Randy Chandler
Smooth ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a multitude of dishes, both savoury and sweet. It can be made at home with just milk, lemon juice, and a few minutes of hands-on time, resulting in a creamy and smooth texture. The key to achieving the desired consistency is controlling the draining and straining time, with shorter draining times resulting in a wetter cheese. Smooth ricotta can be used as a dip with vegetables and crackers, as a filling for omelettes, or as a topping for pizza and pasta. It can also be used in desserts, such as traditional Sicilian cannolis, or as a sweet spread on pancakes and waffles. Additionally, smooth ricotta can be whipped to create an airy texture, making it a perfect garnish or dip with a variety of toppings and seasonings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Smooth and creamy |
| Ingredients | Milk, lemon juice, cream, salt, olive oil, honey, herbs, lemon zest |
| Uses | Lasagna, pizza, cannoli, bagels, fruit dips, omelette filling, crostini, ravioli, pancakes, waffles, cookies, cakes |
| Preparation | Bring milk to a boil, add lemon juice or vinegar, strain curds, whip |
| Storage | Refrigerate for up to 4 days, can be frozen for up to 2 months |
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What You'll Learn
Use it as a dip with vegetables and crackers
Smooth ricotta cheese can be used as a dip with vegetables and crackers. The creamy texture and mild flavour of ricotta make it an excellent base for a dip. It can be seasoned with a variety of ingredients and served with fresh vegetables, crackers, bread, or pita chips.
To make a simple ricotta dip, combine ricotta, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt in a food processor. Process the ingredients until they reach a light and
For a baked ricotta dip, preheat your oven to 375-400°F and grease a baking dish or cast-iron skillet. Combine ricotta, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and rosemary in a bowl, and season with salt and pepper. Spread the mixture evenly into the baking dish and sprinkle the top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Bake for 15-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the dip is bubbly. Let the dip cool for a few minutes before serving with fresh vegetables and crackers.
You can also try adding other ingredients to your ricotta dip, such as sour cream, cherry tomatoes, confit tomatoes, chopped nuts, chopped spinach, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. Experiment with different combinations of ingredients to find your favourite ricotta dip recipe.
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Dollop it on pizza
Ricotta is a mild, creamy cheese that holds its shape when heated, making it perfect for dolloping over pizza. Its versatility means it pairs well with a wide range of Italian ingredients, especially garlic, herbs, tomatoes, and olive oil.
When using ricotta on pizza, it's best to use small dollops instead of spreading it across the base. This way, the ricotta adds to the overall texture without overwhelming the other flavours.
To make a white pizza with ricotta, combine olive oil, garlic, and rosemary, and brush this mixture over your pizza crust. Then, dollop ricotta over the top and gently spread it out. Sprinkle on some mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and top with red chilli flakes. Bake the pizza until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
You can also experiment with different toppings to add to your ricotta pizza. Spinach, basil, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichokes are all popular choices that pair well with ricotta. If you're feeling adventurous, try drizzling honey over your ricotta pizza for a hint of sweetness.
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Use it as a filling for cannolis, pancakes and waffles
Smooth ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. One popular way to use it is as a filling for cannolis, pancakes, and waffles.
For cannolis, a traditional Italian dessert, the ricotta cheese is used as the filling for the tube-shaped, deep-fried pastry dough shells. The filling is usually slightly sweet and creamy, with a touch of orange zest and chocolate chips. Some modern recipes also add heavy whipping cream for a smoother and creamier texture. The filled cannolis are then typically dusted with powdered sugar before serving.
When using ricotta cheese as a filling for pancakes, it adds a magical milky richness and creaminess to each bite. The ricotta also makes the pancakes extra fluffy, with a custard-like texture. To make ricotta pancakes, simply add the ricotta to a mixture of milk, egg yolks, and vanilla, then combine with the dry ingredients.
Similarly, ricotta cheese can be used to make delicious waffles. The addition of ricotta gives the waffles a creamy flavour and a luscious, fluffy texture. To make ricotta waffles, combine the ricotta with milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla, then add the remaining ingredients. The batter can be made ahead of time and cooked in a waffle iron when ready to serve.
Whether used in cannolis, pancakes, or waffles, smooth ricotta cheese adds a rich and creamy dimension to these dishes, making them extra indulgent and enjoyable.
