Frederic Melton
Ricotta is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, both savoury and sweet. It is a key component in many Italian dishes, such as lasagna, pasta bakes, and pizza. It can also be used in desserts, such as cheesecakes and pancakes. In addition to its culinary uses, ricotta can be made at home with just a few simple ingredients and can be used to make other types of cheese. Whether store-bought or homemade, ricotta adds a creamy texture and rich flavour to any dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recipes | Lasagna, pasta, pizza, gnocchi, pancakes, French toast, cheesecake, cannoli, spinach dip, meatballs, eggs, salad, sandwiches, and more |
| Taste | Creamy, sweet, rich, moist, fluffy, light, buttery |
| Texture | Wet, dry, firm, flaky, crispy |
| Type of Cheese | Ricotta salata, farmer's cheese, paneer cheese, queso fresco, goat cheese, feta, Parmesan, mozzarella, pecorino romano, cream cheese, kasseri cheese |
| Other Ingredients | Lemon juice, chocolate, honey, olive oil, basil, spinach, meat, vegetables, berries, nuts, avocado, bread, eggs, milk, flour, butter, maple syrup, sugar, cinnamon, salt, pepper, turmeric, pesto, garlic, zucchini, mint, parsley, grapes, tomato |
| Preparation | Bake, grill, fry, blend, microwave, sauté, dollop, drizzle, sprinkle, whisk, wrap, press, strain, scoop, fold |
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What You'll Learn
Ricotta in pasta dishes
Ricotta is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of pasta dishes. One option is to make a simple sauce by mixing ricotta with lemon juice and adding it to pasta. This sauce can be made even creamier by adding a bit of pasta water and parmigiano reggiano. The sauce is ready in less than 5 minutes and can be paired with any type of pasta, such as rigatoni, penne, or spaghetti.
Another option is to make a baked ziti dish. This recipe does not require the pasta to be boiled beforehand, as it is baked in the oven. The dish includes ricotta, olive oil, and marinara sauce.
Ricotta can also be used in lasagna, where it is layered with pasta, mozzarella, Italian sausage crumbles, and spinach. A similar dish, called Pasta Con La Ricotta, is made by mixing ricotta with tomato sauce and adding it to pasta. This dish is said to be from the southern region of Italy, specifically Puglia, and is often made with short rolled pasta called cavatelli.
Additionally, ricotta can be used to make gnocchi, which can be paired with a simple herb brown butter sauce. For a one-pan meal, pan-fried gnocchi can be tossed with spicy garlic oil, arugula, and a dollop of ricotta.
Ricotta can also be used as a substitute for goat cheese in pasta dishes, creating a creamy yet lower-calorie sauce.
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Ricotta in desserts
Ricotta is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of desserts. Its creamy texture and subtle sweetness make it a perfect addition to many sweet treats. Here are some ideas for using ricotta in desserts:
Cheesecake
One of the most popular ways to use ricotta in desserts is to make a cheesecake. The cheese provides a rich and creamy texture that is simply irresistible. You can make a traditional Italian cheesecake or get creative with different flavours and ingredients. For example, you can add some lemon juice and zest to the ricotta mixture for a refreshing twist or even make individual cheesecake bars.
Cookies
Ricotta cookies are a classic Italian treat. These cookies are usually soft and fluffy, with a delicate crumbly texture. The ricotta adds a subtle sweetness and a lovely melt-in-your-mouth quality. You can decorate these cookies with icing and sprinkles or enjoy them plain. They are perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a sweet snack.
Puddings and Cakes
Ricotta is also commonly used in puddings and cakes. Its creamy texture makes it ideal for creating rich and indulgent desserts. For example, you can make a no-bake pudding with layers of ricotta cream cheese, chocolate pudding, whipped cream, and chocolate chips on a graham cracker crust. Alternatively, you can bake a delicious strawberry ricotta cake, which combines the best of both worlds—cake and cheesecake. The ricotta provides the perfect moisture and density, while the strawberries add a tangy flavour.
Other Desserts
In addition to the above, ricotta can be used in a variety of other desserts. You can make Italian-inspired treats such as cannolis or crumb bars, which have a cheesecake-like filling. Ricotta is also commonly used in French toast, giving it a decadent and creamy centre. For a simple yet elegant dessert, try drizzling honey over some ricotta and bruleeing it, then serving it with fresh fruit.
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Making homemade ricotta
Homemade ricotta cheese is easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients. The process is straightforward and the result is a creamy, delicious cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes.
