Patrick Oconnell
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, both savoury and sweet. It is commonly used in lasagna and other baked pasta dishes, such as stuffed shells and baked ziti. It can also be used in pizzas, casseroles, calzones, and even soups. For breakfast, ricotta can be added to pancakes, French toast, or simply spread on toast. It is also a key ingredient in cheesecakes, cakes, and cookies. Additionally, ricotta can be used to make fresh cheese, such as ricotta salata, and the leftover whey can be used in baking or smoothies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Appetizers, Salads, Soups, Mains, Desserts |
| Specific Dish | Lasagna, Pasta, Pizza, Cakes, Cookies, Pancakes, Gnocchi, Cheesecake, Dip, Sandwiches, Salads, Soups |
| Texture | Wetter/looser, drier/firmer |
| Taste | Mild, tangy, creamy, rich, sweet, savoury |
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What You'll Learn
Ricotta on toast
Once you have your bread and whipped ricotta ready, you can assemble your toast and add toppings. Here are some suggestions for sweet and savoury ricotta on toast:
Savoury Ricotta on Toast Ideas:
- Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, flaky sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper
- Honey, fresh thyme, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt
- Avocado, extra virgin olive oil, flaky salt, pepper, and herbs
- Fried egg, pesto, extra virgin olive oil, flaky salt, and pepper
- Sliced or quartered tomatoes, basil, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze, flaky salt, and black pepper
- Prosciutto, juicy peaches, extra virgin olive oil, and freshly cracked black pepper
- Crispy pancetta or bacon, poached egg, and freshly grated parmesan
Sweet Ricotta on Toast Ideas:
- Fresh berries, a drizzle of honey, and fresh mint or thyme
- Roasted grapes tossed in olive oil, cooked bacon, and fresh thyme
- Sliced strawberries, torn mint leaves, and a drizzle of honey
- Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and a pinch of red pepper flakes
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Ricotta in pancakes
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including pancakes. Making ricotta pancakes is an excellent way to elevate your breakfast routine or impress your guests. Here are some tips and instructions for creating delicious ricotta pancakes:
Choosing the Right Ricotta:
Use full-fat ricotta cheese for your pancakes, as low-fat varieties may lack flavour and creaminess. Look for standard ricotta that is not whipped, spreadable, or heavily processed. Fresh ricotta is preferred, and you can even make your own at home using whole milk and lemon juice or vinegar.
Preparing the Ricotta:
If your ricotta has a lot of liquid, drain the excess by placing it in a fine-mesh strainer for about 30 minutes before cooking. This step can be skipped if your ricotta is dry and compact. You can also add a little vanilla extract or lemon juice and zest to enhance the flavour.
Mixing the Batter:
In one bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In a separate, larger bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs until foamy. Add the ricotta, milk, vanilla, and melted butter to the wet ingredients and whisk until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the pancakes. You want the batter to be dense yet airy, with little ricotta curd bits throughout.
Cooking the Pancakes:
Heat a non-stick pan or griddle to medium-low heat and generously oil the surface. Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake, spacing them at least an inch apart. Cook until the bottoms are golden brown and the tops start to bubble, which should take about 3 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for another 1.5 minutes until golden.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your ricotta pancakes warm with traditional maple syrup or get creative with toppings. Fresh fruit purees, jam, macerated strawberries, or blueberry syrup can all enhance the flavour profile. For an indulgent touch, sprinkle with halved strawberries that have been softened with sugar.
Ricotta pancakes are best served warm and fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can freeze them for up to 3 months and reheat as needed.
So, there you have it! Ricotta pancakes offer a delightful twist on a breakfast classic, providing a magical milky richness and creaminess that will surely impress your taste buds.
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Ricotta in pasta
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various pasta dishes, adding a creamy texture and mellow flavour. One option is to create a simple sauce by mixing ricotta with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs. This sauce can be tossed with cooked pasta and a small amount of pasta water to create a smooth and creamy consistency. For a more substantial meal, meat such as pork or sausage can be added to the sauce, or it can be served with grilled chicken or salmon.
Another option is to make a lemon ricotta pasta, which is a zesty and refreshing dish perfect for a weeknight meal. This recipe combines ricotta, olive oil, parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon zest, and juice to create a bright and flavourful sauce. The sauce is then tossed with cooked pasta and spinach, creating a healthy and delicious meal. For extra protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon can be added.
Additionally, ricotta can be used as a topping or filling for pasta dishes. It can be added to stuffed shells or mixed with other ingredients such as spinach, eggs, and cheese to create a filling for ravioli or cannelloni. Ricotta can also be used as a substitute for cream or béchamel sauce in pasta dishes like lasagna, adding a creamy texture and mellow flavour.
When using ricotta in pasta, it is important to consider the timing of its addition. Some recipes suggest adding ricotta towards the end of cooking, as it can mellow down spices and affect the seasoning. It can also be added at the table, with each person mixing their desired amount of ricotta into their bowl of pasta and sauce. This allows for customisation and ensures that the ricotta remains fresh and textured.
