Introduction:
Who doesn’t love cheese? It’s a universal favorite across all age groups—kids, adults, and seniors alike. Whether it’s on pizza, hotdogs, sandwiches, or even eaten on its own, cheese is always a hit. But have you ever tried a cheese dip? Think about those delicious moments with nachos, fries, or any other snacks paired with a cheese dip. There are numerous versions of cheese dips, each unique, but the one we’re talking about here is a little different. This Parmesan Espuma isn’t your typical dip—usually heavy and full of fat—it’s a lighter version you can enjoy even if you’re watching your diet.
This Italian appetizer adds an extra flair to your table, sure to impress your guests. It’s a wonderful way to showcase Parmesan cheese as a side dish, perfect to complement your main course. The recipe is simple, with just about five ingredients, and you can whip it up quickly to surprise everyone with this fluffy Parmesan foam they likely never imagined.
To prepare this delightful Italian appetizer, all you need is about thirty minutes of cooking time and ten minutes for preparation. With just a few tools and ingredients, your Nitro Parmesan Espuma will be ready to serve in no time. The Whip Gas Whipped Cream Dispenser provides the Parmesan Espuma with an airy texture and a creamy mouthfeel. This process makes the espuma super foamy, reduces the calorie count, and increases the volume of the dish.
This appetizer isn’t hard to make and is perfect for cooks who are comfortable in the kitchen. The Parmesan Espuma can be stored in the whipped cream canister for up to ten days, maintaining its fresh taste.
You can also boost the output by simply increasing the ingredients and whipping them more. The more you whip, the more volume you get, allowing you to eat a smaller portion and reduce your calorie intake. Now, let’s dive into the perfect recipe for Nitro Parmesan Espuma.
Apparatus:
- Whipped Cream Canister
- Whipped Cream Charger
Ingredients:
- 360 ml of milk
- 120 ml of heavy cream
- 1 gram of salt
- 1 gram of pepper
- 200 grams of Parmesan cheese
Steps:
- To prepare Nitro Parmesan Espuma, start by pouring the milk into a pan and heating it. Once warm, add the Parmesan cheese.
- Let the mixture steep for about twenty minutes. After the steeping time is complete, add the heavy cream to the mixture.
- Season the mixture with freshly ground salt and pepper.
- Next, take out your whipped cream canister, along with a funnel and sieve.
- Place the funnel and sieve over the canister and carefully pour in the mixture.
- Once the mixture is in the canister, securely attach the head of the whipped cream canister.
- Attach the whipped cream charger, allowing the nitrous oxide to release. Shake the whipped cream charger vigorously 18-20 times.
- Refrigerate the canister for at least six hours before serving the espuma.
- You can serve this Nitro Parmesan Espuma as part of an Italian appetizer platter or as a creamy dip for your favorite chips.
Extra Information:
Why is Parmesan Cheese Beneficial?
Parmesan cheese is highly beneficial to health. It is naturally lactose-free, making it easily digestible for those who are lactose intolerant. Additionally, Parmesan cheese is an excellent source of calcium, which is crucial for maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis. It also contains high-quality, digestible protein that is quickly absorbed by the body. Parmesan cheese is rich in various minerals like calcium, sodium, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and help regulate blood pressure and improve vascular health.
Is Heavy Cream Necessary in the Recipe?
While you can substitute different types of cream, the results will vary. Using fresh cream instead of heavy cream will result in a runnier texture, more like a liquid, lacking the stability needed for perfect espuma. Whipping cream offers a bit more stability but still won’t give you the ideal consistency. Heavy cream, with its higher fat content, is crucial for achieving a rich, foamy texture that stays intact for longer periods. Using heavy cream will make your espuma stable and ensure the foam holds up over time.
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
Parmesan cheese works best for this recipe due to its digestibility and health benefits, especially for those who are lactose intolerant. However, if you’re looking for alternatives, several other cheeses can be used in place of Parmesan. Options include Grana Padano, Piave, Manchego, Asiago, Romano cheese, soy-based Parmesan substitutes, and even nutritional yeast. All of these options will offer different flavors and textures but can still be used to create a delicious espuma.