Marinated Telemea

Marinated Telemea Cheese with Olive Oil and Garlic: A Simple and Flavorful Delicacy

I invite you to discover a simple yet exceptionally delicious recipe that will add a touch of flavor to your meals. Marinated telemea is a perfect appetizer, full of aroma, that pairs wonderfully with a slice of fresh bread or alongside other dishes. This recipe is not only quick but also extremely versatile, allowing you to adapt it to your preferences.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marination time: 24 hours
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 250 g telemea cheese (preferably cow or sheep)
- 10 jumbo black olives
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- Zest of one lemon (or lime, for a more exotic taste)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1-2 sprigs of fresh oregano (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste

A Bit of History

Telemea is a type of cheese found in many culinary cultures, with deep roots in gastronomic traditions. This salty, creamy cheese is appreciated for its texture and how it blends with various ingredients. Marinating telemea not only enriches its flavor but also adds new aromas, transforming it into a unique delicacy.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Telemea: Start by cutting the telemea into cubes of about 1-2 cm. Don’t worry too much if they aren’t perfect; this will add a rustic charm to the dish. It may seem fragile and crumble a bit, but that’s part of the process.

2. Mixing the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, add the telemea cubes. Add the black olives (you can use Kalamata olives for a more intense flavor), crushed garlic, and lemon zest. If you wish, you can also add fresh oregano for an extra aromatic note.

3. Adding the Oil: Pour the extra virgin olive oil over the mixture. High-quality olive oil will enhance the flavors and provide additional creaminess.

4. Final Mixing: Using a spatula or spoon, gently mix the ingredients, being careful not to crumble the telemea further. You want to achieve a homogeneous mixture while keeping the telemea cubes intact.

5. Marinating: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate for 24 hours. This marination time will allow the flavors to develop and penetrate the telemea well.

Serving

After 24 hours, the marinated telemea is ready to be enjoyed. You can serve it alongside fresh bread, as part of an appetizer platter, or even as a garnish for a salad. I recommend pairing it with a crunchy baguette or crackers for a pleasant contrast of textures.

Practical Tips

- The Telemea: Choose a quality telemea, preferably an artisanal one, which has a richer taste and better texture.
- The Olive Oil: Make sure to use extra virgin olive oil, as it will add a touch of refinement to the dish.
- Vegan Option: If you want a vegan version, you can use tofu or a vegan cheese with a similar texture.
- Additions: You can experiment by adding roasted red peppers or nuts for a different texture and flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

Telemea is a good source of protein and calcium, essential for bone health. The combination with olive oil brings healthy fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and maintain cardiovascular health. Olives are rich in antioxidants, and garlic has antimicrobial properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, you can replace telemea with feta or mozzarella cheese, but the taste will be different.
- How long can marinated telemea be kept? It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, but the taste is best in the first few days after marination.
- How can I make it spicier? You can add chopped chili peppers or chili flakes for an extra kick.

Delicious Combinations

Marinated telemea pairs excellently with a glass of dry white wine or craft beer. It is also delicious alongside a fresh tomato and basil salad or as part of a Mediterranean platter with hummus and fresh vegetables.

So, don’t hesitate to try this simple and flavorful recipe! Marinated telemea is a delicacy that will surely impress everyone who tastes it. Savor every bite and enjoy its rich flavors!