As Italian As It Gets
When we think of everyday Italian cheeses, mozzarella and parmesan are the two most likely to spring to mind. But there’s another delicious Italian cheese that can be added to a variety of different dishes: provolone.
What’s Provolone?
Provolone is made from cow’s milk in a process very similar to the making of mozzarella. The cheese makers heat the milk and add rennet to create curds, drain off the whey liquid, and knead the solid cheese into its final form. But while mozzarella is intended to be eaten fresh, provolone is aged for at least a couple of months.
Ago Press®, CC BY-SA 2.0 , Wikimedia Commons
Dolce Provolone
A dolce (sweet) provolone usually requires two to three months of aging. As you would expect, this product has a mild taste and is a bit softer. This kind of provolone is great for melting onto a panini, pizza slice, or into an omelet. But what if you want some cheese with a little more bite?
Provolone Piccante
Provolone piccante (sharp) is aged for at least four months, giving it a much sharper flavor. It’s a bit crumbly and quite a bit firmer than the dolce. If you’re into stronger cheeses, this is the one for you. In fact, provolone can be aged for up to two years, making it even that much sharper. Add provolone piccante to a lasagna or other baked dish for extra flavor. Or serve with sliced meats on a charcuterie board. There’s no shortage of options.
jeffreyw, CC BY 2.0 , Wikimedia Commons
Smoked Provolone
Smoked provolone is an excellent compromise between dolce and picante. This is usually a mild provolone smoked for that added touch of flavor. It’s still just as versatile as the other varieties, though.
Provolone Vs Mozzarella
As mentioned above, provolone and mozzarella are closely related to each other. But which is better? In terms of cost, provolone is usually a bit more expensive than mozzarella. Nutrition-wise, provolone carries a little more protein than mozzarella, but also has more fat, sodium and calories than mozzarella. One other important thing: fresh mozzarella only lasts a few days in the fridge, whereas provolone can typically keep for two or three weeks.
A Versatile Classic
While it is not as well known as mozzarella, provolone is one of the most versatile cheeses out there. Grab some from a deli, melt it onto a panini, make pizza with it, or add a slice to a sandwich with some quality meats. It may just become one of your go-to cheeses!
You May Also Like:
Secret Ingredients To Elevate Any Dish
The 50 Best Foods In The World, Ranked
The Top 30 Food Traditions From Around The World, According To UNESCO
.jpg){kind=link}