The culinary creation featuring stretched-curd cheese, originating from Southern Italy, atop a baked dough base is a variation of a familiar dish. This particular rendition utilizes a semi-soft, pear-shaped cheese known for its slightly smoky flavor, offering an alternative to more traditional mozzarella. One example is a pie where the dough is brushed with olive oil, topped with tomato sauce, slices of the aforementioned cheese, and fresh basil, baked until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This specific style offers several advantages. The distinct flavor profile of the cheese introduces a subtle complexity to the dish, contrasting with the sweetness of the tomatoes and the herbaceousness of the basil. The semi-soft texture melts beautifully, providing a creamy consistency. Historically, cheeses like this one were used as a resourceful way to utilize available dairy products, creating flavorful dishes within regional cuisines. This also offers an alternative for people seeking different flavour profiles from traditional cheese varieties.
