Catalonia's Mel i Mató is a cherished traditional dessert that highlights the region's love for simple, wholesome treats. This delightful dish combines fresh cheese with the rich sweetness of honey, offering a perfect balance of creamy and sweet flavors. Served either chilled or at room temperature, Mel i Mató is versatile and can be enhanced with various toppings like nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
Mel i Mató has been a staple of Catalan cuisine for centuries, reflecting the region's agricultural heritage and emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. The name "Mel i Mató" translates to "Honey and Cheese" in Catalan, showcasing the simplicity and elegance of this dessert. Traditionally enjoyed as a light finish to a meal or as a sweet treat, Mel i Mató embodies the Catalan spirit of savoring the finest, fresh ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 liter of fresh milk
- 100 ml of lemon juice
- 200 g of honey
- 1 tsp of cinnamon powder
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Pour the milk into a large saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a gentle boil.
2. Turn off the heat and add the lemon juice. Stir gently and let it sit for about 10 minutes. The acid in the lemon juice will cause the milk to curdle into curds and whey.
3. Line a colander with cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl. Pour the curdled milk into the cheesecloth and let it strain for about an hour. The longer it strains, the firmer the cheese will be.
4. After an hour, transfer the cheese from the cheesecloth to a mixing bowl. Add a pinch of salt and mix well.
5. In a separate bowl, mix the honey and cinnamon powder until combined.
6. To serve, place a dollop of fresh cheese on a plate and drizzle generously with the honey mixture. Enjoy!
Notes:
- For a creamier texture, substitute cream for milk.
- Add fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced peaches, for extra sweetness and texture.
Nutrition Value:
1. 1 liter of fresh milk
- Calories: Approximately 640 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Fat: 32 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
- Vitamins: Rich in vitamin D, vitamin B12, and riboflavin
- Minerals: Excellent source of calcium and phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: Fresh milk is a good source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, which support bone health and muscle function.
2. 100 ml of lemon juice
- Calories: Approximately 25 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: High in vitamin C
- Minerals: Contains potassium and magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system, skin health, and has antioxidant properties. It also aids in digestion and helps maintain hydration.
3. 200 g of honey
- Calories: Approximately 620 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 170 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 4 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of B vitamins (such as niacin, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid)
- Minerals: Contains trace amounts of calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Honey is a natural sweetener with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It provides quick energy and can help soothe sore throats.
4. 1 tsp of cinnamon powder
- Calories: Approximately 6 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Fat: 0.03 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamin K
- Minerals: Rich in manganese, calcium, and iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Cinnamon has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It may help regulate blood sugar levels and support heart health.
5. A pinch of salt
- Calories: 0 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: Approximately 0.5 g per pinch
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Provides sodium
- Nutritional Benefit: Salt is essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function, but should be used in moderation to avoid excessive sodium intake.
This breakdown provides a clear view of the nutritional contributions and benefits of each ingredient in the Mel i Mató recipe.
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