Bushra Griffith
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both savoury and sweet dishes. In Indian sweets, ricotta cheese is a popular substitute for milk solids or milk powder, adding a rich and creamy texture to traditional treats. One of the most well-known Indian sweets made with ricotta cheese is Peda or Kesar Peda, a fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth sweet that is commonly served during festivals and celebrations. Another popular Indian dessert that uses ricotta cheese is Kalakand, a milk-based fudge with a crumbly texture. Additionally, ricotta cheese can be used to make Chocolate Burfi, a quick and easy treat that combines Western and Indian ingredients. For those who enjoy fusion desserts, Ras Malai Cake is an Indian-inspired cake that incorporates ricotta cheese.
How to use Ricotta Cheese in Indian Sweets
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Italian whey cheese made from cow, sheep, goat or buffalo milk |
| Texture | Soft, light and creamy |
| Taste | Mild |
| Indian Sweets | Kalakand, Peda, Burfi, Rabri, Ras Malai Cake, Microwave Milk Cake, Chocolate Burfi |
| Other Ingredients | Sugar, Condensed Milk, Cardamom, Saffron, Nuts, Ghee, Milk Powder, Cocoa Powder |
| Recipe | Heat ghee/butter in a pan, add ricotta cheese, mix and cook until well combined, add milk powder/condensed milk, sugar and other ingredients, cook until mixture leaves the sides of the pan |
| Time | Quick and easy to make |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
How to make Kalakand with ricotta cheese
Kalakand is a delightful Indian sweet that is usually made by curdling milk to make paneer, which is then cooked with sugar. However, ricotta cheese can be used as a substitute for paneer, making the recipe much quicker and easier.
Ingredients:
- Full-fat ricotta cheese
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Ground cardamom seeds (optional)
- Saffron (optional)
- Pistachios or other nuts (optional)
Method:
- Add the ricotta cheese and condensed milk to a non-stick pan.
- Use a silicone spatula to mix well and break any lumps.
- Cook on medium heat, stirring frequently. Keep scraping the sides and mixing.
- After about 5 minutes, the mixture will start to thicken.
- After about 20 minutes, the mixture will start to separate from the sides and become thick.
- Add cardamom powder and mix well.
- Pour the batter onto a parchment paper-lined dish. Use a spatula to press down evenly, forming a square.
- Garnish with chopped nuts, pressing down lightly.
- Allow to cool down completely, for about an hour.
- Cut the Kalakand into small, bite-sized cubes.
Your Kalakand is now ready to be served! This recipe is perfect for any festive occasion and can be modified with additional ingredients like saffron, rose water, or cocoa powder.
Shredded Cheese Sauce: Quick, Easy, and Delicious!
You may want to see also
Ricotta Peda, a popular Indian sweet
To make Ricotta Peda, you will need ricotta cheese, milk powder, sugar, ghee, and optional ingredients like saffron, cardamom, and nuts. The process begins by soaking saffron strands in warm milk to release their colour and flavour. In a heavy-bottomed or non-stick pan, heat ghee on medium heat. Once melted, carefully add the ricotta cheese and break it up with a spatula. Mix well and cook on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. As the ricotta releases moisture, the mixture will become thinner and moist. Continue cooking until most of the moisture evaporates, leaving a thick and creamy dough.
At this stage, you can add sugar and mix well. If using cardamom, crush the seeds and add the powder to the mixture. You can also add crushed nuts for texture and flavour. Mix all the ingredients until well combined. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Oil your hands and scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture to shape it into round balls. Gently press each ball to form a disc-like shape, resembling the traditional Peda.
Once shaped, the Pedas can be decorated with chopped pistachios and rose petals. They can be served fresh or stored in an airtight container. At room temperature, they will stay fresh for up to 2 days, and in the refrigerator, they can last for 8-10 days. Ricotta Peda is a delicious and simplified version of the traditional Indian sweet, perfect for any festive occasion or celebration.
The Versatile Kasseri: Cooking and Melting
You may want to see also
Using ricotta cheese to make Ras Malai
Ricotta cheese is a great alternative to making the cheese dumplings from scratch in traditional Ras Malai recipes. The use of ricotta cheese streamlines the process while delivering the delicious essence of traditional Ras Malai. Here is a simple recipe for Ras Malai using ricotta cheese:
Ingredients
- Ricotta cheese
- Sugar
- Cardamom powder
- Evaporated milk
- Condensed milk
- Regular milk
- Rose water
- Saffron
- Almonds
- Pistachios
Method
Firstly, preheat your oven to 340°F (171°C) or 350°F. In a bowl, add ricotta cheese, sugar, and cardamom powder. Mix it well. You can adjust the sugar in the first step as per your taste. You can also add a pinch of saffron for extra flavour and a gorgeous golden colour. Next, add a spoonful of the ricotta mixture to a cupcake pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or 50 minutes without covering. You can check if it is baked by inserting a toothpick in the centre; if it comes out clean, it is ready.
