Ossau-Iraty
Tout • France
À propos de Ossau-Iraty
AOP Basque-Béarn sheep milk cheese traditionally paired with cherry jam
How to Make Ossau-Iraty Platter (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Ossau-Iraty is one of France’s most celebrated sheep’s milk cheeses, hailing from the picturesque Basque and Béarn regions in the southwest. Protected with AOP status, this cheese is crafted using time-honored methods, lending it a creamy, nutty flavor and a subtle, grassy aroma. Traditionally enjoyed as a side dish or part of a cheese course, Ossau-Iraty is a staple on French tables, often paired with fresh fruits, rustic bread, and a touch of local black cherry jam for balance. This healthy Ossau-Iraty platter highlights the cheese’s natural goodness while keeping calories in check. By combining wholesome accompaniments like seasonal fruit, whole-grain bread, and crunchy vegetables, you create a nutrient-rich, authentic French side that’s simple, yet refined. Perfect for entertaining or as a light lunch, this dish brings a taste of France’s pastoral landscapes to your table and embodies the country’s appreciation for high-quality, artisanal foods.
Ingrédients(pour 1 small cheese platter (approx. 120g cheese per serving))
- 120g Ossau-Iraty cheese (cut into thin slices)
- 4 slices Whole-grain baguette (pain complet)
- 2 Fresh figs (quartered) - facultatif
- 1 Red apples (thinly sliced)
- 2 tsp French black cherry jam (confiture de cerises noires) - facultatif
- 2 tbsp Mixed nuts (unsalted, preferably walnuts or hazelnuts)
- 1/2 cup Carrot sticks (fresh, for crunch)
- 1/2 cup Baby arugula (roquette, for garnish) - facultatif
- to taste Freshly ground black pepper - facultatif
Instructions
- 1
Slice the Ossau-Iraty cheese into thin, even slices for easy serving and optimal flavor release.
3 minutes
Bring cheese to room temperature before slicing to enhance its aroma and texture.
- 2
Wash and quarter the fresh figs. Core and thinly slice the apple. Arrange fruit attractively on a serving platter.
4 minutes
Use seasonal fruit for best taste and nutrition.
- 3
Cut the whole-grain baguette into slices and lightly toast if desired for extra crunch.
3 minutes
Toasting brings out the bread’s nutty flavors.
- 4
Arrange carrot sticks and baby arugula on the platter for color and freshness.
2 minutes
Add a drizzle of lemon juice over the arugula if you like a tangy note.
Pourquoi ce plat est sain
By pairing moderate portions of authentic Ossau-Iraty with fiber-rich whole grains, fresh produce, and unsalted nuts, this platter offers sustained energy and supports healthy digestion. The recipe avoids excessive saturated fats and added sugars, making it suitable for most diets. Its simple, whole-food ingredients promote satiety and fit well into calorie-conscious and nutrient-focused meal plans.
This Ossau-Iraty platter is rich in high-quality protein and calcium from the sheep’s milk cheese, essential for bone health and muscle function. The inclusion of whole-grain bread provides dietary fiber and B-vitamins, while fresh fruits and vegetables supply antioxidants, vitamin C, and potassium. Mixed nuts add heart-healthy fats, magnesium, and a bit of plant protein, making this side dish a balanced and nutrient-dense choice.
Astuces
- 💡Allow cheese to come to room temperature for full flavor.
- 💡Pair with a crisp apple or juicy fig for a classic French experience.
- 💡Toast bread lightly to enhance its aroma and crunch.
Conservation et service
Store Ossau-Iraty cheese wrapped in wax paper or cheese paper in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Keep fruits and vegetables refrigerated separately. Assemble platter just before serving for freshness.
À déguster de préférence: Lunch
Informations nutritionnelles
| Nutriment | Pour 100g |
|---|---|
| Énergie | 405.0 kcal |
| Protéines | 24.0 g |
| Glucides | 0.5 g |
| Lipides totaux | 34.0 g |
| Fibres | 0.0 g |
