When it comes to cheese, Italy is known for its incredible variety and quality. One such cheese that has gained popularity in recent years is smoked burrata. This unique twist on the traditional Italian cheese adds a smoky flavor that enhances the creamy and delicate taste of burrata. In this article, we will explore what smoked burrata is, how it is made, and what you can enjoy it with.
What is Smoked Burrata?
Smoked burrata is a variation of the classic Italian cheese, burrata. Burrata is made from a combination of mozzarella and cream. The outer casing is solid cheese, while the inside is filled with stracciatella and clotted cream, giving it a soft and luscious texture.
Smoked burrata takes this delicious cheese to the next level by adding a smoky flavor. The burrata is made from the flavorful milk of cows grazing the semi-wild plateau of the Parco della Murgia. It is then naturally wood smoked, which deepens and intensifies its taste.
How is Burrata Made?
Making burrata starts with the curdling of warm milk using rennet, similar to the process of making mozzarella. However, unlike mozzarella, the fresh mozzarella curds are immersed in hot whey or lightly salted water. They are then kneaded and pulled to develop the familiar stretchy strings, known as pasta filata. The cheese is then shaped into a pouch.
For smoked burrata, the still-hot cheese pouch is filled with the scraps of leftover mozzarella and topped off with fresh cream before closing. Traditionally, the finished burrata is wrapped in asphodel leaves, tied to form a little brioche-like topknot, and moistened with a little whey. The green color of the asphodel leaves indicates the cheese's freshness. However, it is also common to find smoked burrata sold in a plastic bag or container, sometimes stored in liquid.
What to Eat with Smoked Burrata
Smoked burrata can be enjoyed in various ways, adding depth and richness to your dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Serve simply with olive oil, toasted bread, and black pepper as an accompaniment.
- Pair it with grilled or roasted vegetables for a great side dish at a BBQ or picnic.
- Add it to plain pasta, off the heat, for an effortless and luxurious meal.
With its smoky flavor and creamy texture, smoked burrata is a versatile cheese that can elevate any dish. Its unique taste makes it a standout addition to cheese boards, salads, and pasta dishes.
Is Mozzarella and Burrata the Same?
While mozzarella and burrata are both Italian cheeses, they are not the same. Mozzarella is a fresh cheese that is widely available and can easily be made at home. It comes in various shapes and sizes, including braided, large spheres, and tiny spheres called bocconcini. Mozzarella can even be smoked to add a different dimension of flavor.
Burrata, on the other hand, is made from mozzarella but has a unique filling of stracciatella and clotted cream. The combination of these ingredients gives burrata its soft and creamy texture. Smoked burrata takes this one step further by infusing the cheese with a smoky flavor, creating a truly exceptional culinary experience.
Smoked burrata is a delightful variation of the traditional Italian cheese. The smoky flavor adds depth and complexity to the already delicious taste of burrata. Whether enjoyed on its own or incorporated into various dishes, smoked burrata is sure to impress cheese lovers and food enthusiasts alike. Try it today and experience the unique and delicious flavors of smoked burrata.
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