Image by Juan Manuel Núñez Méndez

Torta del Casar

If you’ve been searching for a culinary experience that’s truly extraordinary, look no further than the Torta del Casar. Hailing from Extremadura, Spain, this delectable dish is unique in its herbaceous flavor and its legendary ability to tantalize the taste buds.

Torta del Casar


At its core, Torta del Casar is a dish centered around a special type of cheese made from raw sheep’s milk and seasoned with either paprika or rosemary. This sharp and creamy cheese has an intense flavor that’s both distinct and unforgettable. Since the cheese is aged for a minimum of 60 days, it has a very distinctive aroma that adds a unique edge to this dish.

Along with the Torta del Casar cheese, it’s usually served with a selection of other ingredients such as carrots, garlic, parsley, olive oil, and various herbs. All these ingredients come together to create a flavor that’s absolutely sublime. Depending on the region, some recipes may include crusty bread, as well as various meats or seafood.

The combination of the cheese, herbs, and olive oil creates a flavor that’s truly one of a kind. The richness of the cheese is balanced perfectly with the earthiness of the herbs, while the olive oil helps to bring the flavors into harmony.

Torta del Casar is not only delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. From a gastronomic perspective, it can be eaten as an appetizer, main course, or even a dessert. It pairs beautifully with both white and red wines and goes especially well with dry sherries. On top of that, it’s an incredibly easy dish to prepare and can be enjoyed by both novice and experienced chefs.

So if you’re looking for an unforgettable culinary experience, then don’t hesitate to try out Torta del Casar. Its unique flavors and remarkable versatility make it a must-try dish!

The origin of Torta del Casar

The delectably creamy and savory Torta del Casar cheese, enjoyed with a Spanish flare, has been a favorite around the Iberian Peninsula for centuries. While its precise origins are clouded in mystery, it is almost unanimously believed that it first became established in the region during the Roman Empire.

As often happens with long-standing culinary practices, many tantalizing myths and stories began to spread about its preparation. Some whispered of an exquisite Courtesan who made the dish for her ardent admirers, while others recounted the story of a vengeful tavern-keeper who created the dish when his enemies failed to pay him. Of course, there is no proof of these tales, but they serve to add a bit of dramatic flair to this richly flavorful food.

No matter the origin story, one thing is certain: the taste of Torta del Casar has inspired generations of cooks. A combination of raw sheep's milk and rennet, it melts beautifully in a pan or oven, releasing its complex flavor and texture to tantalize the palate. This cheese is unique as it is made exclusively in Spain, and there have even been special production methods and maturation processes developed to ensure its authenticity.

The name Torta del Casar (the casar cake) was taken from the village where the original cheese was produced, although today it can be found all over Iberian Peninsula. Whether you’re an aficionado of haute cuisine or a lover of traditional flavors, Tarta del Casar remains a staple of Spanish cooking and is sure to bring a delightful taste to any meal.

FAQs about Torta del Casar

¿Cómo se calienta la Torta del Casar?

La torta del Casar se calienta en el horno a una temperatura de 180 grados centígrados. Se debe dejar en el horno durante unos diez minutos hasta que veas que la superficie esté doradita y crujiente. Si se quiere que esté más caliente, se debe dejar dentro del horno hasta que alcance el punto deseado.


¿Dónde se hace la Torta del Casar?

La Torta del Casar se hace en el municipio de La Alberca, en la provincia de Salamanca (España). Esta torta es uno de los productos gastronómicos más superlativos de la región y su elaboración se remonta a la época medieval. Se trata de un queso curado con cuerdas, que se sumerge en aceite de oliva virgen y se macera unos meses para obtener su característico sabor. Finalmente, el queso se presenta en forma de una tarta.


¿Qué sabor tiene la Torta del Casar?

La Torta del Casar tiene un sabor dulce, aunque con un toque salado debido a la cantidad de sal con la que se hace esta receta. El queso también le da un sabor ahumado y suave al mismo tiempo.


¿Qué tipo de queso es la Torta del Casar?

La Torta del Casar es un queso de leche cruda de cabra con una textura firme, fácilmente desfondable. Es característico por su sabor intenso y salado, con un ligero regusto a nuez. Se elabora en la provincia de Cáceres (España). Está protegido por una Denominación de Origen Protegida (D.O.P.).


Types of Torta del Casar

Torta del Casar is a unique and ancient cheese hailing from Extremadura, a region in southwestern Spain. Not only is it one of the oldest cheeses in the world, but it is also quite a delicious one! There are several different types of Torta del Casar which vary in flavor and texture.

Gourmet connoisseurs have long enjoyed the creamy, nutty taste of Valdeón cheese, one type of Torta del Casar. This cheese is made from a blend of sheep and goat milk, which gives it a unique, pungent flavor. It has a semi-soft texture, making it ideal for spreading on toast.

Another variety of Torta del Casar is Caña de Oveja. This cheese is made from only sheep’s milk and has a smoother, softer texture. The flavor is slightly sweeter than Valdeón, and its buttery notes make it perfect for pairing with sweet accompaniments such as fruit or honey.

Finally, there is Queso de la Serena, a traditional cheese of the region. This type of Torta del Casar has a firmer texture, making it ideal for grating over salads or soups. It has an intense, slightly salty taste and pairs wonderfully with cured meats.

No matter what kind of Torta del Casar you choose, one thing is certain - this cheese will bring a unique depth of flavor to any dish! It is truly a delicacy, and should be savored.