Where shall I begin? Shall I start by condemning pre-grated (rip off Parmesan cheese) available in plastic containers that smells awful? No, I’m sure you already know buying this cheese makes no sense. For one reason is it really cheese, I’m sure it is, but just a mixture and combination of many cheeses and the aroma alone I’m sure it is enough to put you off alongside the fact that there is NO Parmesan rind included or attached to the side of the tub like a free gift!!. You’ve been diddled to say the least, so I’m asking nicely, don’t buy it!

Now on the other side I consume far too much cheese and I mean across the whole board, however if there is not at least 3 large wedges of Parmesan in my fridge at any one time I start to develop a nervous shake. My advice to you is to please buy ‘Parmesan’ in a wedge, or wheel (I wish). The rind is the best bit and is my secret ingredient. My weapon of choice. I ask friends who are not overly keen on using the rind to pass them onto me!! I use the rinds in an array of dishes and whats even better is that they keep for ages in the fridge, just wrapped in a little foil. I do tend to tweet about using the rind often in my cooking, it is a simple way to add an instant flavour to so many dishes and gives me a sense of using everything, being the frugal Italian chef or just because I hate to see waste.

Dropped into a slow cooking sugo for 3 hours, minestrone soup, risotto, stew and so much more. The longer that the rind is left to cook for the bettter. It will melt away, however 30 minutes alone will release so much flavour too. The reminiscence if any is the chefs perk and there is no question about that fact. It’s mine, punto e basta!! I love pulling the rind across my teeth, there is something reassuringly satisfying about this style of cooking. Cucina povera cooking at it’s best. My first book ‘Southern Italian Family Cooking‘ is full of so many suggestions and tips too to aid you on your quest.

So do you use the Parmesan rind already and if so whats you’re favourite way of using it? 

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