Overall, ricotta is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can elevate pasta dishes. Whether used as a sauce, topping, or filling, it adds a creamy texture and subtle flavour that pairs well with various ingredients.
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Ricotta in lasagna
Ricotta is a soft, whole milk cheese that is a staple in lasagna recipes. It is used alongside other cheeses such as mozzarella and parmesan to create a creamy, mouth-watering dish.
When making lasagna, it is important to use whole milk ricotta as it has a velvety, mouth-coating texture that adds a creamy element to the dish. Skimmed or low-fat ricotta should be avoided as they can affect the texture and taste of the final product. To enhance the flavour and texture further, an egg can be blended with the ricotta cheese. This helps to bind the cheese, preventing it from ooze out when the lasagna is cut into. Additionally, the egg adds a creamy consistency to the cheese mixture.
When assembling the lasagna, the ricotta cheese is spread in layers between the pasta sheets. A typical lasagna recipe involves alternating layers of pasta, ricotta cheese mixture, and meat sauce. The top layer is usually covered with mozzarella cheese, which melts to create a golden, crispy finish.
The versatility of ricotta cheese in lasagna is evident as it can be combined with various ingredients to create different flavours. For a classic Italian-American taste, a combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses is used. This trio of cheeses adds a special character to the layers of the lasagna. However, ricotta can also be paired with vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplant, to create a vegetarian-friendly option.
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Ricotta in desserts
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both savoury and sweet recipes. Its soft, grainy, light and fluffy texture, along with its subtle sweet flavour, makes it an excellent choice for desserts. Here are some ideas for using ricotta in desserts:
Ricotta Cakes
Ricotta adds a moist and creamy texture to cakes. You can experiment with different flavours by adding ingredients such as chocolate chips, blueberries, raspberries, lemon juice and zest, almond, or coconut extract. For a simple yet elegant option, try a Chocolate Chip Ricotta Cake, packed with chocolate chips and dusted with powdered sugar. If you're looking for a fruity option, go for a Blueberry Ricotta Cake or a Raspberry Ricotta Cake, both of which are ultra-moist and full of fresh berries. For a traditional Italian treat, bake a Lemon Ricotta Cake, combining creamy ricotta with fresh lemon juice and zest, and garnishing it with powdered sugar.
Ricotta Cheesecake
For a dense, creamy and decadent dessert, try making a ricotta cheesecake. You can bake it with homemade ricotta and top it with sweet jarred cherries amped up with sugar and brandy. Alternatively, create a twist on the classic by making Lemon Ricotta Cheesecakes in ramekins for individual portions, or try a Cannoli Cheesecake with a cannoli crust and a creamy whole milk ricotta filling with chocolate chips.
Ricotta Pies and Tarts
Explore the world of ricotta pies and tarts with options like the Sicilian Ricotta Pie, which has a creamy ricotta filling that's not overly sweet, complemented by a crispy, buttery crust. If you're feeling adventurous, indulge in a Honey Ricotta Tart with a Rum Crust, blending sweet honey and ricotta inside a buttery crust. Another tempting choice is the Ricotta and Nutella Tart, a perfect balance of creamy cheese and hazelnut chocolate spread. For a festive treat, consider an Easter Ricotta Pie, where ricotta meets sour cream for an extra smooth texture, accented by fresh lemon zest.
Ricotta Cream and Dessert
Create a simple yet elegant ricotta cream with just three ingredients: ricotta, honey, and vanilla. Process or mix them until smooth, then chill before serving. This dessert is excellent on its own or as a topping for fresh berries, chocolate chips, or shortbread cookies. If you're short on time, try making a creamy ricotta dessert with ricotta, honey or a sugar-free sweetener, and vanilla extract. Process or mix the ingredients until smooth and chill before serving.
Ricotta Pancakes
For a cosy breakfast, try your hand at fluffy ricotta pancakes. These pancakes are rich and flavorful, with a hint of spice. Top them with butter, maple syrup, and whipped cream to make your morning extra special.
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Frequently asked questions
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from savoury to sweet. Some common recipes that use ricotta cheese include lasagna, stuffed shells, cannoli, cheesecakes, pancakes, and cookies. It can also be used as a topping or spread on pizzas, sandwiches, salads, soups, and more.
The type of ricotta cheese to use depends on the desired texture and flavour for your recipe. For recipes like pizzas, a wetter and looser ricotta is preferred, while drier and firmer ricotta is better suited for desserts like cannoli. The texture of homemade ricotta cheese can be controlled by adjusting the draining time, with longer draining times resulting in drier cheese.
Yes, ricotta cheese can be easily made at home with just two ingredients: milk and an acid such as lemon juice or vinegar. Heat the milk until almost simmering, add the acid, let it sit, and then strain the curds. The ricotta is then ready to be used in your desired recipe.
