Spanish cuisine is a symphony of flavors, colors, and textures. At the heart of many Spanish dishes lies one of the nation's most cherished culinary exports – Manchego cheese. Celebrated for its distinctive taste and rich cultural heritage, Manchego is a versatile ingredient that can elevate any recipe from ordinary to extraordinary. For the home cook and the cheese connoisseur alike, Marky's Caviar and Gourmet Foods provides an unrivaled selection of Manchego to bring a taste of Spain into your home kitchen.

The Manchego Tale: Bringing Spain's Essence to Your Table

A Rich History and Cultural Significance

Manchego cheese's story is as rich as its flavor. With a history dating back thousands of years, it has been an integral part of Spanish culture and cuisine. Made from the milk of Manchega sheep, this cheese carries the essence of the Spanish plains, where the sheep freely roam to graze on wild herbs and grasses.

An Essential in Spanish Cooking

Widely renowned as Spain’s iconic cheese, Manchego is a staple in many traditional Spanish dishes, including tapas, empanadas, and hearty stews. Its nutty undertones and smooth, slightly tangy profile make it a sophisticated choice for any dish that values complexity without overpowering other flavors.

Savory Charm: Sourcing and Savoring the Best Manchego

The Marky's Manchego Advantage

Marky's brings the essence of Spain to your doorstep with carefully curated Manchego cheese options. Whether you prefer the creamy richness of a young Manchego or the robustness of an aged one, our collection guarantees authenticity and quality.

Pairing Perfection and Serving Suggestions

Pairing Manchego with the right accompaniments is key to unlocking its full potential. From quince paste and honey to Marcona almonds and hearty chorizo, our serving suggestions will guide you to create perfect cheese boards and tapas platters that will impress your guests.

Manchego Marvels: A Crafting of Culinary Creativity

Tapas Treasures

A world of taste awaits within the humble tapas. Explore with us as we transform bite-sized wonders, like Manchego Croquettes and Spain's much-loved Patatas Bravas topped with grated Manchego, into must-have appetizers for your dinner table or cocktail party.

Salad Stories

Take salads from sidelines to the spotlight with our salads that feature Manchego prominently. The Creamy Manchego and Pear Salad balances savory and sweet, while the Spanish Caprese with Manchego brings the Mediterranean's best to the mix.

Sandwiching Magic

Infuse everyday sandwiches with the allure of Spanish cuisine by adding Manchego. Try our Manchego and Chorizo Grilled Cheese for a truly indulgent treat, or the Roasted Vegetable and Manchego Panini for a vegetarian twist that does not lack in flavor.

Baking with Brilliance

Experience the opulence of Manchego in savory pastries and baked goods. Our Manchego Shortbread recipe is the perfect accompaniment to a glass of wine or sherry. Or indulge in the indulgent spin with our Manchego and Ham Turnovers, perfect for tea-time or as a party snack.

Explore the Manchego Mastery: Recipes to Savor

Manchego Croquettes with Piquillo Pepper Sauce Recipe

These crispy delights feature a creamy Manchego filling that pairs perfectly with the smoky pepper sauce, making every bite a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The recipe includes step-by-step instructions on how to achieve that coveted golden-brown crust.

Ingredients:

• For the Croquettes:
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for coating
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 7 ounces Manchego cheese, finely grated
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the Piquillo Pepper Sauce:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (8 ounces) piquillo peppers, drained and chopped
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Croquette Mixture:

• Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to make a roux.
• Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble, about 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in the grated Manchego cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours or overnight.

1. Shape and Coat the Croquettes:

• Using your hands, shape the cooled cheese mixture into small cylinders. Dredge each croquette first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
• Place the prepared croquettes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 30 minutes to firm up.

1. For the Piquillo Pepper Sauce:

• Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the chopped piquillo peppers, tomato sauce, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth. Keep warm.

1. Fry the Croquettes:

• Fill a large skillet or deep fryer with vegetable oil (about 2 inches deep) and heat to 375°F (190°C).
• Fry the croquettes in batches, without overcrowding, until golden brown and crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
• Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

1. Serve the Croquettes:

• Arrange the croquettes on a serving platter and serve hot with the warm piquillo pepper sauce on the side for dipping.

Enjoy this sumptuous blend of creamy Manchego and the smoky sweetness of piquillo peppers, a dish sure to bring the essence of Spanish cuisine into your home.

Savory Manchego and Serrano Ham Galette Recipe

A rustic galette that marries the earthiness of Manchego with the saltiness of Serrano ham, presented in a flaky, buttery crust. Perfect for an elegant luncheon or a light dinner, this is a dish that will always earn rave reviews.

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/4 cup ice water
• For the Filling:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 ounces Serrano ham, thinly sliced
• 6 ounces Manchego cheese, thinly sliced
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:

• In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the cubed butter and use your hands or a pastry blender to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add the ice water, stirring until the dough just comes together. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

1. Prepare the Filling:

• Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and thyme, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until the onion is soft and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Set aside to cool.

