Almogrote is a traditional cheese paste that is typical of La Gomera. It is made with cured goat’s cheese and has a strong, slightly spicy flavour. In addition to the typical chilli version, there’s also a green version made with coriander.
It’s been a homemade favourite in Canarian cuisine for years. However, more recently, it has become a gourmet delicacy widely used in the hotel and catering industry, haute cuisine and is now available in supermarkets. Almogrote’s culinary significance was further recognized when it was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, alongside La Gomera’s unique whistling language, Silbo Gomero.
Ingredients
- 350 g semi-cured or mature Canary Island goat’s cheese
- 1 clove of garlic
- Ground black pepper
- 60 ml extra virgin olive oil
- A handful of coriander leaves (with stalks removed)
Method
Use a pestle and mortar to crush the coriander with the peeled garlic clove.
Add the grated cheese and black pepper to the garlic and coriander and continue crushing until you have a smooth paste.
Gradually add the oil until well mixed – you could also use a hand-blender for this. Chill and store it in the fridge. Serve at room temperature for the best tasting experience.
