Patrick Oconnell
Whole milk ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient used in both sweet and savoury dishes. It is a soft, fresh, and spreadable cheese with a creamy texture, making it perfect for dishes like lasagna, stuffed shells, manicotti, and cannoli. It can also be used as a spread on toast, bagels, or crackers, and can be whipped for a lighter texture. Whole milk ricotta is typically made by heating whole milk and adding an acid such as lemon juice or vinegar, causing the milk to curdle and separate into curds and whey. The curds are then strained and drained to achieve the desired consistency, resulting in a delicious and creamy whole milk ricotta cheese.
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What You'll Learn
Lasagna filling
Whole milk ricotta cheese is a key ingredient in the filling for lasagna, a classic Italian dish. The creamy cheese is layered between sheets of pasta and baked to perfection, resulting in a comforting and hearty meal.
To make the ricotta filling, start by choosing a good-quality whole milk ricotta cheese. You can opt for store-bought or homemade, but ensure it has a soft and velvety texture. Drain the ricotta a day or two beforehand to remove excess moisture, using a colander or cheesecloth. This step is crucial for achieving the desired fluffy texture in the final dish.
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained ricotta with shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese. You can shred a block of mozzarella yourself or use pre-shredded cheese, but avoid the variety packed in water as it can make the mixture too wet. Grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese can also be added for extra savoury umami flavour.
To enhance the flavour and creaminess of the filling, you can include additional ingredients such as eggs, fresh parsley, black pepper, and garlic powder. Simply stir or whisk all the ingredients together until well combined and creamy. If you prefer a simpler approach, you can also use just ricotta cheese without any additional ingredients.
Once your ricotta filling is ready, you can assemble your lasagna. Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture on top of cooked lasagna noodles or pasta sheets, followed by a layer of meat sauce or tomato sauce. Repeat these layers, finishing with a topping of mozzarella cheese. Bake your lasagna according to your preferred recipe, and enjoy the delicious combination of creamy cheese and savoury sauce in every bite.
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Spread on toast
Whole milk ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. One popular way to use ricotta cheese is to spread it on toast. This can be done as a substitute for cream cheese, and can be paired with toppings such as cracked black pepper and honey. For a quick and easy appetizer, try spreading ricotta on a toasted baguette with a drizzle of honey.
When using ricotta as a spread, it is recommended to only drain the cheese for 3-5 minutes to achieve the desired creamy consistency. If you prefer a denser texture, you can drain the ricotta for longer, but this may not be as suitable for spreading. To make a simple yet delicious breakfast or snack, try toasting some bread, spreading on some ricotta, and topping it with sliced fruit such as strawberries, bananas, or peaches. You can also add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavour.
For a more savoury option, consider spreading ricotta on toast and topping it with sliced tomatoes, avocado, or fresh herbs such as basil or chives. You can also mix the ricotta with chopped vegetables, such as roasted red peppers or spinach, to create a savoury spread. Season the ricotta with salt and pepper to taste, and add a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavour and moisture.
If you're feeling creative, you can even make a whipped ricotta spread by blending the cheese with a small amount of milk or cream until it reaches a light and fluffy consistency. This can be used as a base for a variety of different toppings and flavours, both sweet and savoury. Experiment with different ingredients and find your favourite combinations!
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Whipped ricotta
Whole milk ricotta is used in a variety of dishes, including lasagna, stuffed shells, manicotti, and pizza. It can also be used as a topping for pasta, soup, or toast. When whipped, whole milk ricotta becomes a versatile ingredient that can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes.
To make whipped ricotta, simply place the ricotta in a mixing bowl and use a hand mixer with a whisk attachment or beaters to whip it until it reaches a smooth, light, and creamy consistency. This process should only take a couple of minutes. For a more elevated flavour profile, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and sea salt can be added to the ricotta during the whipping process.
Once the desired consistency is achieved, the whipped ricotta can be served in a variety of ways. It can be used as a dip or spread, paired with grilled bread, crackers, or vegetables. For a more indulgent option, it can be topped with honey, lemon zest, and fresh herbs such as thyme, chives, parsley, or mint. Alternatively, it can be used as a base for pizzas or as a filling for omelettes and toast.
