Cook, Learn, and Share to Fight Hunger.
 

Cabrales Cheese

Cabrales cheese isn't for the faint of heart. Hailing from the rugged Picos de Europa mountains in Asturias, Spain, this semi-hard blue cheese is an intense and unforgettable experience. With its characteristic blue-green veins, pungent aroma, and sharp, salty taste, Cabrales is a testament to the wild beauty and unique terroir of the region. It's a cheese that demands attention, captivating those who dare to venture into its depths.

Introduction

While many blue cheeses share a similar marbled appearance, Cabrales stands in a league of its own. It’s crafted from a blend of raw cow’s, sheep’s, and goat’s milk, then aged for several months in the cool, humid caves of the Picos de Europa. This natural aging process fosters the growth of Penicillium molds, which contribute to the cheese’s signature blue veins and its complex flavor profile. The result is a cheese that is at once earthy, spicy, and slightly sweet, with a lingering finish that dances on the tongue.

Culinary Uses

Cabrales’ intense flavor profile makes it a powerful ingredient in the kitchen:

  • Cheese Boards: Cabrales commands attention on a cheese board, paired with crusty bread, honey, walnuts, dried fruits, and a full-bodied red wine or sweet sherry.
  • Salad Star: Crumble Cabrales over salads with bitter greens, roasted pears, and candied pecans for a sweet, salty, and satisfying combination.
  • Melt and Drizzle: Melt Cabrales into a sauce and drizzle it over grilled steaks, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for an umami-rich flavor explosion.
  • Stuffed Delights: Combine crumbled Cabrales with ground beef, chorizo, or mushrooms to create a flavorful filling for burgers, empanadas, or stuffed peppers.
  • Dessert Twist: Unexpectedly, Cabrales can be paired with chocolate or caramel desserts for a salty-sweet contrast that delights the palate.

Tips

  • Start small: Due to its intensity, begin with a small amount of Cabrales and gradually increase to your liking.
  • Serve at room temperature: Allow Cabrales to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to unlock its full flavor and aroma.
  • Embrace the aroma: The pungent smell is part of the Cabrales experience – don’t be afraid of it!
  • Explore pairings: Experiment with different pairings to discover new and exciting flavor combinations.

A Brief History

Cabrales cheese has a long and storied history in the Picos de Europa mountains. Traditionally, shepherds crafted the cheese during the summer months, using milk from their grazing herds. The cheese was then aged in the region’s natural caves, where the unique environmental conditions contributed to its distinct flavor profile. Today, Cabrales is still produced using time-honored techniques, ensuring the continuation of this culinary tradition.

Health Benefits

Cabrales, like other blue cheeses, offers nutritional value:

  • Good source of calcium: Crucial for bone health.
  • Rich in protein: Supports muscle growth and maintenance.
  • Contains beneficial bacteria: May contribute to a healthy gut microbiome.

Cabrales cheese is an adventure for the senses, a culinary voyage to the heart of the Picos de Europa mountains. It’s a cheese that challenges and rewards, a testament to the art of cheesemaking and the power of nature’s flavors.

Disclaimer

All content and information (including recipes, articles, and other materials) on CookingHub.com are the opinions of the authors and are not intended to provide dietary, medical, legal, or political advice. Consult with a professional before deciding to follow these opinions.

Authors and www.CookingHub.com (operated by CookingHub Foundation) are not responsible for any part of any possible outcome or its consequences, which include (but are not limited to):

  • Any health risk related to the handling of food, food quality, and/or not following USDA recommendations (including minimum safe serving temperatures and other guidelines).
  • Safety during preparation, including the handling of equipment and the equipment’s suitability for food preparation.
  • Improper performance of cooking techniques.
  • Sourcing of ingredients, providing tools, equipment, and anything else related to the preparation and consumption of the products of this recipe.
  • Nutritional data and information and diet-related information (and their accuracy). It is important to consult with your medical provider to ensure that the diet you are considering is suitable for you and to verify the information provided before proceeding.
  • The overall outcome of following recipes, including the look and taste of the final product.
  • Possible errors in articles and recipes (including incorrectly or unclearly explained steps and directions).
  • Typos.

All readers (users and visitors of www.CookingHub.com) are responsible for evaluating the recipes and articles and making their own decisions about whether to follow the steps and recommendations. They must ensure that the ingredients and steps fit with their dietary restrictions and avoid preparation methods that could pose a health risk due to an unsuitable diet.