Manchego

Manchego

What it is

The zigzag pattern round its side is a fossil. Wheels were once pressed inside plaited esparto grass belts, and the weave printed itself into the rind; the moulds are plastic now but the pattern is required by the designation. Don Quixote's saddlebags carried it.

In the kitchen

Cut it in thin triangles from the wedge, never in cubes. With quince paste and a few almonds it is a finished course.

Goes with

Quince Almond Olive oil Fig Honey Ibérico ham Grape Paprika

Also used with

Cecina de León Huauzontle Lomo embuchado Bella di Cerignola olive Ibérico shoulder Pedro Ximénez vinegar

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