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Italian stuffed shells
Whole milk ricotta cheese is used in a variety of dishes, including lasagna, stuffed shells, manicotti, and more. It can also be used as a topping for pasta, soup, pizza, or toast.
Now, let's focus on Italian stuffed shells. This classic dish is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion. Here's a step-by-step guide to making delicious Italian stuffed shells with whole milk ricotta cheese:
Ingredients:
- Jumbo pasta shells
- Whole milk ricotta cheese
- Tomato sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Spinach (fresh or frozen)
- Garlic
- Grated nutmeg
- Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- Shredded mozzarella
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: minced onion, lemon zest, oregano, red pepper flakes, and other seasonings of your choice
Instructions:
Start by preparing the pasta shells according to the package instructions. Cook the shells until they are just shy of al dente, as they will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
For the filling, mix the whole milk ricotta cheese with the chopped spinach, garlic, grated nutmeg, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, shredded mozzarella, salt, and pepper. You can also add an egg to the mixture, although it is not essential. Season with additional ingredients like oregano, lemon zest, or red pepper flakes to enhance the flavor.
Take a baking dish and spread a layer of tomato sauce on the bottom. Now, the fun part begins – stuffing the shells! Use a small spoon to fill each shell with the ricotta cheese mixture. Place the stuffed shells into the baking dish, opening side up, and nestle them tightly together.
Once all the shells are stuffed and arranged, top them with more tomato sauce and shredded mozzarella. You can also add some grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for an extra cheesy touch.
Bake the assembled pasta in a preheated oven at 375°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned. For an even crispier texture, bake the shells with the stuffed side up.
Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with extra marinara sauce on the side. Enjoy the comforting and cheesy goodness of Italian stuffed shells!
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Dessert with fruit
Ricotta cheese is a fantastic ingredient to add to desserts, especially when paired with fruit. Here are some dessert ideas that use whole milk ricotta cheese and fruit:
Ricotta Cheesecake
For a dense, creamy, and decadent dessert, try a ricotta cheesecake. This baked dessert is made with a mix of ricotta and cream cheese, and it can be topped with your choice of fruit. For a classic option, top the cheesecake with sweet jarred cherries and a bit of sugar and brandy. Alternatively, a blueberry sauce and berries on top of the cheesecake make for a delightful combination.
Ricotta Cake
If you're looking for something lighter and fluffier than a cheesecake, a ricotta cake is a great option. This cake is soft and moist, with a texture that pairs well with fruit. For a simple yet delicious option, top the cake with juicy blueberries and a lemon glaze. Or, if you prefer strawberries, pack the cake with those berries instead, along with hints of vanilla and lemon.
Ricotta Cookies
For a dessert that's easy to store and even easier to eat, try making ricotta cookies. These cookies are fresh and light, with ricotta cheese, lemons, and almond extract. They pair well with a sweet lemon glaze, and you can add in some chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
Ricotta with Berries
For a quick and easy dessert, simply combine ricotta cheese with fresh berries. This dessert is light and creamy, with a texture reminiscent of a rich yogurt or mousse. The colorful berries make for a beautiful presentation, and the high protein content makes it a nutritious treat.
Ricotta Pancakes
For a fruity breakfast option, try making Meyer lemon ricotta pancakes. These pancakes are super fluffy, with a mild and floral lemon flavor. Garnish them with homemade candied Meyer lemons and warm maple syrup for an extra special treat.
Remember, these desserts are best made with whole milk ricotta cheese, as it provides a smoother and creamier texture than low-fat ricotta. Enjoy experimenting with these delicious dessert options!
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Frequently asked questions
Whole milk ricotta cheese is used in both sweet and savoury dishes.
Whole milk ricotta cheese is used in desserts such as cannoli, cheesecake, and rice ricotta Easter pie.
Whole milk ricotta cheese is used in savoury dishes such as lasagna, stuffed shells, manicotti, and calzones.
Yes, whole milk ricotta cheese can be used as a spread on toast, baguettes, or crackers.
Yes, whole milk ricotta cheese can be frozen for up to 3 months. However, freezing may affect the texture of the cheese.
