Chèvre vs Regular Cheese: A Showdown of Taste from Flavor to Nutrition

From pizzas to pasta to twisted recipes of fritters and chips, cheese is a delight for both foodies and culinary enthusiasts. But does it not get confusing at the cheese aisle which cheese to choose? This is why it is necessary to be aware of the flavors and nutrition of each type of cheese which not only helps in proper pairing in the dishes according to one’s palate but also in the making of healthy cheese choices. Regular cheese made of cow milk has a wide variety of alternatives like crisp gouda, sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella. Each variety has its own unique flavor and can be used in different dishes.

With the emergence of culinary innovation and the increasing inclination of people toward healthy lifestyles, healthy substitutes for cheese are in the uproar. People have started using goat cheese or Chèvre nowadays in their meals in the process. Goat cheese is again a unique blend of flavorful tanginess and creamy texture, with an exclusive nutrition profile, that is making it a recent favorite for cheese lovers. Let us explore the cheese repertoire to be updated about the distinctions between regular and goat cheese and make healthier life choices!

As the name suggests, Chèvre is made of Goat’s milk. Boasting its origin in the French quarters, goat cheese is a significant part of the Mediterranean diet. Known for its unique flavor and taste, this cheese is made by the curdling of goat milk with rennet followed by the molding and separation of curd from the whey along with the additional minimal amount of salts for preservation.

Chèvre is creamy in texture and tangy in flavor and is often found in spreadable forms. Based on the process of formation and the ingredients used, goat cheese has various types. Some of the popular types are:

Chèvre is creamy in texture and tangy in flavor and is often found in spreadable forms. Based on the process of formation and the ingredients used, goat cheese has various types. Some of the popular types are:

• Soft chèvre: This form is creamy and fresh and is usually used in pasta sauces, salads and in dips for appetizers.

• Aged Goat Cheese: This type of cheese is firmer in its texture and has more complex flavors. It is important to keep this cheese at room temperature at least 30 minutes before consumption, as it enhances its flavors. This variety is a star in cheese boards and as crumbled toppings on salads.

These staple cheeses can be used in various types of cuisines in different innovative ways.

Celebrated for its unique taste and flavor, Chèvre cheese stands apart from Regular cheese.

Chèvre

• Tangy in taste and acidic in nature
• Presents a slightly earthy flavor
• Crumbly in texture, making it perfect to be used in salads

Regular Cheese

• The taste is mild as compared to Chèvre
• No evident earthy flavor is present.
• Creamier in texture making it a perfect choice in pastas, dips, sauces and spreads.

The preference of cheese among individuals or cheese enthusiasts are largely dependent on the personal palate and choices. Goat cheese is tangy and sharp and regular cheese is creamier and milder. Studies have also documented the benefits of goat cheese in lactose intolerance, which can be a driving factor for choosing it over regular cheese.

All cheese is packed with a high amount of nutrition. However, we need to keep a check on the calorie count as well, because as you know “A moment on the lips. Forever on the hips!” Therefore, people are looking for healthier options in the otherwise high-calorie foods. Goat cheese is, hence, becoming a favorite amongst the younger generation as it has lower fat content. Why don’t we delve further into the nutritional count of the two varieties of cheese: Chèvre vs. regular cheese?

On comparing the nutritional values of regular cheese and goat cheese, it is evident that goat cheese has lower fat and carbohydrate content making it a better option for the weight-watchers. So here we have an alternative to prepare a healthier cheese burst at home!

With all the differences in flavor, texture and nutritional count, you might be well wondering about the benefits that this cheese has to offer to us. There lie significant differences in the ways that both regular cheese and goat cheese affect overall health. Goat cheese has turned into a popular choice nowadays for those who require customized diet plans and have specific dietary requirements.

• Ease in digestibility: In comparison to Cow’s milk the fat globules of Goat’s milk are smaller. This makes the breakdown of the globules easier for the human gut. The lower amount of alpha-S2 casein in goat milk is another advantage that allows easier digestion of goat cheese than regular cheese.

• Presence of probiotics: Studies suggest that goat milk is a better carrier of probioticsthan cow milk and so is the cheese made from them. Therefore, goat cheese is beneficial for gut health.

•  Lactose intolerance: Lactose intolerance is an important factor that determines the consumption of milk products. When the body is unable to break down lactose due to the absence of lactase enzyme, lactose is broken down by the bacteria in the colon. This in turn results in the production of gas leading to discomfort in digestion. Therefore, the lesser amount of lactose in goat milk makes it an excellent alternative for those who face issues with the consumption of lactose products. These facts are well documented in several scientific studies. So a punch to lactose intolerance, here!

Goat cheese is unique in its flavors and texture. The sharp, bold and tangy taste of this artisanal cheese along with its rich creamy texture makes it perfect for spreads, salads, tarts and desserts. It poses the potential of being the healthier alternative to regular cheese, with lesser calorie content. Any dish can be whipped up with chèvre replacing the regular cheese available in the markets.

