Andy Montoya
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient used in a variety of recipes, from savoury dishes like lasagna and baked ziti to sweet Italian desserts like cannoli and cheesecake. However, to achieve the desired consistency for a particular recipe, it is sometimes necessary to drain off some of the liquid in the cheese. This process is simple and can be done in a few different ways, using tools like cheesecloth, coffee filters, paper towels, or fine mesh strainers.
How to get water out of ricotta cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Strainer, cheesecloth, bowl, plate, brick, paper towels |
| Steps | Place strainer over bowl, line with cheesecloth, spoon ricotta onto cloth, cover with plate and weigh down, squeeze cheesecloth, refrigerate |
| Time | Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight |
| Moisture | Ricotta will likely still be somewhat moist after squeezing, which works well in savoury dishes like lasagna |
| Uses | Moist ricotta can be used in lasagna, cannoli, pasta sauces, dips, and sandwiches |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Using a cheesecloth
To get water out of ricotta cheese using a cheesecloth, start by lining a strainer or colander with the cheesecloth. It is best to use a fine-grade cheesecloth with a tighter weave, such as grade 50 or higher. Line the entire inside surface of the strainer with the cheesecloth, making sure there are no gaps for the cheese to escape. Place the strainer over a bowl, ensuring there is at least an inch or two of space between the strainer and the bowl. This space allows for the collection of drained liquid without the ricotta sitting in its moisture.
Next, spoon the ricotta into the strainer on top of the cheesecloth. Be careful not to pour or drop the ricotta in, as this may include all the liquid. Instead, gently push and spread the ricotta into an even layer using a rubber spatula. You can also wrap the cheesecloth around the ricotta by lifting the four corners and tying them together to form a bundle.
Once the ricotta is in the cheesecloth, you can apply pressure to extract more water. Place a plate on top of the ricotta and set something heavy on top, such as a heavy bowl or a covered brick. You can also squeeze the cheesecloth bundle carefully, working from the top down to prevent the ricotta from squirting out. Continue squeezing and gently shaking to remove as much water as possible.
The time required for draining the ricotta depends on the intended use and the desired consistency. For a moist, spreadable ricotta, drain for about five minutes. If using the ricotta in moist, savoury dishes like lasagna or ravioli filling, drain for approximately 20 minutes to achieve a cottage cheese consistency. For cannoli, you may need to drain for an additional 10 minutes or more to prevent the shells from becoming soggy. For the driest consistency, drain the ricotta overnight or for at least eight hours.
Removing Cheese Sauce Chunks: Quick and Easy Guide
You may want to see also
Using a coffee filter
Using coffee filters is an effective way to remove water from ricotta cheese. This method is particularly useful if you don't have cheesecloth to hand. To begin, place a strainer or colander over a large bowl, leaving at least an inch or two of space between the strainer and the bowl. Line the strainer with a few layers of coffee filters. You can also dampen the filters before lining the strainer.
Next, spoon the ricotta cheese onto the coffee filters. Be careful not to pour or drop the ricotta, as this will include all the liquid. Instead, slowly spoon the cheese into the filter, leaving any excess liquid behind in its original container. Once the ricotta is in the filter, fold the sides of the filter over the cheese to contain it.
To help squeeze out the liquid, place something heavy on top of the covered ricotta, such as a heavy bowl or a brick. You can also wrap the coffee filter around the ricotta, lifting the four corners and tying them together to form a bundle. Then, carefully squeeze the bundle, working from the top down to prevent the cheese from squirting out.
Leave the ricotta to drain for at least an hour. The longer you leave it, the firmer the ricotta will become. After draining, transfer the ricotta to a bowl and fluff it with a fork. You can serve it immediately or refrigerate it for later use.
The Hunt for Scorpion Cheese: A Guide
You may want to see also
Using a paper towel
Using paper towels to remove water from ricotta cheese is a straightforward process. It can be done in a few different ways, depending on the equipment you have available and how much time you want to spend.
One method is to line a strainer or colander with paper towels. You will need a few layers of strong paper towels to ensure that the ricotta doesn't seep through. Place the lined strainer over a bowl, leaving at least one or two inches of space between the strainer and the bowl. Spoon the ricotta onto the paper towels and fold them around the cheese. Place something heavy, like a bowl or a brick, on top of the wrapped ricotta and leave it to drain for at least four hours or overnight in the refrigerator. When you're ready to use the ricotta, gently squeeze the paper towels to remove any remaining liquid before unwrapping the cheese.
