Andy Montoya
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It is an Italian cheese with a mild flavour and a creamy texture, making it a great addition to many recipes. Some popular savoury dishes that use ricotta cheese include lasagne, ravioli, pizza, gnocchi, and sandwiches. It can also be used as a base for dips or as a filling for shells or manicotti. On the sweeter side, ricotta is commonly used in cheesecakes, cookies, pancakes, French toast, and cakes. It can also be paired with fruits, honey, or chocolate for desserts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Main course, appetiser, dessert |
| Dishes | Lasagne, ravioli, gnocchi, pancakes, pizza, sandwiches, dips, cheesecake, cookies, crepes, French toast, waffles, blinis, tiramisu, pasta sauce, casseroles, meatballs, quesadillas, gnudi, dumplings |
| Flavour | Sweet, savoury |
| Texture | Moist, fluffy, creamy, rich, dense |
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What You'll Learn
Ricotta in pasta and pizza
Ricotta is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including pasta and pizza. Here are some ideas for using ricotta in these two types of dishes:
Pasta
A quick and easy pasta dish can be made by combining cooked pasta with ricotta, a jar of marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. This mixture can then be baked until the cheese is crispy. Spinach, nettles, or other greens can be added for extra flavour and nutrition. Alternatively, ricotta can be used as a base for a creamy pasta sauce, such as a simple sauce made with ground turmeric and pepper. For a heartier dish, ricotta can be mixed with egg and flour, shaped into dumplings, and simmered in marinara sauce.
Pizza
Ricotta can be used as a base for pizza instead of a traditional tomato sauce. This is known as a "white pizza" and can be topped with ingredients such as spinach, basil, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella. For extra flavour, the ricotta can be seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, or red pepper flakes. Alternatively, ricotta can be used as a topping on a traditional tomato sauce-based pizza, along with other toppings such as pepperoni, caramelized onions, or chives.
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Ricotta in pancakes
Ricotta pancakes are a delicious alternative to regular buttermilk pancakes. They are light, fluffy, and easy to make. The ricotta adds a magical milky richness and creaminess to each bite, making the pancakes moist and custard-like in the middle. The cheese also adds moisture without weighing down the pancakes, yielding the fluffiest pancakes in the world.
To make the pancakes, you will need the following ingredients:
- Full-fat ricotta
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vanilla
- Melted butter
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
First, mix the dry ingredients in a small bowl. In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs vigorously until foamy, for about 30 seconds. Add the ricotta, milk, vanilla, and melted butter, and whisk until evenly combined. Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and gently whisk just until evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix—stirring just until combined keeps the pancakes tender.
Generously oil the hot pan or griddle. Drop 1/4-cup portions of batter onto the surface, spacing them at least an inch apart. Cook each pancake for about 3 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown and the tops are bubbling.
These pancakes can be served warm with maple or blueberry syrup. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
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Ricotta in dips
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. One popular way to use ricotta is in dips. Here are some ideas for creating delicious ricotta dips:
Whipped Ricotta Dip
This simple yet impressive dip can be served as an appetizer or snack. To make it, place ricotta, olive oil, and salt in a food processor and blend until smooth and fluffy. For a more savoury version, add fresh thyme, lemon zest, and black pepper. If you prefer a sweeter dip, drizzle honey on top and serve with fresh fruit, crackers, or bread. You can also experiment with other add-ins like roasted garlic, confit tomatoes, chopped nuts, or dried herbs.
Ricotta and Pimento Cheese Dip
For a lighter and fluffier alternative to mayonnaise-based dips, try blending ricotta with pimento cheese. This dip is perfect for summer picnics and can be served with crackers, vegetables, or bread.
Savoury Ricotta Dip
Create a savoury ricotta dip by blending ricotta with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. For extra flavour, add in some roasted garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs like basil or thyme. Serve this dip with toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers.
Sweet Ricotta Dip
For a sweeter option, blend ricotta with honey, vanilla, and a pinch of cinnamon. This dip can be served with graham crackers, apple slices, or other fruit. It's a great option for a quick and easy dessert or snack.
With its mild flavour and creamy texture, ricotta cheese is an excellent base for dips and can be easily adapted to suit both sweet and savoury preferences. So get creative and experiment with different add-ins and serving suggestions!
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Ricotta in desserts
Ricotta is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both savoury and sweet dishes. Its creamy texture and mild flavour make it a perfect addition to desserts. Here are some ideas for using ricotta in desserts:
Cheesecake
A classic Italian dessert, ricotta cheesecake is a popular choice. It is known for its creamy texture and elegant flavour. You can make it in a springform pan or a cake pan, and even cut it into bars. For a twist on the traditional recipe, some people add lemon or almond extract to the ricotta mixture.
Cookies
Ricotta cookies are a delicious treat, especially when drizzled with icing and topped with sprinkles. For a true Italian experience, try the Limoncello Ricotta Cookies, which are fluffy and cake-like with an irresistible limoncello glaze. Another option is to make Brown Butter & Ricotta Cookies, which are simple yet packed with incredible flavour.
Pancakes
Adding ricotta to pancake batter creates a moist and fluffy texture. It pairs well with honey, lemon zest, and blueberries. For a special touch, consider using a recipe from Giada de Laurentis.
Strawberry Ricotta Cake
This dessert blends the flavours of a wedding cake and a cheesecake. It is dense, delicious, and tangy due to the strawberries. It is perfect for a weekend brunch or as a dessert. You can also experiment with different flavours by adding lemon juice or almond extract instead of the traditional almond flavouring.
Other Desserts
Ricotta can also be used in various other desserts, such as cannolis, Italian ice cream, pudding, and tiramisu. You can even make your own ricotta by mixing it with honey and vanilla and serving it with graham crackers. So, whether you're looking for a traditional Italian dessert or something more creative, ricotta is a versatile ingredient that can transform your sweet treats!
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Ricotta in savoury dishes
Ricotta is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of savoury dishes. Here are some ideas for using ricotta in savoury dishes:
Lasagne
One of the most popular ways to use ricotta in savoury dishes is to make lasagne. You can add ricotta to the layers of pasta, sauce, and cheese to create a creamy and rich flavour.
Ravioli
You can also use ricotta as a filling for ravioli. One option is to mix ricotta with spinach and Parmesan to create a savoury and creamy filling.
Pizza
Ricotta can be used as a base for pizza instead of a traditional tomato sauce. You can add other toppings such as herby chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh mozzarella.
Pasta
In addition to lasagne and ravioli, ricotta can be used in other pasta dishes. You can make a simple sauce with ricotta, ground turmeric, and pepper. You can also add ricotta to stuffed shells or any other pasta dish to enhance its richness and creaminess.
Gnocchi
Ricotta is a key ingredient in making gnocchi, especially the homemade variety. You can pair the freshly made ricotta gnocchi with a simple herb brown butter sauce or toss it with spicy garlic oil and arugula.
Dips
Ricotta can be used as a base for dips. You can add various seasonings, such as lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, to create a savoury dip that pairs well with crudités and crackers.
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Frequently asked questions
You can cook lasagne, ravioli, pizza, gnocchi, sandwiches, pasta, and dips with ricotta cheese.
You can cook cheesecake, cookies, pancakes, crepes, French toast, and tiramisu with ricotta cheese.
You can make a ricotta-based sauce for pasta, gnocchi, and eggplant.
You can use ricotta cheese as a filling for ravioli, cannoli, and dates wrapped in wonton wrappers.
You can use ricotta cheese as a topping for crostini, French toast, and pizza.
