Almogrote - Canarian Cheese Spread

Ingredients

• 200g (7 oz) mature cheese, such as Queso de Flor or Manchego 200g (7 oz) mature cheese, such as Queso de Flor or Manchego
• 4 cloves of garlic 4 cloves of garlic
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 20g (12g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 4g (1g sugars)
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Grate the mature cheese and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a mortar and pestle, crush the garlic cloves until they form a paste.
3. 3.
   In a large bowl, combine the grated cheese, garlic paste, chopped onion, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt.
4. 4.
   Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously stirring the mixture until well combined and creamy.
5. 5.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. 6.
   Transfer the Almogrote to a serving dish and let it rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Serve the Almogrote as a spread on crusty bread or as a dip for vegetables.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cheese — Opt for a mature cheese with a strong flavor, such as Queso de Flor or Manchego, to ensure the authentic taste of Almogrote.
• Smoked paprika — Choose a high-quality smoked paprika to add a smoky depth to the spread.

Tips & Tricks

• For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper.
• Allow the Almogrote to come to room temperature before serving to enhance its creamy texture.
• Experiment with different types of bread to find your favorite pairing.

Serving advice

Serve the Almogrote on a platter with a variety of bread slices, such as baguette, ciabatta, or rustic country bread. Garnish with a sprinkle of smoked paprika and a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of elegance.

Presentation advice

Present the Almogrote in a rustic clay dish or a wooden bowl to showcase its traditional roots. Surround the spread with colorful vegetable crudités, such as carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes, for a vibrant and appetizing display.