How to Make Moretum (Garlic Cheese)

Moretum is a spicy garlic cheese spread made with herbs, dating back to the days of Roman antiquity. It is described in the "Appendix Vergiliana". This modified recipe is for the true garlic lover.

Ingredients

2-5 garlic cloves
2.5-5 oz Romano cheese
1 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp white wine vinegar
1/8 a bunch fresh cilantro (two to three sprigs)
1/2 tsp dried dill
Pinch of salt
Optional: fresh and dried herbs/spices
1 loaf bread (recommended: French baguette)

Steps

1
Have a mortar and pestle ready. You will want to use a marble one, because the smell will never come off of a wooden one, and a plain, smooth ceramic one can be troublesome. The rougher surface of stone will also make it easier to use.
2
Peel 2-5 garlic cloves, your choice, and mince them. Put these in the mortar and pound them until somewhat pasty. Add a pinch of salt and mix.

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3
Grate 2.5 to 5 oz of Romano cheese, or mince by hand.
4
Mix the cheese into the garlic until well blended.
5
Add a teaspoon of olive oil and 1/2 tsp of white wine vinegar; mix.
6
Pick out a few sprigs of fresh cilantro [coriander leaves] and chop finely with a sharp knife.
7
Add the leaves and 1/2 tsp of dill; mix again.
8
Add any additional herbs and spices.
9
Mix and pound again until spices are well-distributed and you have a slightly lumpy paste.
10
Spread the chunky paste as thinly as you can manage [it's not that spreadable] onto fresh slices of French baguettes.

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Community Q&A

Question

What if I do not have a mortar and pestle?

Community Answer

You could use a mug and a cutting board. Simply cut your ingredients into thin slices, then give them a good smashing with the underside of your favorite coffee mug.

Warnings

This is a strong garlic recipe. If you've made the recipe too strong for your tastes, add some more grated cheese to the mixture.

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Counter to your intuition, do not brush your teeth within half an hour of enjoying this dish. This creates excruciating pain.^{[citation needed]}

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Sugary foods (like fruit juice) especially will burn the mouth after consuming garlic cheese. ^{[citation needed]}. Stick to water or posca and bread for maximum post-garlic comfort.

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