Ricotta's Perfect Fruit Partners: A Fresh Take On Flavor

Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with various fruits, creating delicious and elegant desserts, snacks, or even breakfast options. From grilled stone fruits to mixed berry parfaits and roasted summer fruits, ricotta's creamy texture and mild flavour make it a perfect complement to the sweetness of the fruit. The natural sweetness of the berries, especially when mixed with creamy ricotta, creates a delightful sensory experience. Ricotta can be whipped, sweetened with honey, and flavoured with vanilla or lemon zest to create a light and fluffy base for a variety of fresh fruits.

Berries and ricotta

Ingredients

For this recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Ricotta cheese (whole milk or fat-free)
• Honey
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon zest
• Fresh berries of your choice (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, or a mix)
• Fresh mint (optional)

Instructions

Here's how to make this delicious berry and ricotta dessert:

• In a mixing bowl, add the ricotta cheese, honey, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix until the ricotta is whipped and well combined.
• If desired, toss the chopped strawberries with fresh mint.
• Separately, toss the blueberries with lemon zest.
• In tall clear glasses, add a couple of spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture to the bottom.
• Top with a layer of blueberries, followed by more ricotta.
• Add a layer of strawberries, then repeat the layers until the glasses are full.
• Garnish with a sprig of mint, if desired.

You can also get creative and try different types of berries or add some crunchy granola for texture. This dessert can be served right away or refrigerated for up to 4-5 hours. Enjoy!

Stone fruit and ricotta

Stone fruits and ricotta are a perfect combination for a summer dessert. The creamy texture of the ricotta pairs well with the sweetness of the fruits, creating a delicious and elegant dish that is sure to impress.

Stone fruits, such as peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines, and cherries, are a delightful choice for grilling or roasting. Grilling the fruits brings out their natural sweetness and adds a subtle charred flavour, while roasting them enhances their juicy, succulent qualities. The warmth of cinnamon and vanilla, along with a touch of lemon juice and zest, further complement the flavours of the stone fruits.

When preparing the ricotta, it is essential to use a high-quality, artisanal variety with a higher fat content to achieve the desired creaminess. Baked ricotta, drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with black pepper and red pepper flakes, adds a savoury element to the dish. Alternatively, a simple mixture of ricotta, honey, and vanilla creates a sweet and fluffy base that perfectly balances the tartness of the stone fruits.

To serve, place a generous dollop of ricotta on a plate and top it with the grilled or roasted stone fruits. For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle the dish with honey and add a few crushed hazelnuts. This dessert is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a perfect choice for a summer gathering or a relaxed family meal.

Roasted summer fruit and ricotta

Ingredients

For the roasted summer fruits:

• Peaches
• Raspberries
• Blackberries
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Cinnamon

For the ricotta:

• Ricotta
• Honey
• Vanilla
• Hazelnuts

Method

• Preheat the oven to 200°C or 400°F.
• In a large bowl, mix together the fruit with the brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, lemon juice, and zest.
• Place the fruit mixture on a sheet pan and roast in the oven for about 20 minutes, until bubbling.
• While the fruit is roasting, mix together the ricotta, honey, and vanilla in a separate bowl.
• Once the fruit is ready, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
• To serve, add a generous dollop of the ricotta mixture to a plate, top with the roasted fruits and some of their juices, and sprinkle with crushed hazelnuts.

Tips and Variations

• If you're short on time, you can use store-bought ricotta instead of making your own.
• Feel free to experiment with different combinations of summer fruits, such as plums, apricots, nectarines, cherries, strawberries, or mulberries.
• For a slightly different flavour, you can use white sugar instead of brown sugar for a less caramelised taste.
• If you're not a fan of ricotta, you can serve the roasted fruits with a scoop of ice cream or Greek yoghurt instead.

Grilled fruit and ricotta

Choose Your Fruit

Select fruits that are moderately ripe and slightly firm, as they will hold up better on the grill. Some great options include peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines, cherries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, apples, bananas, pineapple, and more. You can choose a single type of fruit or create a mix of different fruits for a colourful and varied dish.

Prepare the Fruit

Cut the fruit into large chunks or slices, making sure they are big enough so that they don't fall through the grill grates. If you're using bananas, keep them in their peels to protect them from the high heat. You can also thread fruit cubes onto skewers for easier grilling.

Grill the Fruit

Lightly oil the grill grates or use a grill rack to create beautiful grill marks. Brush the fruit with melted butter or a neutral, high-heat oil such as safflower or grapeseed oil. Place the fruit on the grill and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side, until grill marks appear and the fruit is softened but not too soft.

Prepare the Ricotta

In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, honey, and vanilla extract to taste. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice and lemon zest for a fresh, tangy flavour. Stir until the mixture is well combined and has a light and fluffy texture.

Assemble the Dish

Once the fruit is grilled, it's time to assemble your dish. Place a dollop of the sweetened ricotta on a plate and top it with the grilled fruit. Drizzle any remaining juices from the fruit over the ricotta and fruit. For an extra touch of crunch and flavour, sprinkle some crushed hazelnuts or granola on top.

Serving Suggestions

Fresh fruit and ricotta

Choosing the Right Fruits

The beauty of fresh fruit and ricotta lies in its versatility. You can choose from a wide range of fruits to pair with ricotta, depending on your preference and what's in season. Berries are a popular choice, including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. These berries provide a burst of sweetness and a beautiful presentation with their vibrant colours. Stone fruits such as peaches, plums, apricots, and cherries also go well with ricotta. Their juicy, succulent flavours can be enhanced by grilling or roasting them, bringing out their natural sweetness.

Preparing the Ricotta

To elevate your ricotta, consider whipping it to achieve a creamy and velvety texture. You can use a food processor or a handheld mixer to do this. Sweeten your ricotta with honey, vanilla, or other flavourings like lemon zest, orange zest, or even a touch of liquor such as limoncello. Mix in some fresh mint for an extra layer of flavour. If you're making whipped ricotta in advance, store it in the fridge until it's ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

Now, let's talk about serving this delightful combination. You can go for a simple approach by arranging the fruit and ricotta in individual cups or bowls. Add a generous spoonful of ricotta in the centre of each serving, and finish with a drizzle of honey. You can also get creative by making parfaits with layers of ricotta, fruit, and even granola for added crunch. For a more indulgent treat, serve the fruit and ricotta over sponge cake or with pastry shells.

A Balanced Combination

The beauty of pairing fresh fruit with ricotta is that it offers a balance of flavours and textures. The creamy, mild ricotta provides a perfect canvas for the sweetness and acidity of the fruit. The addition of sweeteners, spices, and herbs further enhances this combination. Don't be afraid to experiment with different fruits and flavour combinations to find your favourite!

Frequently asked questions