speckledtroutrodeo.com – Brânză, the Romanian word for cheese, is a cornerstone of Romanian cuisine. From the tangy feta to the creamy caș, Romanian cheeses offer a diverse range of flavors and textures. Let’s delve into some of the most popular types of brânză and how they are used in Romanian cuisine.
Telemea: A Versatile Cheese
Telemea is one of the most popular types of Romanian cheese. It’s a semi-hard cheese made from sheep’s or cow’s milk, and it has a slightly salty and tangy flavor. Telemea is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It’s often crumbled over salads, used as a filling for pies, or simply eaten with bread and a glass of wine.
Caș: A Creamy Delight
Caș is a fresh, soft cheese that is similar to ricotta or cottage cheese. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a creamy texture. Caș is often used in sweet dishes, such as pancakes and pastries. It can also be used in savory dishes, like sarmale (cabbage rolls) or tocană (stew).
Brânză de Burduf: A Unique Flavor
Brânza de burduf is a traditional Romanian cheese that is made from sheep’s or cow’s milk. It has a strong, pungent flavor and a firm texture. This cheese is often aged in sheepskin bags, which contribute to its unique flavor. Brânză de burduf is typically eaten with bread or used in savory dishes.
Other Notable Romanian Cheeses
- Urda: A fresh, soft cheese made from whey, similar to ricotta. It’s often used in sweet dishes like clătite (pancakes) or in savory dishes like sarmale.
- Cașcaval: A semi-hard cheese that is similar to cheddar. It’s often used in grilled cheese sandwiches, or grated over pasta dishes.
Cheese in Romanian Cuisine
Cheese plays a vital role in Romanian cuisine. It’s used in a wide variety of dishes, from simple snacks to complex meals. Here are a few examples of how cheese is used in Romanian cuisine:
- Pâine cu Brânză: A simple yet delicious dish of bread with cheese, often served with a side of vegetables.
- Sarmale: Cabbage rolls filled with a mixture of meat, rice, and cheese.
- Plăcintă cu Brânză: A savory pie filled with cheese, often served with a side of sour cream.
- Mămăligă cu Brânză: Polenta topped with cheese, a classic Romanian dish.
Whether you’re a cheese lover or simply looking to explore new flavors, Romanian cheese offers a world of possibilities.