Frederic Melton
Ricotta cheese is an incredibly versatile ingredient. While it is a key ingredient in the classic Italian lasagna, ricotta can be used in a variety of dishes, from breakfast to dessert and everything in between. If you have a cup of ricotta cheese in your fridge, you can use it in lemon ricotta pancakes, spread it on toast, make gnocchi, or even add it to pasta. You can also use ricotta cheese in appetizers, such as puff pastry rolls with kale and feta, or sweet potato rounds with herbs, walnuts, and dried cranberries. If you're in the mood for something sweet, try using your ricotta cheese in a cheesecake or a cake.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Desserts | Cannoli, Cakes, Cookies, Cheesecake, Lemon Ricotta Pound Cake, Brûléed Honey-Sweetened Ricotta with Fresh Fruit |
| Savoury Dishes | Lasagna, Gnocchi, Calzones, Casseroles, Pizza, Pasta, Spaghetti Pie, Stuffed Shells, Eggplant Rollups, Mozzarella-Topped Zucchini Rolls, Puff Pastry Rolls, Polenta, Gozleme |
| Breakfast | Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Ricotta on Toast, French Toast, Ricotta with Braised Butternut Squash |
| Appetizers | Ricotta with Berries, Ricotta with Walnuts and Dried Cranberries |
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Ricotta pancakes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 eggs, separated
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Unsalted butter
- Vegetable oil or canola oil
Method:
First, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. In a separate, larger mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, milk, egg yolks, and vanilla. Next, add the dry ingredients to the ricotta and milk mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a handheld electric mixer until stiff. Alternatively, you can whisk the egg whites by hand until they are frothy. Add a small scoop of the egg whites to the pancake batter to lighten it, then gently fold in the remaining whites with a spatula.
Heat a griddle to medium-high heat and melt a small amount of butter in the pan. Use a 1/3-cup measure to pour the batter onto the hot griddle. Cook the pancakes for 3 to 4 minutes, until the undersides are golden and you see bubbles popping through. Flip the pancakes and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until golden.
Serve your ricotta pancakes with fresh berries, maple syrup, or a dusting of sugar for a sweet treat. You can also add lemon zest to the batter for a citrus twist.
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Ricotta gnocchi
To make the gnocchi, you will need the following ingredients: whole milk ricotta cheese, eggs, Parmesan cheese, flour, salt, and pepper. You can also add garlic powder for some extra flavour. Start by combining the ricotta, eggs, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using) in a large bowl. Mix these ingredients until they are evenly combined.
Next, you will need to add the flour. Start by adding about half a cup of flour and stirring it into the ricotta mixture. Continue adding flour until the mixture forms a sticky dough. The amount of flour needed may vary, so it is important to add it gradually until you achieve the desired consistency.
Once the dough is ready, you can begin forming the gnocchi. Divide the dough into 3 or 4 pieces and roll each piece into a 1/2-inch thick rope on a floured surface. Cut each rope into 1-inch pieces, which will be your gnocchi. It is recommended to place the cut gnocchi on a lightly floured baking sheet and chill them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook them.
To cook the gnocchi, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Drop the gnocchi into the boiling water in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. The gnocchi are done when they rise to the surface, which should take about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove the cooked gnocchi with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a skillet or plate.
Finally, you can serve the gnocchi with your choice of sauce and toppings. Some popular options include a brown butter sage sauce, fresh pesto, spicy marinara, or a simple butter and sage toss. You can also get creative and experiment with different sauces and toppings to find your favourite combination.
So, there you have it! A quick, easy, and delicious ricotta gnocchi recipe that is perfect for using up that leftover cup of ricotta cheese.
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Ricotta on toast
Basic Ricotta on Toast
Start by choosing your bread. Sourdough, whole wheat, whole grain, ciabatta, French bread, or bagels are all great options. Cut the bread into thick slices, about 1 inch thick. You can even use day-old bread since it will be toasted. Next, prepare the ricotta cheese. You can whip the ricotta by hand or use a food processor to make it creamy and smooth. Simply add a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt to the ricotta and whip until light and fluffy. Spread the whipped ricotta on the toasted bread, and you're done! You can also drizzle the ricotta on toast with olive oil and sprinkle a small pinch of salt before adding any other toppings.
