Bushra Griffith
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It can be made at home with just milk, lemon juice, cream, and salt, and the process takes under an hour on the stovetop. The milk should be warmed to 200°F, then lemon juice and salt are added. The mixture is then drained and strained to achieve the desired consistency. To improve the taste of store-bought ricotta cheese, it is recommended to add ingredients such as olive oil, lemon zest, minced parsley, basil, black pepper, and salt. For a sweeter option, ricotta can be paired with chocolate chips, maple syrup, or Nutella. When used in Italian baked dishes like lasagna, ricotta can be mixed with other cheeses such as mozzarella and Romano, as well as herbs like parsley and black pepper.
How to make ricotta cheese taste good
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Milk | Whole milk |
| Cream | Yes |
| Salt | Yes |
| Lemon juice | Yes |
| Vinegar | Yes |
| Citric acid | Yes |
| Rennet | Yes |
| Temperature | 185-206°F |
| Stirring technique | Figure-eight motion |
| Boiling | Gentle |
| Spices | Parsley, basil, black pepper, garlic powder |
| Cheese combinations | Mozzarella, Romano |
| Sweet combinations | Honey, chocolate chips, maple syrup, Nutella, powdered sugar |
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What You'll Learn
Add herbs like parsley, basil, or garlic powder
Adding herbs like parsley, basil, or garlic powder can be a great way to enhance the flavour of ricotta cheese.
Parsley is a popular choice for adding flavour to ricotta cheese. It can be added fresh to a mixture of ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Romano cheese, eggs, and black pepper to create a delicious filling for Italian baked dishes like lasagna, baked ziti, and manicotti. This blend of cheeses and seasonings complements almost any tomato sauce used in pasta dishes.
Similarly, basil can be added to ricotta cheese to enhance its flavour. Thin, shredded basil ribbons can be mixed with lemon zest and added to strained ricotta to create an ultra-creamy, fresh homemade ricotta.
Garlic powder is another option to add flavour to ricotta cheese. It can be added to the mixture of ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Romano cheese, eggs, and parsley to create a tasty filling for Italian baked dishes. The use of garlic powder can be adjusted depending on the amount of garlic in the sauce used in the dish.
In addition to these herbs, other seasonings like salt, olive oil, lemon zest, and black pepper can also be added to enhance the flavour of ricotta cheese.
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Use lemon zest for a tangy flavour
Lemon zest is a great way to add a tangy flavour to ricotta cheese. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both savoury and sweet dishes.
When using lemon zest, it is important to only take the outermost layer of the lemon, where all the aromatic oils are. Avoid the white pith underneath, as it can make your ricotta bitter. You can add lemon zest to your ricotta cheese by mixing it directly into the cheese, or by using it as a garnish on top.
For a savoury option, you can make a creamy spread by blending ricotta cheese, Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, and hot pepper flakes. This spread can be tossed with spinach, arugula, or roasted summer squash and zucchini for a delicious and healthy meal.
If you're looking for a sweeter option, you can make a cheesecake batter by mixing ricotta cheese, eggs, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla essence, and a dash of salt. Bake this mixture for 40-45 minutes, and then let it cool before serving. This creamy and light baked lemon ricotta cheese recipe can be served hot, at room temperature, or cold. For an extra touch of sweetness, dust it with powdered sugar and top it with fresh berries or a drizzle of honey.
Lemon zest adds a bright burst of flavour to ricotta cheese and can be used in a variety of dishes to create a rich and tangy taste experience.
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Make it creamier with tomato sauce
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from savoury to sweet. When it comes to making ricotta cheese taste good with tomato sauce, here are some tips and recipes to make it creamier and more flavourful:
Choosing the Right Ricotta Cheese:
Start by selecting a good-quality ricotta cheese. Look for creamy, whole milk ricotta that is thick and not too watery. The skim milk variety tends to be thin and watery, which can affect the final texture of your dish.
Enhancing with Herbs and Spices:
Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and garlic can enhance the flavour of ricotta cheese. You can also add spices like black pepper and garlic powder to give it a kick. However, be cautious not to over-spice the cheese mixture as it may clash with the tomato sauce.
Baked Ricotta with Tomato Sauce:
One delicious way to enjoy ricotta with tomato sauce is to bake it. You can create a simple dish by mixing ricotta cheese with fresh herbs, parmesan cheese, and tomato sauce. Bake it in the oven until it's heated through, and you'll have a creamy and flavourful dish.
Ricotta-Stuffed Eggplant with Tomato Sauce:
Another option is to make eggplant involtini. Slice eggplants thinly, fry them in olive oil, and stuff them with ricotta cheese. Place the stuffed eggplants in a baking dish, cover them with tomato sauce, and bake until tender. This dish makes a wonderful appetizer or main course.
