Mascarpone, this ultra creamy and admittedly high-calorie Italian cheese, is not just for tiramisu, it lends itself to a multitude of recipes.
Mascarpone, this fresh and creamy cheese, is a key ingredient in Italian cuisine. Its soft texture and rich taste make it an ideal ally for many recipes, both sweet and savory. But what makes mascarpone so special and how can we incorporate it into our daily dishes? Answers.
Mascarpone: a treasure of Italian cuisine
Originating from Lombardy, a region in northern Italy, mascarpone has its roots in the heart of Italian culinary traditions. Its name comes from the word “mascarpia”, a term used in Lombardy to refer to ricotta, with which it shares a similar texture.
Mascarpone is made from heated fresh cream, to which an acid (such as citric acid or vinegar) is added to cause it to coagulate. The mixture is then strained to remove the whey, leaving only the richest, creamiest part of the milk. Mascarpone does not require ripening, which gives it its smooth texture and delicate flavor.
It is a cheese that is high in calories and fat, which gives it its creamy texture and rich taste. On average, 100 grams of mascarpone contains about 400 calories and 40 grams of fat. Although this cheese is a good source of calcium and vitamin A, it is recommended to consume it in moderation, especially as part of a balanced diet.
Mascarpone in cooking
Mascarpone is best known for its key role in the famous Italian dessert, tiramisu. However, its culinary uses don’t stop there. It can be incorporated into a variety of desserts, such as cheesecakes, panna cottas, and even homemade ice cream.
In savory dishes, mascarpone adds a touch of luxury to pasta sauces, risottos, and even soups. Its ability to blend easily with other ingredients makes it an ideal base for many culinary creations.
To choose a good mascarpone, choose a homogeneous and creamy texture, without phase separation (no supernatant liquid). Keep it in the refrigerator and consume it quickly after opening to enjoy its freshness.
Classic Tiramisu
Ingredients (for 6 people)
- 250 g mascarpone
- 3 eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 1 sachet of vanilla sugar
- 200 g of sponge fingers
- 30 cl of strong coffee
- 2 tablespoons marsala (optional)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the yolks with the sugar and vanilla sugar until the mixture whitens. Add the mascarpone and mix until you obtain a smooth cream. Beat the egg whites until stiff and gently fold them into the mascarpone mixture. Quickly dip the biscuits in the coffee mixed with marsala. Arrange a layer of biscuits at the bottom of a dish, cover with a layer of mascarpone cream. Repeat the operation, finishing with a layer of cream. Sprinkle with cocoa powder. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Read also – Limoncello tiramisu recipe
Lemon, Mascarpone and Rosemary Cake (banner photo)
Ingredients (for 8 people)
- 250 g mascarpone
- 200 g sugar
- 3 eggs
- 250g of flour
- 1 sachet of baking powder
- 2 lemons (zest and juice)
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 100 g melted butter
- 1 pinch of salt
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 180°C (thermostat 6). In a large bowl, beat the mascarpone with the sugar until the mixture is creamy. Add the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition. Incorporate the melted butter, the zest and juice of the lemons, as well as the finely chopped rosemary leaves. Mix the flour, yeast and salt in another bowl, then gradually incorporate them into the previous preparation until you obtain a smooth dough. Pour the dough into a previously buttered and floured cake tin. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Leave to cool before unmolding and serving. Enjoy this cake with the delicate scent of lemon and rosemary, with a soft texture thanks to the mascarpone.
Risotto with Mascarpone and Mushrooms
Ingredients for 4 persons)
- 250 g of arborio rice
- 1 onion
- 300 g of button mushrooms
- 1 liter of vegetable broth
- 100 g mascarpone
- 50 g grated parmesan
- 10 cl of dry white wine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Slice the onion and mushrooms. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion until translucent. Add the mushrooms and cook until golden brown. Stir in the rice until pearly. Pour in the white wine and let it evaporate. Add a ladleful of hot stock and stir until absorbed. Continue to add the stock, ladleful by ladleful, stirring constantly, until the rice is cooked (about 18-20 minutes). Remove from the heat, stir in the mascarpone and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
More ideas still…
You can also try for example a strawberry and mascarpone tartwhere the cheese brings a creamy sweetness to the filling. For a refreshing dessert, prepare a mascarpone and lemon mousselight and tangy. Pasta lovers will appreciate Fettuccine with mascarpone and smoked salmon. Finally, for a gourmet aperitif, concoct mascarpone verrines with grilled vegetables, a colorful and flavorful starter. These few ideas with mascarpone will certainly inspire you. Buon appetito!
Read also
20 Ways to Cook Mozzarella for Those Who Don’t Like It
consoGlobe also recommends…
Source: www.consoglobe.com