Castilian-Leonese Chopped Cheese

Ingredients

In this Castilian-Leonese adaptation, we infuse the beef patty with traditional Castilian spices, such as smoked paprika, garlic, and cumin, to add a distinct Spanish flavor profile. The original American Chopped Cheese typically uses American cheese, but we substitute it with Manchego cheese, a popular Spanish cheese known for its rich and nutty taste. The bread is also changed from a soft roll to a crusty baguette, which adds a delightful crunch to each bite. We alse have the original recipe for Chopped Cheese, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices of Manchego cheese 4 slices of Manchego cheese
• 4 small baguettes 4 small baguettes
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• Olive oil for cooking Olive oil for cooking

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 550 kcal / 2300 KJ
• Fat: 35g (total), 15g (saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (total), 5g (sugars)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the ground beef, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the spices are evenly distributed.
2. 2.
   Divide the beef mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties.
3. 3.
   Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the beef patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
4. 4.
   Just before the patties are done, place a slice of Manchego cheese on top of each patty and allow it to melt.
5. 5.
   While the patties are cooking, heat another drizzle of olive oil in a separate skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper and sauté until they are soft and slightly caramelized.
6. 6.
   Slice the baguettes lengthwise and lightly toast them.
7. 7.
   To assemble the Castilian-Leonese Chopped Cheese, place a beef patty with melted cheese on the bottom half of each baguette. Top with a generous amount of sautéed onion and bell pepper. Close the sandwich with the top half of the baguette.
8. 8.
   Serve the Castilian-Leonese Chopped Cheese warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Manchego cheese — For the best flavor, use aged Manchego cheese. It has a stronger and nuttier taste compared to younger varieties.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sautéed onions and bell peppers.
• If you prefer a spicier version, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top of the beef patties before cooking.
• Experiment with different types of bread, such as ciabatta or rustic country bread, to add more variety to the dish.
• Serve the Castilian-Leonese Chopped Cheese with a side of patatas bravas or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• If you can't find Manchego cheese, you can substitute it with another Spanish cheese like Iberico or Zamorano.

Serving advice

Serve the Castilian-Leonese Chopped Cheese warm, allowing the melted cheese to ooze out from the sides. Cut the sandwich into halves or quarters for easier handling and enjoy it with your hands.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can garnish the Castilian-Leonese Chopped Cheese with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Serve it on a wooden cutting board or a rustic plate to showcase the traditional and rustic nature of the dish.