Parmesan (Parmigiano Reggiano)

Key facts

The true giant of the cheese world in so many senses: the drum-shaped whole cheese is a huge thing; its longevity is unrivalled, and many – non-Italians even, would choose Parmesan as their 'If you could only have one cheese, which would it be?' choice.

The flavour is a fantastic mixture of just enough salt and sharpness with milky buttery-ness and a grainy texture that is never dry unless the cheese has been stored badly (wrapping tightly in a double layer of foil after each use is the answer).

Parmigiano Reggiano making is restricted to the dairy farmers of Emilia Romana, and begins with a mix of morning and evening unpasteurised milk. This is heated in huge cauldron-like boilers and cut and drained with incredible dexterity, then the young cheese is brine bathed and allowed to mature for a minimum of eighteen months.

The cheeses are tested several times before they are passed for sale with Parmigiano Reggiano imprinted all around the rind.

Related Recipes

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 Serves 6 as a starter or 4 as a main course with a salad

Thick Onion Tart

Cheese and onion is a classic partnership and here Delia has combined them to mouthwatering effect with cheesy pastry and caramelised onion filling. This is ideal for vegetarians, served with a crisp salad.

 

 

 Serves 2 (double for 4 or treble for 6)

Lamb Ossobuco with an ‘almost’ Risotto Milanese

Delia used lamb fillet instead of the more usual veal here and - guess what! - it was totally gorgeous and full of real Italian flavours, thanks to a jar of ready-made sauce. Even the risotto was easy - no stirring!

 

 

 Serves 4

Cheat’s Lasagne

Using a brilliant ready-made cheese sauce and Bolognese sauce has turned making a lasagne into an easy exercise - useful when you're tired and hungry!

 

 

 Serves 2

Penne with Asparagus and Four Cheeses

Sometimes, even during the early summer asparagus season, the weather is less than kind. On a day like that, this lovely vegetarian bake will go down really well.

 

 

 Serves 2

Pancake Cannelloni with Spinach and Three Cheeses

Lovely lacy savoury pancakes by mail order form the basis of this sumptuous vegetarian dish, a cannelloni that's packed with flavour and nutritious ingredients.