Areesh cheese

Areesh cheese is a traditional Egyptian dairy product similar to cottage cheese, characterized by its soft, white, and crumbly texture. It is commonly made from skimmed buffalo or cow's milk and holds a significant place in Egyptian cuisine.

Name

The name Areesh may sometimes be used interchangeably with cottage cheese.

Preparation

The production of areesh cheese begins with fermenting milk to create laban rayeb, a fermented skimmed milk. This fermented milk is then gently heated, causing the curds to separate from the whey. The curds are collected and drained, resulting in the formation of areesh cheese. This method yields a cheese similar in texture and appearance to cottage cheese.

Use

The cheese is popular in multiple Arab countries.
Areesh cheese is versatile in its culinary applications. It can be consumed fresh, often enjoyed with a drizzle of honey or with chopped tomatoes mixed with herbs and spices to enhance its flavor. Additionally, areesh cheese serves as the base for producing mish, a traditional fermented cheese eaten in Egypt.
It is also used to prepare pastries, desserts, and shanklish.