To make homemade ricotta, start by heating 8 cups of whole milk in a 4-quart pot over medium heat until it reaches 195-200°F. Be careful not to let the milk boil, as you only want to bring it to a simmer. You can use 2% milk, but the ricotta will be slightly less rich and creamy. Avoid skim, non-fat, and ultra-high-temperature pasteurized milk, as these types of milk don't separate easily into curds and whey.
Once the milk reaches the desired temperature, add about 1/3 cup of distilled white vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1 1/2 to 2 lemons). You can also use citric acid, available from cheese-making suppliers. The acid will cause the milk to curdle and form curds. Stir the mixture gently for about 2 minutes, then remove it from the heat and let it stand, covered, for about 20 minutes.
Set a strainer over a large bowl and line it with a double layer of cheesecloth. Carefully ladle the curds into the strainer, allowing the whey to drip through. You can reserve the whey for later use in baking, smoothies, or even drinking it on its own over ice. Let the ricotta drain at room temperature for 10 to 60 minutes, depending on how wet or dry you want your cheese. If it becomes too dry, you can stir some of the whey back in.
Fresh ricotta can be used immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to make a firmer cheese like ricotta salata, wrap the drained ricotta in cheesecloth and place it beneath a weighted plate in the refrigerator overnight. The longer draining time will press out more whey and result in a drier, firmer cheese that's perfect for stuffing ravioli or layering into lasagna.
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Ricotta in salads
Ricotta is a very mild cheese with a creamy taste and texture and a hint of sweetness. Its mild flavor lends itself to being flavored with herbs or spices.
Ricotta cheese can be used in salads, such as a summer salad with herbed ricotta and balsamic vinaigrette. This salad combines ricotta cheese with basil, fresh oregano, and thyme. The dressing is made by whisking together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. The salad itself consists of tomato slices, cucumber, radishes, onion, and serrano peppers. The ricotta mixture is then dolloped over the tomatoes, and the salad is garnished with fresh basil and oregano.
Another salad option is a whipped ricotta salad. This salad involves blending ricotta, olive oil, and salt in a food processor until light and smooth. The dressing is made by blending basil, pine nuts, vinegar, salt, pepper flakes, and olive oil. The salad consists of tomatoes, snap peas, and arugula, which are tossed with the dressing. The whipped ricotta is spread on a platter, with the dressed salad placed on top, leaving some of the cheese exposed.
Ricotta salad with roasted peppers is another simple option. This salad combines ricotta cheese with roasted bell peppers, cucumber, and arugula. The peppers are roasted with olive oil and thyme. The arugula gives a nice peppery bite, but it can be swapped out for lamb's lettuce for a milder flavor. The salad can be served with crusty bread or chia flax crackers.
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Ricotta in breakfast dishes
Ricotta is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of breakfast dishes. Here are some ideas for incorporating ricotta into your morning meal:
Ricotta Toast
Spreading ricotta on toast is a simple yet delicious way to start your day. You can top it with a variety of ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes, balsamic glaze, basil, and even a drizzle of honey. For a more savoury option, try spreading garlic confit on your toast, then adding ricotta, grilled peaches, prosciutto, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze and hot honey.
Waffles
Ricotta can be whipped into waffle batter, adding extra moisture and making the waffles perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. You can also top your waffles with a scoop of ricotta and some sweet or savoury toppings, such as fresh or dried fruit, honey, or oven-roasted tomatoes.
Frittata
Adding ricotta to a frittata gives it an irresistible fluffiness. You can also mix in other ingredients such as diced tomatoes and oregano to pack in more flavour.
Blintzes
Blintzes are a special breakfast option that takes a little extra effort but is well worth it. They consist of tender crepes filled with a decadent blend of ricotta, cream cheese, lemon zest, and sugar.
Breakfast Bowl
Ricotta can be the star of your breakfast bowl. Simply put some ricotta in a bowl and top it with a variety of sweet or savoury toppings. Fresh or dried fruit, honey, oven-roasted tomatoes, caramelized garlic, and fried eggs with parsley are just a few of the many possibilities.
So, whether you're looking for a sweet or savoury breakfast option, ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can add creaminess, moisture, and flavour to your morning meal.
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Frequently asked questions
Ricotta cheese is used in a variety of recipes, both savoury and sweet. Some examples include lasagna, spinach dip, pizza, gnocchi, pancakes, and cheesecakes.
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can add creaminess and richness to both savoury and sweet dishes. It has a mild flavour and can be used as a base for other cheeses or as a substitute.
Ricotta cheese can be used as a topping or filling, mixed into sauces or batters, or simply spread on toast. It is often used in Italian cuisine, such as lasagna, cannelloni, and pizza.