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Put it in an omelette
Ricotta cheese is a great ingredient to add to an omelette. The gentle taste of ricotta works perfectly with the fluffy eggs. You can make a ricotta omelette with just eggs and ricotta, but you can also add other ingredients such as herbs, spices, meat, or vegetables.
To make a ricotta omelette, you will need to start by mixing your ricotta with herbs and spices. In a separate bowl, beat your eggs until fluffy, then add the ricotta mixture to the eggs and whisk until smooth. Heat some butter or oil in a pan, then pour in the egg mixture and cook over medium heat. When the bottom of the omelette starts to set, lift the edges with a spatula and let the uncooked egg run underneath. Continue cooking until the top is not runny, then use a spatula to fold the omelette in half. Serve immediately.
You can mix your ricotta with herbs such as parsley, basil, or chives, and spices such as salt and pepper. You can also add other cheeses such as Parmesan or grated cheddar. If you want to add vegetables to your omelette, cherry tomatoes are a great option and go well with the ricotta. You can saute the tomatoes with vinegar before adding them to your omelette. You could also try adding ingredients such as onions, mushrooms, or spinach.
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Make it into a sweet dessert with honey, walnuts and fruit
Smooth ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make a variety of sweet desserts with honey, walnuts, and fruit. Here are some ideas and recipes to try:
Whipped Ricotta Crostini with Walnuts and Honey
This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy appetizer or dessert. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (or 375°F, according to another source). Arrange sliced bread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the bread slices and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 8-10 minutes until toasted and golden brown. In a separate bowl, mix ricotta, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or a food processor for this step. Finally, top each toasted bread slice with a generous spoonful of the ricotta mixture. For an extra crunch, you can toast some walnuts in a pan and sprinkle them on top, along with some thyme leaves.
Strawberry Ricotta Dessert
This recipe is perfect for a light and refreshing summer dessert. Start by whipping the ricotta cheese with honey and vanilla yogurt in a food processor until smooth and creamy. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness to your preference. In a glass, layer a tablespoon of the whipped ricotta with a tablespoon of fresh strawberries. Repeat this step to create a delicious parfait. You can also add other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for a while before serving.
Sweet Ricotta Pear Ribbons with Roasted Honey Walnuts and Figs
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare two baking dishes lined with parchment paper. Place sliced figs and walnuts in separate dishes, drizzling them with honey. Bake for about 10 minutes. While the nuts and figs are baking, whip the ricotta cheese in a food processor until smooth. Add vanilla extract and honey to taste. To assemble, arrange pear ribbons on a plate as the base. Create a circle with the baked figs and walnuts, saving some for the topping. Add a generous amount of sweet ricotta on top and finish with the remaining walnuts and figs.
Ricotta with Fresh Fruits and Nuts
For a simpler dessert, you can serve ricotta cheese in a bowl, drizzled with honey, and topped with fresh fruits such as strawberries, apples, pears, or any seasonal berries. Toast some walnuts in a pan until aromatic and sprinkle them on top. You can also add a pinch of grated orange peel or lemon zest for extra flavor. This dessert is easy to assemble and can be adjusted to your taste preferences.
When making any of these desserts, it is recommended to use whole-milk ricotta cheese for the best texture and flavor. You can adjust the sweetness by using honey or a powdered sugar-free sweetener, and add vanilla extract for extra flavor. Enjoy experimenting with these sweet ricotta cheese desserts!
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Frequently asked questions
Smooth ricotta cheese can be made using milk, lemon juice, and cream. Bring the milk to a simmer, add lemon juice, and let it sit. Strain the curds and let the ricotta drain at room temperature for 10-60 minutes, depending on how wet or dry you want your ricotta to be. For a smoother consistency, you can also put the ricotta in a food processor for a few seconds after straining.
To make a smooth ricotta dip, place the ricotta, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt in a food processor and process until light and smooth. Transfer to a serving dish and top with honey, lemon zest, thyme, and flakey sea salt. Serve with crackers, crostini, or sliced baguette.
Smooth ricotta cheese can be used in a variety of dishes, including pasta, pizza, lasagna, ravioli, and cannoli. It can also be used as a filling for omelettes or as a topping for toast or focaccia.