1. Assemble the Galette:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Spread the caramelized onion over the dough, leaving a 2-inch border. Arrange the Serrano ham evenly over the onions, followed by the Manchego cheese.
• Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, pleating as needed, to create a rustic look. Brush the crust with the beaten egg.

1. Bake the Galette:

• Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

1. Serve the Galette:

• Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before cutting into wedges. Serve warm or at room temperature, ideally with a side salad or as part of a larger spread.

Enjoy this savory galette that combines the delicate flavors of Manchego cheese and Serrano ham, enveloped in a flaky, golden crust. It's a testament to the simple elegance of Spanish ingredients coming together in perfect harmony.

Grilled Manchego and Chorizo Quesadillas Recipe

In this fusion recipe, indulge in the blend of Spanish flavors with this quick and satisfying recipe. Grilled Manchego and Chorizo Quesadillas combine the zest of authentic Spanish chorizo with the nutty nuances of Manchego cheese, creating a dish that's irresistible.

Ingredients:

• For the Quesadillas:
• 8 medium flour tortillas
• 8 ounces Spanish chorizo, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces Manchego cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
• Olive oil, for brushing
• For the Serving:
• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Salsa

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Grill:

• Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan over medium heat.

1. Assemble the Quesadillas:

• Lay out 4 tortillas on a flat surface. Distribute the chorizo, Manchego cheese, red onion, and jalapeño (if using) evenly among them. Place the remaining 4 tortillas on top.

1. Grill the Quesadillas:

• Lightly brush one side of each quesadilla with olive oil. Place the quesadillas, oil-side down, on the preheated grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes, until the bottom tortillas are golden and crispy. Brush the tops with more olive oil, then flip carefully and grill for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and the second side is golden.

1. Serve:

• Transfer the grilled quesadillas to a cutting board. Cut each quesadilla into quarters and serve immediately with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa on the side.

Enjoy these Grilled Manchego and Chorizo Quesadillas as a delicious snack, appetizer, or light meal. Their bold flavors and crispy texture make them a hit at any gathering or family dinner.

Manchego and Fig Tartlets Recipe

Indulge your sweet tooth while sampling the savory prowess of Manchego. These tartlets feature a delightful fig and Manchego filling, balanced perfectly with a flaky pastry.

Ingredients:

• For the Pastry:
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and diced
• 4-5 tablespoons ice water
• For the Filling:
• 1 cup dried figs, stems removed and chopped
• 3/4 cup port wine or strong black tea (for a non-alcoholic version)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 1 cup Manchego cheese, finely grated
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
• Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pastry:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, stirring until a dough forms. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

1. Make the Filling:

• In a small saucepan, combine the chopped figs, port wine or tea, and honey. Simmer over low heat until the figs are soft and the liquid is mostly absorbed, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat, then stir in chopped thyme. Allow to cool completely.

1. Assemble the Tartlets:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out the pastry dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out circles using a tartlet pan or small round cutter and press gently into mini tart molds.
• Spoon a layer of the fig mixture into each tart shell, then sprinkle with a generous amount of Manchego cheese and walnuts (if using).

1. Bake the Tartlets:

• Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the cheese has melted.

1. Serve:

• Allow the tartlets to cool slightly in the pans before removing. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs. Serve warm or at room temperature as a delectable appetizer or a sweet-and-savory dessert option.

Enjoy these Manchego and Fig Tartlets at your next gathering or as a special treat to delight your palate with the unique combination of flavors that only fig and Manchego can deliver.

Cultivating Your Manchego Experience

Tips for Cooking with Manchego

Manchego cheese can be the star of a dish or a complementary element to other ingredients. Balancing its strong flavors with the right pairings is key. Remember, when substituting Manchego in a recipe, opt for cheeses that have similar melting points and flavor profiles.

Expand Your Culinary Horizons

While Manchego cheese is a delicious portal into the world of Spanish cuisine, there are numerous other Spanish cheeses and dishes waiting to be explored. Marky's vast selection of Spanish ingredients offers an invitation to venture into the diverse and delectable world of Spanish gastronomy.

The Road to Bountiful Flavor

By charting out the array of ways to use Manchego in everyday cooking, we hope to have unlocked the potential of this Spanish gem. Whether you're a culinary adventurer in search of innovative recipes or a cheese aficionado keen on indulging in a world of gourmet delights, Manchego offers endless possibilities.

For all your Manchego and gourmet food needs, visit Marky's Caviar and Gourmet Foods and discover how our commitment to quality and authenticity can transform your dining experience. Whether online or in our restaurants, we welcome you to savor the luxury of fine foods and create memories that linger on your taste buds and in your heart. Indulge in the Manchego Medley, and elevate your every meal into a culinary masterpiece that honors the essence of Spanish gastronomy.