If you love Italian cuisine, then you would know the importance of a good quality Parmesan cheese in your dishes. However, sometimes the Parmesan cheese that we get from the grocery store is too hard to grate or use in our recipes.
If you’re struggling with this problem, don’t worry! There are some easy ways to soften hard Parmesan cheese.
Why is my Parmesan Cheese Hard?
Before we jump into the solutions, let’s understand why Parmesan cheese becomes hard in the first place. The texture of Parmesan cheese depends on its age and moisture content.
Freshly grated or sliced Parmesan cheese has a soft and crumbly texture. As it ages, it loses moisture and becomes harder.
When you buy a block of Parmesan cheese from the store, it may have been aged for a long time and lost most of its moisture. This makes it harder and difficult to grate or use in your dishes.
How to Soften Hard Parmesan Cheese?
There are three easy ways to soften hard Parmesan cheese:
1. Let it Sit at Room Temperature
The easiest way to soften hard Parmesan cheese is to let it sit at room temperature for some time before using it. Take the block of cheese out of the refrigerator and let it sit on your kitchen counter for about an hour or two. This will allow the cheese to come down to room temperature, which will make it easier to cut or grate.
2. Microwave Method
Another way to soften hard Parmesan cheese is by using a microwave oven. Cut the block of cheese into small pieces and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high power for 10-15 seconds until the cheese becomes soft.
Be careful not to overheat as this can change the texture and flavor of your cheese.
3. Boiling Water Method
The boiling water method is another effective way to soften hard Parmesan cheese. Cut the cheese into small pieces and place them in a heat-resistant bowl. Boil some water and pour it over the cheese until it is fully submerged.
Let the cheese sit in the boiling water for about 15-20 minutes. After that, remove the bowl from the water and dry the cheese with a paper towel. Your Parmesan cheese will now be soft and easy to grate or use in your recipes.
- Let it sit at room temperature for an hour or two
- Microwave small pieces of cheese on high power for 10-15 seconds
- Soak small pieces of cheese in boiling water for 15-20 minutes
Tips:
Here are some tips to keep your Parmesan cheese soft:
- Store your Parmesan cheese properly by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Always use a sharp knife or grater when cutting or grating Parmesan cheese as this will make it easier to handle.
- Avoid freezing your Parmesan cheese as this can change its texture and flavor.
Conclusion:
Parmesan Cheese is an essential ingredient in many Italian dishes, but sometimes it can be too hard to use. By using one of these three methods, you can easily soften hard Parmesan Cheese and make it easier to grate or use in your recipes.
Remember to store your Parmesan Cheese correctly and always use a sharp knife or grater when handling it. With these tips, you’ll never have to struggle with hard Parmesan Cheese again!