She Strengthens

Unlock the Secret to the Perfect Grilled Cheese

When it comes to crafting the ultimate comfort food, a great grilled cheese sandwich is all about balance. While many factors come into play, there’s one game-changing ingredient that will take your grilled cheese to the next level: umami.

The Power of Umami

Umami, the fifth taste, has been gaining recognition since its discovery in 1908. Despite being officially designated as a taste, it’s still often overlooked in favor of sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. However, umami is the unsung hero behind many of our favorite flavors. From miso and tomato sauce to soy and fish sauce, mushrooms and nutty hard cheeses, umami-rich foods are often the stars of the show.

A Recipe for Success

Raquel Pelzel’s latest cookbook, “Umami Bomb,” is a testament to the power of umami. With 75 mostly vegetarian recipes, Pelzel aims to promote healthier eating habits while showcasing the versatility of umami flavors. One standout recipe is the Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese with Miso Butter, which packs a double punch of umami flavor.

The Recipe

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 heaping tablespoon miso paste
• 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
• 4 slices good-quality sandwich bread
• 1 cup grated gruyère cheese (or 1/2 cup grated gruyère with 1/2 cup grated gouda)
• Cornichon pickles, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Caramelize the Onions: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil, onion, and salt, cooking until the onion is soft and browned, 8-10 minutes. Stir in the vinegar and set aside.
2. Prepare the Miso Butter: Mix 1 tablespoon of the remaining butter with the miso paste and mustard in a small bowl.
3. Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread one side of each bread slice with the remaining butter and the other side with the miso butter. Place two slices, plain buttered side down, in the pan. Divide the cheese and onion evenly between them and top with the other bread slices, plain buttered side up.
4. Cook to Perfection: Cook over medium-low heat until the bread is golden brown, 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook until the other side is golden brown and the cheese is melted, 3-4 minutes longer.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer to plates and serve immediately with pickles.

This recipe is a masterclass in umami flavor, with the caramelized onions and miso butter working in harmony to create a truly unforgettable grilled cheese experience.