The preparation of gourmet foods demands the use of a broad range of unusual components. It just so happens that Pecorino Romano cheese is one of those varieties. Because of its one-of-a-kind qualities and very limited availability, it is considered to be among the most remarkable cheeses in the whole world. In addition, there are occasions when you have to exclude it from your recipes, despite the fact that you need to utilize it.
In circumstances like these, you are going to need helpful alternatives, and that is where this article comes in. You’ll discover alternatives to Pecorino Romano that are suitable for every circumstance in this section. You will not only find alternatives that are suitable for those who have ordinary dietary requirements, but also substitutions that are appropriate for persons who have lactose intolerance or who follow vegan diets. And the effects that these substitutes would have will be similar to those that one would anticipate from the unique Italian cheese.
Contents
Pecorino Romano Cheese- What is It?
One of the most traditional cheeses in Italy is called Pecorino Romano, and it dates back centuries. The name “Romano” refers to any cheese that is produced in Rome’s Italian city, and cheeses that fit this description have a texture that is dense and crystalline, as well as a flavor that is nutty and sour. Pecorino Romano, on the other hand, is a particular form of cheese, and in order to validate its authenticity, there are a few requirements that must be met. Produced in the Italian regions of Lazio, Sardinia, and Grosseto, a genuine Pecorino Romano cheese is said to have been made from the milk of sheep and to have originated in Lazio. Due to the cheese’s one-of-a-kind characteristics, the European Union has granted it the designation of DOP, which stands for “Denominazione di OrigineProtetta” (Protected Designation of Origin).
Recipes with Pecorino Romano Cheese
The Pecorino Romano cheese has a straw-white color, and its one-of-a-kind nutty and sour flavor is a direct reflection of its origin, which is ewe’s milk. Its great flavor is also what separates it from other types of cheese, and its firm consistency makes it an excellent grating cheese that can be used in a variety of applications. In addition, the sour taste of this Italian cheese is well-known for its ability to provide a high level of umami to a wide variety of foods. Because of this, the Pecorino Romano cheese is used in a wide variety of savory meals, and not only those that are traditionally Italian in origin.
Pecorino Romano cheese is a staple ingredient in a wide variety of meals, including but not limited to the following:
- Salads
- Cacio e Pepe
- Grilled Halibut
- Fusilli
- Spaghetti
- Risotto
- Whipped Dips
- Bucatini
- Pesto
- Pizza
- Farfalle
- Popcorn
- Linguine
- Sirloin
- Steak
- Pecorino Roman crisps
- Carbonara
- Sauces
- Crispy Pecorino Romano Chicken
- Fettuccini Alfredo
- Roasted Vegetables
- Grilled Pecorino Romano cheese
- Marinara sauce
- Italian Baked Meatballs
- Beef Ragu
- Pork PapperdellePuttanesca
- Schiacciata
- Pork Mascarpone Manciotti
- Soups
- Castello Savory Easter cake
- Spicy Mushroom Lasagna
- Chicken with Pesto
- Arancini with Ragu
Substituting Pecorino Romano Cheese
It’s well knowledge that Pecorino Romano cheese is a delicious addition to a wide variety of dishes. However, there is a limited supply of the cheese since it is crafted from ewe’s milk, which is only produced for six to seven months out of the year. Because of this, the restricted quantity of Pecorino Romano cheese that is produced each year causes it to become very pricey.
Spending a bunch of bucks on a little block of cheese sounds ridiculous when you want to experiment with a dish or create a light snack because of the limited amount of cheese that will be used. However, there is no need to worry since there are useful substitutes available for this remarkable Italian cheese. The flavor and texture profile of Pecorino Romano cheese may seem to be distinct; nonetheless, it is possible to recreate it using helpful replacements that are already around you. Additionally, you won’t have to spend a lot in order to get the same level of flavor by using other methods.
Aged Parmesan Cheese
The presence of parmesan is so widespread that there is a good probability that you already have a block of it stashed away somewhere in your kitchen. In light of this, the fact that you may use it as a suitable substitute for Pecorino Romano cheese is quite encouraging to learn. Despite the fact that this cheese is likewise produced in Italy (Parma to be specific) and has a DOP certification, the milk used to produce it comes from cows. On the other hand, aged Parmesan cheese has a flavor profile that is piquant and nutty, very much like Pecorino Romano. It also shreds easily and holds up well in high-heat cooking, all of which contribute to its versatility as an ideal equivalent alternative in a variety of dishes. Even while Parmesan cheese is lower in both saltiness and tanginess than Pecorino Romano, it is still a good substitute for the Romano cheese.