Goat Cheese Fritters

This recipe by star chef Sanjeev Kapoor is absolute bliss- 

• Put the drained ricotta cheese and crumbled goat cheese in a bowl.
• Add salt, refined flour, and minced chives. Stir thoroughly.
• Stir in the chopped walnuts and the entire egg until the mixture is homogeneous.
• From tiny pieces of the mixture into balls the size of walnuts.
• Place each ball on a platter after rolling it in bread crumbs.
• To firm up, place the prepared balls in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes.
• In a kadai, heat enough oil over medium heat.
• Take the fritters out of the fridge. Roll each one in breadcrumbs after dipping it in the barely beaten egg white.
• Gently place the fritters in the heated oil and deep-fry them until they are crisp and lightly golden.
• To get rid of extra oil, drain the fritters on absorbent paper.

Enjoy it hot!

Our regular scrambled eggs become tastier and creamier if goat cheese is incorporated. Let's check how-

• Get the egg mixture ready by mixing the eggs, milk, and cream in a bowl. Add a dash of salt and pepper for seasoning.
• Put the butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Don't let it brown; instead, let it dissolve.
• Prepare the eggs by filling the skillet with the egg mixture. Using a spatula, stir gently, constantly scraping the pan's bottom to keep it from sticking.
• Now, add the crumbled goat cheese while the eggs are still tender and about halfway cooked. As the cheese melts into the eggs, keep swirling gently to incorporate it.
• Cook until the eggs are almost set and creamy. The eggs will continue to cook from residual heat, so turn off the heat a little before they are done.
• For extra taste and a splash of color, sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives. Serve right away with a side salad, avocado slices, or toast.

• In a skillet, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onions until they become transparent.
•  Add pizza sauce, chopped tomatoes, sliced capsicum, sweet corn kernels, and cottage cheese cubes. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined.
•  Melt part of the butter in a different skillet and mix the chopped pizza base and minced garlic together.
•  Put the Kulhad (clay pot) pizza together in the layers listed below: The pizza masala comes first, then the pizza foundation, shredded cheese, chili flakes, oregano, grated cheese again, fresh cream drizzle, chili flakes, and then another layer of cheese.
• Finally, sprinkle your masterpiece with oregano, chopped black olives, and a little chili flakes.
• Preheat the oven to 160–170°C. Bake the Kulhad Pizza for about 4–5 minutes, or until completely cooked.

• Set aside 1 cup of paneer that has been grated. Paneer can also be finely crumbled.
• Heat two teaspoons of oil or butter in a small kadai or frying pan. Add 1 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste when the butter has melted.
• Sauté for a few seconds until the raw garlic and ginger scent disappears. Add the ⅓ cup of finely chopped onions next. Add ⅓ cup of finely chopped capsicum after that. Red, green, or yellow capsicum (bell pepper) can be used. I've used red bell pepper here. Stir thoroughly.'Sauté the onions until they become transparent over low to medium-low heat. This is the time to add any canned or boiled sweet corn you may have.
• Next, add a quarter teaspoon each of red chili powder, coriander powder, and garam masala powder. You can also add a small pinch of black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
• Put the paneer in. After thoroughly mixing, turn off the heat. Finally, add salt according to your taste.
• Mix thoroughly once more and set the pan aside.
• Now, set aside 1 cup of mozzarella cheese that has been grated.
• Grab the slices of bread. If you'd like, you can cut off the edges.
• Heat a heavy skillet, frying pan, or tawa over low heat and spread some oil or butter on it. Lay the slices of bread on it. Depending on the size of the pan or skillet, you can hold two to three slices of bread at once.
• Flip the bread slices after lightly toasting them. Now immediately spread the prepared paneer mixture over the bread slices.
• Add grated mozzarella cheese on top. Additionally, you can use pizza cheese, processed cheese, or cheddar cheese.
• Reduce the heat as much as possible. Cover the toasts with a lid.

• Health Conscious Trends: Modernization has led to a change in the lifestyle of people. People seek healthier lifestyles to cope with the peer pressure of being fit. The nutritional content of chèvre has proven to be an ideal for maintaining overall health.

• Sustainability benefits: The environmental footprint for goat farming is lesser as compared to farming of cows. Therefore, it aligns with the consumers who are eco-conscious. With the growing awareness of the sustainability of goat farming, the usage of goat cheese is surging. Let us do our bit for nature as well!

• Appeal to the Younger Generations: With the rising awareness of their responsibilities towards nature and themselves, the Millennials and the Gen Z’s have found solace in Chèvre. The uniqueness, applications and benefits of goat cheese resonate with their phillicity and thus making it their lifestyle choice.