Homemade cheese

Homemade Telemea Recipe: A Versatile Delicacy

Total preparation time: 15 minutes
Waiting time: 24 hours (brine)
Number of servings: 10-15 servings, depending on use

Homemade Telemea is a delicacy that combines tradition and authentic flavor, being a versatile ingredient in our kitchen. This creamy and salty cheese is successfully used in numerous dishes, from pies and salads to pizza or pancakes. Most of us fondly remember summer meals when ripe tomatoes perfectly combined with fresh telemea, and the aroma of the cheese filled our hearts with joy.

Before we get started, let’s make sure we have all the necessary ingredients and familiarize ourselves with some important details about them.

Ingredients

- 1 kg of cow's curd (or cow cheese, depending on preference)
- 200 g coarse salt (or to taste)
- 2 liters of water (or enough to cover the curd)

Ingredients and Benefits

Cow's curd is an excellent source of protein, calcium, and B vitamins. It is essential to use fresh, quality curd to achieve delicious telemea. If you have the opportunity, choose curd made from unpasteurized milk, which will provide a richer and more authentic taste.

Coarse salt not only enhances the flavor of the cheese but also plays a crucial role in its preservation. A well-made brine will prevent the formation of harmful bacteria, keeping the telemea fresh and tasty for a longer time.

Preparation Technique

1. Preparing the curd: Cut the curd into suitable pieces, about the size of a golf ball. This will allow for better salt absorption and help form a uniform texture.

2. Preparing the brine: In a large pot, add the water and salt. Mix well until the salt is completely dissolved. It’s important to taste the brine; it should be salty but not overly so. If it seems too bland, don’t hesitate to add more salt.

3. Soaking the curd: Place the curd pieces in the brine, ensuring they are completely covered with liquid. You can use a lid or a plate to keep the curd submerged so that it doesn’t float.

4. Waiting: Let the curd sit in the brine for 24 hours to firm up and absorb the salt flavor. After this time, the telemea will be ready.

5. Storing: If you don’t consume the telemea immediately, you can leave the cheese in the brine in a cool place. Alternatively, you can remove it, portion it into bags, and freeze it for later use.

Practical Tips

- Checking the taste: At every stage, it’s essential to taste. This will help you adjust the amount of salt and ensure you achieve a final product to your liking.

- Herb variation: If you want to experiment, add herbs (such as dill or basil) to the brine to give your telemea a special flavor.

- Usage: Homemade telemea can be used in countless recipes. Try it in pies, mixed in salads, or as a main ingredient in savory pancakes. It also pairs perfectly with fresh tomatoes or olives.

Stories and Combinations

Childhood memories are often linked to tastes and smells. Homemade telemea brings to the forefront moments spent with family at summer meals, where every dish was a celebration. You might try serving telemea with a glass of chilled white wine or a fragrant herbal tea to complement the flavor of this cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does telemea last in brine?
Telemea can be kept in brine for several months, as long as it is stored in a cool place.

2. Can I use another type of cheese?
Of course! You can experiment with goat cheese or feta, but the preservation time and final taste will vary.

3. What can I do if the telemea becomes too salty?
You can rinse it under cold water to reduce the salt level or use it directly in dishes containing sweet or acidic ingredients, such as tomatoes.

Conclusion

Making homemade telemea is a satisfying experience that offers you not only a versatile ingredient but also a piece of Romanian culinary tradition. Whether you choose to enjoy it plain, alongside fresh vegetables, or integrate it into various recipes, homemade telemea will always bring a touch of joy to your plate. So, allow yourself to experiment and enjoy the authentic taste of lovingly prepared dishes!