This option is perfect for those who like a sweet and savory combination. First, prepare the ricotta cheese as mentioned above. For toppings, you can use fresh or macerated strawberries, roasted grapes, or any other berries such as raspberries or blueberries. Layer the fruit on top of the ricotta and sprinkle with torn mint leaves and a drizzle of honey. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
If you prefer a more savory option, you can top your ricotta toast with vegetables. Sauté mushrooms in olive oil with a sprinkle of salt. Then, add minced garlic and fresh spinach until wilted. Season to taste and add this mixture to your whipped ricotta. You can also add other vegetables like blistered cherry tomatoes, quick-pickled onions or radishes, or roasted peppers.
For a more filling option, you can add proteins to your ricotta toast. Try topping your ricotta with a sunny-side-up egg, sliced avocado, or smoked salmon. If you're feeling indulgent, add some crispy bacon or prosciutto.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to ricotta on toast. Get creative and experiment with different combinations of toppings to find your favorite!
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Ricotta in pasta
To make the sauce, warm up the ricotta slightly in a touch of olive oil. You can add a clove of garlic to the oil for a subtle garlic flavor, or mince the garlic and keep it in the dish for a stronger flavor. If you prefer a tomato-based sauce, you can add canned tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, or sieved tomatoes (passata di pomodoro) directly to the raw garlic and oil. You can also add basil if you like. Simmer the sauce gently for 10-15 minutes, just enough to lightly cook the tomatoes and meld the flavors.
Once your sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta to the pan and mix it with the ricotta. You can also add some pasta water to make the dish creamier and help emulsify it. If you're using spaghetti or spaghettini, you can place the ricotta mixture over the pasta and stir until all the strands are coated.
Finally, season well with salt and pepper, and add grated parmesan cheese to taste. Serve immediately, as ricotta in pasta tends to dry out once cooled.
This ricotta pasta is a simple, flavorful, and creamy dish that can be made in less than 20 minutes, making it a perfect option for a quick lunch or weeknight dinner.
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Ricotta desserts
Ricotta is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from breakfast to dessert. Here are some delicious dessert ideas using one cup of ricotta cheese:
Ricotta Cookies
Make classic Italian-American bakery-style ricotta cookies. These cookies are super soft and cakey, thanks to the ricotta cheese in them. You can also make cannoli dip with waffle crisps for a similar dessert experience.
Ricotta Cheesecake
Ricotta makes for a creamy and luscious cheesecake. You can make a stunning ricotta cheesecake with a praline topping using two cups of fresh ricotta.
Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
Add ricotta to fluffy lemon ricotta pancakes for a mildly creamy and rich flavor. The Italian cheese lends a custardy texture to the pancakes. You can also make these pancakes with other fruits like blueberries.
Grilled Peaches with Ricotta
Grilled peaches are a healthier dessert option, and when served with a smear of ricotta, they become even more delicious as the cheese catches all the juices. Brush halved peaches with a mild-flavored oil and grill until charred and tender, then serve with ricotta, granola, and a drizzle of honey.
Microwave Cake
You can make a quick and tasty microwave cake with ricotta. Whisk together flour, ricotta, melted butter, maple syrup, and an egg. Top with raspberries and microwave on high for two minutes. Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately.
Ricotta is an excellent ingredient for desserts, adding creaminess and richness to many sweet treats. With one cup of ricotta cheese, you can create a variety of delicious desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth!
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some simple recipes that use 1 cup of ricotta cheese:
- Dollop 1 cup of ricotta on top of a pound of spaghetti with marinara and top with fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Make a 2-minute cake in the microwave by whisking together 1/4 cup each of ricotta and flour, 2 tablespoons each of melted butter and maple syrup, and 1 large egg. Top with 1/3 cup of raspberries and dust with powdered sugar.
- Top watermelon salad with ricotta for a refreshing summer treat. Combine 4 cups of watermelon, 1 cup of ricotta, 1 cubed avocado, 3 tablespoons of sunflower seeds, a drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, and fresh basil.
Here are some more involved recipes that use 1 cup of ricotta cheese:
- Ricotta gnocchi: Make homemade gnocchi with ricotta and serve with a simple herb brown butter sauce.
- Baked ziti: Combine ricotta, olive oil, and marinara sauce with uncooked ziti and bake in the oven for a simple, tasty pasta dish.
- Lasagna: Use ricotta in a classic spinach lasagna or a melty mushroom lasagna.
There are many dessert recipes that use 1 cup of ricotta cheese, including:
- Cheesecake: Use 2 cups of ricotta to make a creamy, luscious cheesecake.
- Lemon ricotta pancakes: Combine ricotta with lemon and other pancake ingredients for a rich, custardy breakfast.
- Cannoli: Use homemade ricotta in this classic Italian dessert.
