Say Cheese! Provoleta, Grilled Provolone
A whole cow's milk cheese native to Southern Italy, provolone is now produced in other regions of the world. It has a mild flavor and semifirm texture. The cheese comes in various forms, ranging from a long salami-like shape to a squat-pear formation ideal for hanging. Provolone has a cream-colored rind and white to light-yellow interior. Most of it's aged two to three months, but some is aged up to a year. The older cheese has a deeper yellow color and more pronounced flavor. Provolone is a versatile cooking cheese because it is great for both melting and grating. To find out how I recently enjoyed it, hot off the grill, read more.
Provoleta, or grilled provolone cheese, is a classic Argentine dish. The cheese is normally served at the Argentine grill fest known as an asado, but it makes a wonderful starter to any alfresco meal. Although the cheese can be marinated or topped with chimichurri, it's equally delicious plain. I served mine with charred bread and nduja; however, feel free to get creative with the accompaniments.
Original Recipe
Ingredients
oil for the grill
2 slabs of provolone cheese, cut about 1-inch thick
grilled bread, for serving
Directions
- Turn on a grill and heat to medium warm. Brush the grill with oil.
- Place the cheese slabs directly on the grill. Cook until the cheese has grill marks and begins to melt about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cover the grill. Cook for 2-3 minutes more until the other side of the cheese is grilled and the entire slab is warmed through.
- Enjoy immediately with grilled or toasted bread, crackers, salami, etc.
Serves 6-8.
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