Almogrote is a paste made primarily from cured goat cheese , garlic, pepper (usually hot), olive oil, and tomato. Its strong flavor and creamy texture, somewhere between salty, spicy, and slightly smoky, make it perfect for spreading on bread or accompanying traditional dishes.
It is a gastronomic treasure from the island of La Gomera, but its consumption is widespread throughout Tenerife and the rest of the Canary Islands.
Origin and history
Almogrote has roots in traditional Gomeran cuisine. It is believed to have originated as a way to use up leftover hard or dry cheese that could no longer be consumed directly. The recipe evolved over time, incorporating local ingredients such as olive oil and the characteristic heat of the Canary Island pepper.
Its name seems to derive from the term “almorrot,” a similar medieval Catalan preparation, which points to culinary influences brought by settlers or sailors during the time of the conquest of the islands.
Basic ingredients
Although there are variations, the essential ingredients of almogrote are:
- Cured goat cheese , preferably from La Gomera
- Garlic
- Palmer or picona pepper (can be adjusted to taste)
- Dried or natural tomato (depending on the recipe)
- Extra virgin olive oil
Everything is blended until a thick, smooth paste is obtained. The secret is to balance the spiciness with the intense flavor of the cheese and the sweetness of the tomato.
How do you eat it?
Almogrote is usually served as an appetizer or starter, spread on bread or accompanied by toast. It can also be used as a sauce for pasta, meats, or even as a filling for empanadas, arepas, mushrooms, and more.
Where to buy almogrote?
You can order almogrote at guachinches (a typical Canarian dish) or restaurants. Many of them offer almogrote as a starter, or more elaborate dishes that use this paste as an additional ingredient.
You can also buy almogrote by weight in grocery stores, specialty stores, markets, and street markets.
Homemade Almogrote: Quick Recipe
If you’re up for making it at home, here’s a basic recipe:
Ingredients :
- 200 g of cured goat cheese
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 dried hot pepper (you can use hot paprika if you can’t find it)
- 1 ripe tomato or 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 4 tablespoons of olive oil
Preparation :
- Grate the cheese or cut it into small pieces.
- Peel the garlic and remove the germ to soften its flavor.
- Blend all ingredients together until you get a thick paste.
- Adjust the oil and spice to taste.
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for several days and the flavor will intensify over time.
More images