Pasta with Ricotta and Tomato Sauce:
Ricotta cheese is an excellent addition to pasta dishes. You can create a simple sauce by mixing ricotta with salt, pepper, and grated lemon zest. Cook your favourite pasta until al dente, drain it, and then toss it with the ricotta mixture. Add some of the reserved pasta water to create a creamy consistency. Finally, serve it with your favourite tomato sauce on top.
Lasagna with Ricotta and Tomato Sauce:
Lasagna is a classic dish that combines ricotta cheese and tomato sauce. To make it, layer lasagna noodles with a mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Romano cheeses, along with herbs and spices. Add a layer of tomato sauce and repeat the layers. Bake the lasagna until bubbly and golden, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness.
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Add sweetness with chocolate chips or maple syrup
If you're looking to add some sweetness to your ricotta cheese, consider using chocolate chips or maple syrup. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Chocolate Chips
Ricotta and chocolate chips are a match made in heaven, especially when it comes to desserts. You can add chocolate chips to a basic ricotta mixture to make a delicious dessert filling. For example, you can make a simple chocolate ricotta cake with a melt-in-your-mouth texture or some banana ricotta muffins. For a more indulgent treat, try making a chocolate ricotta cake with fresh berries on the side. If you're feeling extra creative, you can even make cannoli ice cream by mixing ricotta, chocolate, pistachios, and crushed-up sugar cones.
Chocolate chips can also be added to savoury dishes with ricotta. For instance, you can make banana bread with ricotta, olive oil, and ripe bananas, or simply spread ricotta on toast and top it with chocolate chips and other ingredients like strawberries or bananas.
Maple Syrup
Maple syrup is another great way to sweeten ricotta cheese, especially if you're looking for a subtle and delicate flavour. It pairs well with ricotta in breakfast dishes, such as ricotta pancakes. You can also make a lemon ricotta pancake and top it with warm maple syrup for a wonderful flavour combination. If you're looking for a more savoury option, consider drizzling maple syrup over ricotta toast or using it as a glaze for a ricotta cake.
The choice between honey and maple syrup depends on the texture of your ricotta and your personal preference. Honey is a better option if your ricotta is wet as it is thicker and more intensely flavoured. On the other hand, maple syrup works well with drier ricotta as its subtle flavour complements the cheese nicely.
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Use it as a spread on toast with honey
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. One way to make ricotta cheese taste good is to use it as a spread on toast with honey. This combination creates a fluffy, decadent, and creamy spread that perfectly balances the flavours. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make ricotta toast with honey:
Ingredients
- Ricotta cheese (fresh, creamy, and thick)
- Honey
- Bread (sourdough or whole-grain bread is recommended)
- Olive oil
- Sea salt
- Fresh herbs (optional)
- Fruits (optional)
Instructions
- Choose a ricotta cheese that tastes fresh, is creamy, and has a thick texture. If the ricotta is a little watery, you can strain it with a cheesecloth before spreading it on the toast.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange the bread slices on a baking sheet.
- Lightly brush the tops of the bread slices with olive oil.
- Bake the bread in the oven for 5-8 minutes until it is toasted to your desired level.
- Let the toast cool down for about 2 minutes so it is easier to handle.
- Spread the ricotta cheese evenly on the toast.
- Drizzle honey over the ricotta. You can adjust the amount of honey to your desired level of sweetness.
- For an extra touch of flavour, sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top.
- If desired, add some fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, sage, or mint.
- You can also top the ricotta toast with fresh fruits such as berries, pear slices, figs, or strawberries.
- Enjoy your delicious ricotta toast with honey!
This recipe is a perfect combination of sweet and savoury, making it a great option for breakfast, brunch, or even as an appetizer. The creamy ricotta, sweet honey, and crunchy toast create a delightful texture and flavour profile that is sure to impress. Feel free to experiment with different types of bread and toppings to create your own unique variation of ricotta toast with honey!
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Frequently asked questions
If you're looking to improve the taste of store-bought ricotta cheese, try adding fresh parsley, parmesan cheese, and tomato sauce. You can also add garlic powder, black pepper, fresh basil, or shredded mozzarella cheese for an extra kick of flavour.
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both savoury and sweet dishes. For savoury options, you can add ricotta to pasta, lasagna, baked ziti, ravioli, calzones, or use it as a spread on toast. For sweeter options, you can add lemon zest, chocolate chips, maple syrup, or Nutella to your ricotta and use it in desserts like cannoli or tiramisu.
To make homemade ricotta cheese, you'll need milk, lemon juice, and cream. Some recipes also suggest adding salt. Heat the milk and cream to a gentle boil, stirring slowly to prevent scorching. Then, add the lemon juice and turn off the heat. Let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes, and then use a slotted spoon to transfer the curds to a cheesecloth-lined strainer. Allow the ricotta to strain for 10 to 15 minutes for a light and fluffy texture, or longer for a drier ricotta.