While the cheese is baking, prepare the milk mixture. In a pan, mix evaporated milk, condensed milk, and regular milk. You can also use half-and-half instead of evaporated milk. Cook it until it comes to a boil and then leave it aside to cool down. Once the cheese is baked, let it cool down for 10 minutes before taking it out of the pan. Then, slice the cheese into cubes. After the milk mixture has cooled down, gently heat it and add rose water, cardamom, and saffron. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for extra warmth. Stir well and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Finally, carefully drop the cheese cubes into the milk mixture and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight. Before serving, sprinkle almonds and pistachios over the cheese. You can also drizzle the cooled milk mixture over the cheese balls instead of soaking them in the mixture. Your Ras Malai is now ready to be served!
The Ultimate Guide to Mexican Cheese
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Making Chocolate Burfi with ricotta cheese
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make a variety of Indian sweets, including barfi, peda, and kalakand. Here is a detailed recipe for making Chocolate Burfi with ricotta cheese, a delicious Indian sweet that can be made in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
- Ricotta Cheese (2 cups)
- Unsalted Butter or Ghee (4 tablespoons)
- Whole Milk Powder (1 cup)
- Sugar (2/3 cup)
- Cocoa Powder
- Ground Cardamom (optional)
- Chopped Almonds (optional)
Instructions:
- Line an 8" square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing a 2" overhang on two sides. Alternatively, lightly grease a plate and keep it ready.
- In a nonstick pan, melt the butter over medium heat and add the ricotta cheese. Mix and cook until well combined.
- Add the milk powder and sugar, stirring continuously until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Stir in the cocoa powder and mix until it is well incorporated.
- (Optional) Add 2 tablespoons of chopped almonds and mix.
- Continue cooking and stirring frequently until the mixture begins to leave the sides of the pan, which should take around 15-20 minutes.
- Add the ground cardamom and mix well.
- Spread the mixture onto the prepared pan, forming a 3/4" thick layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of chopped almonds (if using) and gently press them into the mixture with a rubber spatula.
- Smooth the top and set it aside to cool.
- Once completely cooled, lift the chocolate burfi out of the pan using the parchment paper and place it on a chopping board. Cut into desired shapes and sizes.
This Chocolate Burfi with ricotta cheese is a perfect edible gift and a delightful treat for any occasion, especially during festivals and celebrations. Enjoy the sweet delights of this easy-to-make Indian dessert!
Cheese on Puttanesca: A Tasty Twist or Taboo?
You may want to see also
Ricotta Rabri, a rich and creamy Indian sweet
Ricotta Rabri is a rich and creamy Indian dessert that is perfect for any festive occasion. It is easy to prepare and can be made in a microwave or on a stovetop. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious sweet treat:
Ingredients:
- Ricotta Cheese
- Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Cardamom Powder (optional)
- Saffron Strands (optional)
- Nuts (such as pistachios or almonds) for garnish (optional)
Method:
- In a non-stick pan over medium heat, add the ricotta cheese. You can use store-bought or homemade ricotta cheese, but make sure to drain any excess whey or water before using.
- Stir the ricotta cheese frequently to prevent it from burning and sticking to the pan. Continue cooking until most of the moisture evaporates, and the cheese becomes like a thick and creamy dough.
- Now, add the condensed milk and continue to cook on medium heat, stirring frequently. The mixture will start to thicken and turn golden brown.
- If using, add the cardamom powder and saffron strands (soaked in warm milk) to the mixture and stir well. The cardamom adds a sweet aroma, while saffron adds a floral flavour and a gorgeous golden colour.
- Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Oil your hands and take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture, shaping it into a round ball, and then gently pressing it into a disc shape.
- Garnish with chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds, and even some rose petals, if desired. Press them slightly to set on the rabri.
- Serve fresh, or store in an airtight container and refrigerate for later.
With this simple recipe, you can enjoy a rich and indulgent Indian sweet that is perfect for any celebration or festival. So, surprise your loved ones with this easy-to-make treat!
Beemster Cheese: The Ultimate Culinary Experience
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Ricotta cheese is an Italian whey cheese made from cow, sheep, goat, or buffalo milk. It is mild in taste and has a soft, white texture.
Many Indian sweets or mithai can be made with ricotta cheese, including Kalakand, Peda, Burfi, and Rabri. These sweets are known for being creamy, rich, and fudgy, with a melt-in-the-mouth texture.
The process varies depending on the sweet, but generally, ricotta cheese is combined with other ingredients such as condensed milk, sugar, cardamom, saffron, and nuts. The mixture is then cooked until it reaches the desired consistency. For example, in making Peda, the mixture is shaped into balls and decorated, while Kalakand involves cooking the mixture until it becomes moist and crumbly.
