Mediterranean Smoked Cheese Pouches
- Gluten Free
- Vegetarian
- Energy Kcal 548
- Carbohydrates g 3.8
- of which sugars g 3.8
- Protein g 32.5
- Fats g 44.8
- of which saturated fat g 20.62
- Fiber g 1.5
- Cholesterol mg 126
- Sodium mg 1296
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Prep time: 10 min
- Cook time: 20 min
- Serving: 4
- Cost: Low
PRESENTATION
Imagine this: a sunny afternoon in Southern Italy, and you're savoring these scamorza bundles. Really. They're packed with the essence of the Mediterranean. Open the cartoccio and bam! The aroma hits you—briny olives, sweet cherry tomatoes, and that creamy, slightly smoky scamorza cheese. It's so, so good. This traditional cooking method? Keeps flavors locked in, ensuring every bite is moist and bursting with deliciousness.
In places like Campania and Puglia, wrapping ingredients tightly in a parcel is pretty much a culinary art. It's like you are right there in a warm, inviting Italian kitchen. Homemade black olives and capers add a bright twist—making the cheese even more irresistible, if that's possible.
These stuffed cheese bundles really capture the heart of Mediterranean flavors. They are a tender and golden delight. Perfect for any occasion, for real. And the sauce? It's not just for fancy dinners—these bundles work beautifully as easy appetizers or snacks with crusty bread. Can't go wrong.
The smoked scamorza cheese gives a hint of campfire flavor amidst fresh veggies, adding that unique twist compared to other Italian cheese dishes. You know, experimenting with different olives, especially baked black olives "fatte in casa," changes the dish's saltiness. And people in Southern Italy? They love to mix up fillings based on what's fresh—which is great.
But here's the thing: the classic combo of cheese and bright Mediterranean ingredients keeps it grounded in tradition. Every bite? Experience a pop of tangy caper, the creamy stretch of cheese, and that subtle herb aroma—it's seriously good. No fuss, just really really tasty food that feels like a holiday by the sea.
These scamorza bundles are an awesome way to dive into Italian cheese appetizers, especially for comfort food lovers. They show the simplicity and richness of Italian cuisine with every bite. And enjoy a taste of Southern Italy's culinary charm right at home. Honestly, you’ll love it.
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- INGREDIENTS
- Ingredients for 4 pouches
- Smoked scamorza cheese 1.1 lbs (500 g)
- Datterino tomatoes 1 cup (230 g)
- Taggiasca olives 2.5 oz (70 g)
- Caper berries 1.1 oz (30 g)
- Extra virgin olive oil to taste
- Fine salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Rosemary 4 sprigs
How to prepare Mediterranean Smoked Cheese Pouches
To prepare the Mediterranean smoked cheese pouches, start with the cherry tomatoes. Rinse them and then cut them into 4 or 6 parts, depending on their size 1, as you go, collect them in a colander placed inside a bowl 2. Let them sit like this for a few minutes, so they will lose some of their water. In the meantime, take care of the smoked cheese, cut it into slices 3
and then into strips, from these obtain cubes about 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) 4. Drain the cherry tomatoes and pour them into a container, then add the pitted olives 5. Add the caper berries, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of oil 6.
Mix well 7 before adding the smoked cheese cubes and stir once more to combine everything 8. Cut 4 squares of parchment paper and distribute among them more or less equal portions 9.
Scent each pouch with 1 sprig of rosemary divided into 2-3 bunches 10 and fold the pouch 11 to form a small bag to be secured with kitchen string 12.
Once you have closed all the pouches, transfer them to a baking sheet 13 and bake them in a preheated static oven at 320°F (160°C) for about 20 minutes 14. After the time has elapsed, serve your Mediterranean smoked cheese pouches immediately and enjoy your meal 15!