Montasio
The exact origin of Montasio cheese may never be known, but its earliest documented mention is in 16th century documents found in Udine, a city in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of northeastern Italy. Since then, it has become an essential ingredient in many dishes from the area, the most famous of which is Montasio cheese.
Montasio cheese is a semi-soft cow's milk cheese that makes for an wonderfully piquant addition to many meals. Its unique flavor comes from the combination of cow's milk, salt, and naturally occurring enzymes. Montasio cheese is usually aged for at least four months, during which time it develops a delicious aroma and a slightly nutty flavor.
Montasio cheese is often used to make a classic Italian dish called frico. Frico is made by slowly cooking Montasio cheese in a pan until it is golden and bubbly. The cheese is then served with other accompaniments such as roasted potatoes or vegetables. Another popular way to enjoy Montasio cheese is in a Montasio cheese fondue. In this dish, pieces of Montasio cheese are melted in a pot and guests can dip vegetables, cooked meats, and crusty breads into the cheesy goodness.
No matter how you enjoy it, there's no denying that Montasio cheese adds an extra special touch to any dish. Its tantalizing flavor and creamy texture will elevate your culinary creations to a new level. So grab yourself some Montasio cheese and start creating!
Montasio recipes
Amazing Montasio recipes sourced from the web.
The origin of Montasio
The origin of the popular Italian dish Montasio is shrouded in mystery. It is believed to hail from an ancient Italian village, Montasio, located in the Friuli region of northeastern Italy.
The name Montasio likely derives from a combination of the Latin “mons” meaning ‘mountain’ and “Asia” meaning 'east'. This could hint at the dish’s origins as an adaptation of mountain recipes from the Eastern European regions surrounding Italy.
Montasio is known for its distinctively creamy yet sharp taste, thanks to its blend of the two key ingredients of Montasio cheese and Grappa, a type of Italian Brandy. It is thought that the original recipe was devised by the locals in Montasio in order to make the most of their limited resources.
The popularity of the dish began to spread during the 17th century, and it quickly became a favourite among the wealthy and powerful. Its sumptuous yet rustic flavour made it a sought-after delicacy; Emperor Ferdinand III even went so far as to bestow a golden pen on the creator of this exalted dish.
Whether or not it originated in Montasio, we can expect Montasio to remain a firm favourite for years to come. Its unique combination of flavours continues to captivate the palates of food-lovers around the world, and its versatile nature means there are endless potential variations and presentations.
Types of Montasio
The Montasio dish is a traditional food of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region in Italy. It is made from cured Montasio cheese and is often served as an appetizer or main course. The Montasio dish can be adapted to many different tastes and preferences, making it a versatile comfort food for many.
When creating the Montasio dish, one of the most important steps is to select the right type of Montasio cheese. This cheese is typically graded into three categories—fresh, mid-aged and aged. Fresh Montasio cheese has a mild flavor and a soft texture, which makes it ideal for dishes requiring a creamy texture, such as risotto and pasta sauces. Mid-aged Montasio cheese is still mild but has a bit more of a pungent taste and a firmer texture, making it great for slicing and grating onto dishes. Lastly, aged Montasio cheese has a very sharp and intense flavor and a very hard texture. It is mostly used as a grating cheese and is often included in salads and sandwiches.
Once the selection of Montasio cheese has been made, the Montasio dish is usually prepared with a few other ingredients. Mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes are commonly used to create a savory base. Additionally, garlic and herbs, such as parsley, sage, and rosemary, are leveraged to enhance the flavors. Depending on preferences, olives, capers, and anchovies can also be added. A variety of meats, such as sausage, ham, prosciutto, and salami, can be incorporated for a heartier version of the Montasio dish.
If you want to indulge in the Montasio dish, there are many unique ways to enjoy it. Perhaps one of the most popular recipes is the Frico, a Montasio cheese-cake which includes potatoes and onions. Another traditional recipe involves wrapping potatoes, onion and Montasio cheese in crepes and pan-frying them to make delicious Frico Ravioli. The Montasio dish can also be served as a savory pie, a cheesy pudding, or a quiche-like tart. However you choose to prepare it, the Montasio dish is sure to delight any palate.