead of keeping it in a plastic bag, wrap it tightly in wax paper, then place in an airtight container or plastic bag. This will help prevent it from drying out and ensure that it remains fresh for longer.
By following these expert tips, you can say goodbye to struggling with grating parmesan cheese forever. With the right grater and taking the time to pre-freeze your cheese, you can easily add this delicious ingredient to your favorite dishes. Don’t forget to clean your grater properly and store your cheese correctly to keep it fresh for longer!
For more information, check out this article on Serious Eats.
FAQs – Never Struggle with Grating Parmesan Cheese Again – Follow These Expert Tips
Q: What’s the best type of grater to use for Parmesan cheese?
A: The best type of grater to use is a microplane grater. It’s easy to use, and it creates thin, delicate shreds of cheese that will melt perfectly on top of your dishes.
Q: Can I use a regular cheese grater for Parmesan cheese?
A: Yes, you can, but it requires a little more effort. Make sure you use the fine side of the grater, and apply gentle pressure. You can also freeze the cheese for 20 minutes before grating it to make it easier to handle.
Q: Is it better to buy pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
A: While it’s more convenient, pre-grated Parmesan cheese is often highly processed and can contain additives like cellulose and starch to prevent caking. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will have a better texture and more intense flavor.
Q: How do I store Parmesan cheese?
A: Parmesan cheese should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. It can also be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Q: What dishes can I use Parmesan cheese in?
A: Parmesan cheese can be used in a variety of dishes, including pasta, risotto, soups, salads, and as a topping for pizzas and baked dishes.
Grating Parmesan Cheese: The Easiest Way
Tools You’ll Need
The first step in grating parmesan cheese easily is to make sure that you have the right tools. You’ll need a sharp grater or a food processor with a grating attachment. A box-type grater is the most common and easiest to use.
Preparing the Cheese
Before you start grating your parmesan cheese, make sure to remove the rind, which is inedible. Depending on the age of the cheese, the rind can be soft, tough, or hard. Use a sharp knife to scrape away the rind and reveal the cheese’s interior.
Grating the Cheese
Now that your cheese is prepared, it’s time for the fun part – grating! For a box-type grater, hold the base steady on a flat surface and run the cheese downwards over the smallest grating holes. Make sure to use a firm and steady pressure to prevent the cheese from crumbling.
If you’re using a food processor, cut the cheese into smaller chunks and place them in the food chute. Use the grating attachment, and turn on the processor. The grated cheese will automatically come out of the chute.
Storage
For best results, store grated parmesan cheese in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container in the refrigerator. Grated cheese can last for up to two weeks if stored properly.
For more information on parmesan cheese, visit the Wikipedia page on Parmigiano-Reggiano, the official name for parmesan cheese in Italy.
Never Struggle with Grating Parmesan Cheese Again – Follow These Expert Tips
Choose the Right Cheese Grater
- A microplane grater is the best choice for grating parmesan cheese
Use Cold Cheese
- Cold cheese is easier to grate than room temperature cheese
Grate in Small Batches
- Grate small amounts of cheese at a time to make it easier on your hands and grater
Store in the Freezer
- Store the cheese in the freezer for a few minutes before grating to make it even easier to grate
Use a Circular Motion
- Swap between horizontal and vertical grates in a circular motion to make it easier to grate the cheese
