Cheese is something people often cut when they are watching calories, and with good reason: certain types of cheeses can add nothing but saturated fat and extra calories to otherwise healthy fare. But sometimes, you’re just feeling cheesy. Meet your new BFF: Parmesan.
I’m not talking about the stuff that shakes out the can. Go for the block of Parmigiano reggiano. (Don’t buy it pre-grated, it loses its flavor this way!) It’s pricey, but it lasts, for up to a year. If mold develops, you can cut it off, and continue to eat the rest of the block! How sick/awesome is that?
It’s made with skim milk, so it has less fat than other cheeses. One ounce will set you back about 100 calories and give you a nice dose of calcium. And because it’s got such a real, authentic taste, a little goes a long way!
Its nutty flavor pairs well with olive oil, basil, spinach, and turkey bacon, so use those ingredients as the basis of your salad. Then dress it up with some cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, a 1/4 cup of whole wheat couscous, and sprinkle the cheese on top. Another yummy salad to top off with Parmesan: arugula, grapefruit, and olive oil.
Once you’ve got it in your fridge for the next 12 months, use it in homemade pesto and pastas. It’s a great topping to add serious quality to an everyday lunch!
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