Asiago
Asiago cheese that has been aged has a flavor that is not overpowering and is largely smooth. However, as it matures, the flavor develops into a strong and pungent quality that is comparable to that of Pecorino Romano. Even though Asiago cheese is normally produced from cow’s milk that has been pasteurized, this does not contradict the fact that it still has a nutty flavor similar to that of Pecorino Romano. Even though Asiago has a softer texture than Pecorino Romano, you may still use it in most recipes in lieu of the Romano cheese.
Spanish Manchego
Machengo, a cheese from Spain, is a good alternative to Pecorino Romano since it, too, is produced using milk from ewes. This is a significant similarity between the two cheeses. As a result, the cheese has a flavor that is somewhat sour, and its consistency is between between soft and semi-hard. Machengo from Spain is not an Italian cheese, but it is nonetheless protected by the DOP designation, much as Pecorino Romano. Machengo Viejo cheese, on the other hand, is matured for up to a year and has a flavor that is comparable to that of Pecorino Romano. Although this cheese has a little more sweetness than the uncommon Italian cheese, its tangy flavor still works well with both pasta and baked goods.
Nutritional Yeast
Consider using nutritional yeast in place of Pecorino Romano if you aren’t a fan of the notion of using any kind of cheese at all. This component has a cheesy flavor and a flavor that is virtually identical to the flavor of Romano Pecorino cheese. People who are lactose intolerant and those who follow a vegan diet might benefit tremendously by consuming nutritional yeast. And its vitamin-rich composition, which can be added to recipes that call for Pecorino, gives such items a flavor that is nutty and sour at the same time. The flavor of this alternative is rather strong, so keep in mind that you will only need around half of it when you use it as a replacement. In addition, you can make the ideal alternative for Pecorino cheese by mixing four tablespoons of it with three quarters of a teaspoon of sea salt, one half of a teaspoon of garlic powder, one quarter of a teaspoon of onion powder, and three halves of a cup of raw cashews.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is Pecorino cheese so expensive?
To begin, Pecorino is produced from the milk of sheep, unlike cows, which produce milk continuously throughout the year. Sheep, on the other hand, only produce milk at certain times of the year. Second, there are no additives used in the production of the cheese, thus the end product is completely natural. The combination of these two characteristics causes the cost of Pecorino Romano cheese to skyrocket to very high levels.
Is Pecorino Romano cheese healthy?
That’s correct. Because it is manufactured from the milk of ewes, the cheese has a high concentration of conjugated linoleic acid, which has been linked to a reduced risk of developing high blood pressure. It has also been suggested that the chemical may reduce one’s chance of developing cancer, diabetes, and chronic inflammation.
Is Pecorino a good melting cheese?
Not at all, in fact. Because it has so little moisture, Pecorino Romano cheese comes in the form of a dense block that is ideal for grating. This property contributes to the cheese’s very high melting point.
Can I substitute Parmesan for Pecorino cheese?
A good solution would have been to reduce the amount of cheese by one third. The bottom line is that you may use Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan, but you will need to use one-third less of it than the recipe asks for in order to maintain the same amount of salt and taste.
Is Parmesan and Pecorino Romano the same?
Although Pecorino and Parmesan may seem to be interchangeable at first appearance, they are in fact quite different cheeses. Pecorino Romano has a taste that is more green and earthy than other cheeses since it is created from sheep’s cheese. In general, Pecorino is a more recent cheese harvest than Parmesan. Pecorino cheese only has to be aged for a minimum of 5-8 months before it can be sold.
What is the closest thing to Romano cheese?
Because the word “Parmesan” is not regulated in the United States, cheese sold as “Parmesan” does not have to be aged for as long, and as a result, it does not come close to replicating the flavor of the authentic product. In the same way as Pecorino Romano grates beautifully and has a flavor that is both sharp and nutty, Parmesan does as well.
Which is stronger Parmesan or Pecorino?
Because it has a more robust taste than parmesan, Pecorino Romano should be used in classic Roman dishes such as pasta all’amatriciana, spaghetti carbonara, and spaghetti cacio e pepe.
Conclusion
Because you need an alternative to Pecorino Romano cheese, you don’t have to pay a lot of money. By offering the same results that one would get from the Italian cheese, these convenient substitutes will save you time, money, and effort while yet giving you the same results. Additionally, they provide you with convenience since the most of them are already in the vicinity of you.