Rose's July Shop Watch: Scamorza
Scamorza
Tesco Finest
What?
Smoked Scamorza Mozzarella
Why?
Cook with this great Italian cheese
I remember eating scamorza in Italy at the house of some friends on a cold day in the mountains. They skewered a whole scamorza and heated it over a wood fire until it started to soften and blister. We then devoured it on country bread with a glass of red wine. And I immediately became a fan.
It has amazing melting qualities so you have to judge how far to cook it. I like to use it in a similar way to halloumi – slice it and heat it in a frying pan in a little oil until golden. Scoop it up quickly and serve on dressed salad leaves on its own or with other dishes as a starter. Like halloumi, it can become chewy so it is important to serve it straightaway.
Scamorza is a similar cheese to mozzarella. It is a stretched curd cheese, which is formed into a round shape and then tied one third down with string and hung to dry – this gives it its name, which means “beheaded”. Tesco are selling the smoked variety, which is caramel in colour and has a smoky flavour. They do not give any usage instructions on the package, which is a shame. It is described as “hard Italian mozzarella” which, as it is in the Finest range, could imply it should be eaten cold like buffalo mozzarella, but it is at its best cooked.
It can be used in baked pasta dishes, and on pizza to replace mozzarella. It can also be cut and put on slices of baguette in the oven for a few minutes – the bread will go crunchy and the cheese will melt to a golden brown – so you have an instant cheese on toast. Or cut into quarters and wrap slices of pancetta around, then cook in an ovenproof dish in the oven, spoon out and serve with salad for a delicious starter.
Conclusion:
A melting experience
Product Details:
Tesco Finest Smoked Scamorza Mozzarella
200g pack
£2.00
Contact:
Tesco Customer Service:
0800 323 4040
tesco.com
Check stock is available before visiting your local store, to avoid a wasted journey.
Availability and price as at 1st July 2017