Another method is to spread the ricotta out on a sheet pan lined with paper towels. Cover the ricotta with more paper towels and then place another sheet pan on top, weighting it down with something heavy. Let this sit for a few minutes as the paper towels absorb the moisture from the ricotta.
If you are making your own ricotta, you can also use paper towels to drain the curds after they have formed. Line a mesh strainer or colander with paper towels and slowly pour the curds onto the paper towels. Allow the ricotta to drain for 30 minutes, or longer if you want thicker ricotta.
It's important to note that paper towels may not be as effective at removing water from ricotta as cheesecloth, and the ricotta may end up with a creamier texture. However, this method can work in a pinch if you don't have cheesecloth on hand.
Keep Cheese Inside Chicken Cordon Bleu: Tips and Tricks
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Using a cloth kitchen towel
To get water out of ricotta cheese using a cloth kitchen towel, you will need a bowl, a strainer or colander, and a cloth kitchen towel.
First, place the strainer or colander over the bowl. Make sure there is at least an inch or two of space between the strainer or colander and the bowl. Line the strainer or colander with the cloth kitchen towel. If the cloth kitchen towel is too thick, it may not be suitable for straining the ricotta cheese.
Next, spoon the ricotta cheese onto the cloth kitchen towel. Avoid pouring or dropping the ricotta cheese into the strainer or colander, as this will include all the liquid from the container. Instead, spoon the ricotta bit by bit, leaving behind any excess liquid at the bottom of the container.
After the ricotta cheese is in the strainer or colander, use any clean cloth or paper towel to cover the ricotta, or a plate that fits inside the strainer or colander. Do not use a plate that rests on the strainer's or colander's lip, as the ricotta will need to be compressed.
To compress the ricotta and help it drain, place a heavy object on top of the cloth or plate resting on the ricotta. This could be a large can of food, a bag of stones, or any other reasonably clean and heavy object. If you cannot find anything suitable, press the ricotta down with a spoon for a minute or two instead.
The ricotta cheese should be left to drain for at least four hours, but preferably overnight if possible. The longer it is left to drain, the more liquid will be removed. After draining, gently squeeze the cheese to see if any more liquid will drain out, then drain off the liquid in the bowl.
Danny's Cheese: An Unexpected Source
You may want to see also
Using a weighted plate
Draining ricotta cheese is necessary to remove excess moisture, especially before using it in baked goods. This is because soggy cheese can make pastry bases heavy and soggy.
To drain ricotta cheese using a weighted plate, start by lining a strainer with cheesecloth. Place the strainer over a bowl, ensuring there is at least an inch or two of space between the strainer and the bowl. This space is important to allow the liquid to drain away from the ricotta. Spoon the ricotta into the strainer on top of the cheesecloth, being careful not to pour or drop the ricotta in, as this will include all the liquid. Instead, spoon it in bit by bit, leaving any excess liquid behind.
Next, cover the ricotta with a plate that fits inside the strainer. The plate should not rest on the strainer's lip, as the ricotta needs to be compressed. Place a weight on top of the plate. This could be another heavy bowl, a covered brick, a large can of food, or a bag of stones. It should be something reasonably clean that can fit inside your setup.
Now, place the whole setup in the refrigerator. The ricotta should be left to drain for at least eight hours, or even overnight. The longer it is left, the more liquid will be removed. After this time, remove the setup from the refrigerator and gently squeeze the cheese to see if any more liquid will drain out. Finally, discard the liquid in the bowl and use the ricotta as required in your recipe.
Removing Dried Cheese Stains from Carpet: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You can use a cheesecloth to squeeze out the water from the ricotta cheese.
Place the ricotta cheese in a cheesecloth and squeeze out the liquid. You can also use a cloth kitchen towel, a coffee filter, or 2-3 layers of paper towel.
Depending on the consistency you want, it can take anywhere from 10 minutes to 24 hours.
For ricotta cheese, a fine-grade cheesecloth is best. Look for cheesecloth that is labeled as grade 50 or higher.
Removing water from ricotta cheese results in a thicker consistency, which is better suited for certain recipes like creamy Italian desserts.
