Taleggio

1. Creamy Taleggio & Mushroom Risotto

A rich, indulgent risotto with earthy mushrooms and melted Taleggio.

🛠 Equipment Needed:

• Medium saucepan (to heat stock)
• Large frying pan (for cooking risotto)
• Ladle
• Wooden spoon
• Grater (for cheese)

🛒 Ingredients:

• 150g Arborio rice
• 500ml vegetable or chicken stock (hot)
• 100ml dry white wine
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 100g mixed mushrooms (e.g., cremini, shiitake), sliced
• 80g Taleggio cheese, cut into small pieces
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Fresh thyme or parsley (optional, for garnish)

⏳ Preparation & Cooking Time:

• Preparation: 5 minutes
• Cooking: 25 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

📌 Method:

1. Heat the stock in a saucepan and keep warm on low heat.
2. In a large frying pan, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add shallots and sauté for 2 minutes until soft.
4. Add mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes, until softened and golden.
5. Stir in the Arborio rice and toast for 1 minute, coating it in the butter.
6. Pour in the white wine, stirring until absorbed.
7. Gradually add hot stock, one ladle at a time, stirring continuously.
8. Continue adding stock until the rice is al dente and creamy (18-20 minutes).
9. Remove from heat and stir in the Taleggio cheese until melted.
10. Season with salt & black pepper, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley, and serve immediately.

🍷 Pair with: A light Pinot Grigio or Gavi.

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2. Taleggio & Prosciutto Grilled Sandwiches

A gourmet grilled cheese sandwich with gooey Taleggio and crispy prosciutto.

🛠 Equipment Needed:

• Frying pan or griddle
• Spatula
• Knife

🛒 Ingredients:

• 4 slices sourdough or ciabatta bread
• 100g Taleggio cheese, sliced
• 4 slices prosciutto
• 1 tbsp butter (for grilling)
• 1 tsp honey (optional, for drizzling)
• Black pepper, to taste

⏳ Preparation & Cooking Time:

• Preparation: 5 minutes
• Cooking: 10 minutes
• Total time: 15 minutes

📌 Method:

1. Preheat a frying pan or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
3. Place two slices (butter-side down) in the pan.
4. Add a layer of Taleggio cheese and prosciutto.
5. Sprinkle with a little black pepper and drizzle with honey (optional).
6. Place the remaining bread slices on top (butter-side up).
7. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
8. Remove from heat, slice in half, and serve warm.

🥗 Serve with: A light salad with balsamic dressing.
🍷 Pair with: A Barbera d’Alba or light Pinot Noir.

3. Baked Taleggio & Caramelized Onion Tart

A crispy puff pastry tart topped with sweet caramelized onions and melted Taleggio.

🛠 Equipment Needed:

• Baking tray
• Parchment paper
• Frying pan
• Knife
• Pastry brush

🛒 Ingredients:

• 1 sheet ready-rolled puff pastry
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
• ½ tsp sugar
• 80g Taleggio cheese, sliced
• 1 sprig fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)
• 1 egg yolk, beaten (for brushing)
• Black pepper, to taste

⏳ Preparation & Cooking Time:

• Preparation: 10 minutes
• Cooking: 25 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

📌 Method:

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook slowly for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add sugar and balsamic vinegar and cook for another 5 minutes until caramelized. Remove from heat.
4. Roll out the puff pastry onto the baking tray. Lightly score a 1 cm border around the edges.
5. Spread the caramelized onions over the pastry (avoiding the border).
6. Place slices of Taleggio evenly over the onions.
7. Brush the pastry edges with beaten egg yolk for a golden crust.
8. Bake for 15 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden.
9. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with black pepper and fresh thyme, and serve warm.

🥗 Serve with: A light green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
🍷 Pair with: A Chardonnay or light Nebbiolo.