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What is Mozzarella ?
Mozzarella is a mild white Italian
cheese with a rubbery texture. It has become a generic term for
several kinds of Italian fresh cheeses. It is an essential
ingredient in pizzas, lasagna and in most Italian dishes.
Origin of the name ‘Mozzarella’
Mozzarella comes from the southern Italian dialects, where
‘mozza’ means “cut” or ‘mozzarre’which means “to cut off”. It
refers to the process of making the cheese by spinning and then
cutting.
History of Mozzarella
It is believed that Monsignor Alicandri first made Mozzarella in
a 12th century monastery. The monks used to give out homemade
“mozza” or “provatura” on bread to visitors from which the
modern mozzarella may have developed. Mozzarella finds its
mention in cookbooks as early as the 16th century.
How is Mozzarella made?
Traditionally the making of mozzarella is just like the bake
making bread. It involves the mixing of curd with heated whey
which is followed by kneading with the cheese maker’s hands to
get a smooth and shiny paste, out of which a strand is pulled
out and looped off to form the individual mozzarella in ball
shapes or in plaits. In Italy the standard set for mozzarella is
its softness; a rubbery consistency is not preferred. Fresh
mozzarella is usually served on the same day and not kept for
more than 12 or 24 hours.
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Types of
Mozzarella
There are several kinds of Mozazarella. Fior di latte comes form
cow’s milk and has more fat and less water.Therefore it is an
ideal component for pizza. It becomes compact when it is
dessicated and makes it easier to prepare dishes cooked in the
oven. It is available in twisted plaits( treccia), smoked (provola)
in reduced moisture packaged form.
The mozzarella di bufala campana made from buffallo milk is
considered to be the best in terms of flavour and quality. The
Serra and Citarella families in Italy are known as the founders
of the Mozzarella di Bufala tradition. Asian water buffaloes are
believed to have come to Italy as part of the medieval
migrations of the Goths. Although there are refernces about
mozzarella di bufala from the 12th century , it became popular
only by the eighteenth century. Now it has become a famous
export commodity of Italy. |
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Mozzarella recipes
Mozzarella cheese can be made at home with the mozzarella kits
available in the market with all the ingredients and easy to
follow instructions. All you need is a microwave, stockpots, and
measuring spoons. You can find lots of mozzarella recipes to
make lip-smacking dishes. Try this simple recipe.
Mozzarella and Tomato Salad
You need:
• 2 large tomatoes peeled and sliced.
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella sliced
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1/4teaspoon freshly grounded black pepper
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 8 leaves fresh basil
Arrange the tomato and mozzarella slices on a plate, overlapping
the slices. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive
oil. Cut basil into thin slices and scatter on top. Serve
immediately.
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Article Contributed By: Sabina
Zacharias
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