Mozzarella cheeseis a general term used for denoting several different varieties of Italian cheeses, which are created by spinning and cutting, which derives their very name “mozzarella,” which in Italian is a verb that means “to cut.” One of these multiple versions of mozzarella cheese includes the Mozzarella di bufala or buffalo mozzarella, which is an Italian cheese made from the milk of water buffalo. Mozzarella fior di latte is another variety which is made from cow’s milk - freshly pasteurized or unpasteurized while the low-moisture mozzarella is another variety that is created from partly or whole skimmed milk. Yet another variety of mozzarella cheese is the smoked mozzarella, a widely popular cheese in the food service industry and then again, there is another version called the fresh mozzarella, a white to yellow Italian semi soft cheese, which is generally eaten the very day it is made. All varieties of mozzarella cheese are very popular and extensively used in a wide variety of cooking. Mozzarella cheese recipesthus, include pizzas, pastas, lasagna, fries and also salads, to name a few. Amongst these, Insalata caprese, mozzarella balls, Italian cheese fondue, mozzarella stuffed mushrooms, baked pasta with mozzarella and zucchini, egg plant mozzarella and mozzarella dip are the best known mozzarella cheese recipes.
History of Mozzarella Cheese Recipes
Mozzarella is a term, which is derived from a word belonging to Neapolitan dialect popularly spoken in the region of Campania in Italy. Mozzarella cheese finds a vivid mention in a record that dates back to 1570, which is basically a cookbook written by Bartolomeo Scappi, where this ingredient has been mentioned along with other cheese and milk, in the creation of several recipes.
Culinary Uses of the Mozzarella Cheese
True mozzarella cheese is created from the milk of water buffalo mostly but since these animals are herded in only a few countries like Bulgaria and Italy, goat’s and cow’s milk is often used in making these cheeses. Mozzarella is a curd cheese which can be easily sliced and it contains up to 45 percent fat, although these days, low fat and skim cheese versions are also available. Mozzarella cheese recipesare made from a cheese which is never aged like most cheeses are and the dishes taste best the sooner they are eaten after cooking. The process by which mozzarella cheese is made is called pasta filata, where the curds are warmed in whey or water until they form strings and get an elastic texture, which are stretched, smoothened by kneading and then rolled in round balls to form fresh mozzarella cheese.
Popular Mozzarella Cheese Recipes
Mozarella cheese can be prepared at home and freshly used in a rich assortment of recipes ranging from salads, poultry, meats and vegetables to seafood. Here are some popular mozzarella cheese recipes–
Meatballs with Tomatoes and Mozzarella Cheese – In this recipe, large meatballs are baked with a mixture of crushed tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms and olive oil.
Cheese pizza – Mozzarella cheese is the most important topping in pizzas, where it is grated on the pizza bread and then microwaved along with the pizza and other pizza toppings on it.
Tomato Mozzarella and Prosciutto Salad – This heart of the salad are the tomato and round mozzarella slices which are layered with onion, garlic and capers, dressed with balsamic vinegar, mustard and olive oil and garnished with basil.
Mozzarella meat whirl–One of the most sought after mozzarella cheese recipes,this dish is created by baking a combination of beef, egg, seasonings, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup and mozzarella.
Mozzarella and bread brochettes–This recipe is made by barbecuing seasoned mozzarella cheese and buttered bread brochettes and served with anchovy sauce.
Cuisines Using Mozzarella Cheese recipes
Mozzarella cheese recipesare most popularly used in the European and American cuisines.
Preferable Cooking Methods for Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella cheese is generally cooked to a melted form. It can be used in shredded or grated and sprinkled over the dish before being cooked. Baking and grilling are the two most commonly followed methods of cooking this cheese.
Nutritive Value of Mozzarella Cheese
One ounce of mozzarella cheese yields 72 calories, with 4.5 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein and less than a gram of carbohydrate. However, the cheese is rich in phosphorus and calcium, both of which are considered good bone building nutrients. Iodine is another mineral served by this cheese. Other nutrients provided by mozzarella cheese include vitamin A, Omega-3 fatty acids, Tryptophan and Selenium.
Mozzarella Storing Tips
· Mozzarella cheese can be stored frozen to make it last up to six months. However, the resultant cheese becomes crumbly and when thawed, loses moisture.
· Mozzarellas should always be stored in the refrigerator until consumed entirely.
Mozzarella Cheese Recipes: Trivia
· To get almost the same taste of mozzarella in a recipe, Bel Paese cheese or Monterey Jack can be used as a substitute if the mozzarella cheese is unavailable.
· Thawed mozzarella is best used in melted cheese recipes.
· Drinks best paired with mozzarella – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.
· Foods best paired with mozzarella cheese– pasta, tomatoes, roasted red peppers, sardines, crusty bread, olives, basil, prosciutto and garlic.