What is Ricotta Recipe
Delight in creamy homemade ricotta cheese, a versatile ingredient for savory dishes, desserts, and more! Try our easy ricotta recipe today.
Ricotta Recipe
Ingredients:
■ 4 cups whole milk
■ 2 cups heavy cream
■ 1 teaspoon salt
■ 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or white vinegar
Instructions:
1. Combine the milk, heavy cream, and salt in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature; you want it to reach about 190°F (88°C).
2. Once the mixture reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat and stir in the lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. During this time, the milk will curdle and separate into curds and whey.
3. Line a fine-mesh strainer with cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl or pot. Pour the curdled mixture into the strainer, allowing the whey to drain into the container below. You can save the whey for other uses if desired.
4. Let the ricotta cheese drain for about 1-2 hours, depending on your desired consistency. Longer draining time will result in a thicker ricotta.
5. Once the ricotta has reached your desired consistency, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It can be used in various recipes, from pasta dishes to desserts.
Enjoy your homemade ricotta cheese.
Ricotta Salata Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 quart of whole milk
- 1/4 cup of white vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- Cheese cloth or muslin cloth
- A strainer
Instructions:
- Heat the Milk: Pour the whole milk into a large pot and heat it over medium-low heat. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature. You want it to reach about 190°F (88°C). Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Add Acid: Once the milk reaches the desired temperature, remove it from heat. Add the white vinegar or lemon juice and stir gently. Let it sit for a few minutes. You should start to see curds forming.
- Strain the Curds: Line a strainer with cheese cloth or muslin cloth and place it over a large bowl. Pour the curdled milk through the strainer to separate the curds from the whey. Let it drain for about 5-10 minutes.
- Add Salt: Sprinkle the salt evenly over the curds. Gently fold the salt into the curds using a spoon or your hands.
- Shape and Press: Transfer the curds onto a clean piece of cheese cloth. Gather the corners of the cloth to form a bundle and tie it securely. Place a weight on top of the bundle (a heavy pan or can) to press the cheese. Press for 6-8 hours at room temperature.
- Refrigerate: After pressing, remove the cheese from the cloth, and it’s ready to eat. Store it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to allow it to firm up further.
- Enjoy: Ricotta Salata is now ready to be sliced or crumbled. Serve it in salads, pasta dishes, or as a topping for various dishes.
Ricotta Cheese Recipes
- Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells:
- Cook jumbo pasta shells, then stuff them with a mixture of ricotta cheese, cooked spinach, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Top with marinara sauce and bake until bubbly.
- Ricotta Pancakes:
- Mix ricotta cheese into your pancake batter for a creamy and fluffy texture. Serve with fresh berries and maple syrup.
- Ricotta and Tomato Tart:
- Spread ricotta cheese over puff pastry, top with sliced tomatoes, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with fresh basil. Bake until golden brown.
- Lemon Ricotta Pancakes:
- Add lemon zest and juice to your ricotta pancake batter for a zesty and refreshing twist.
- Ricotta and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast:
- Butterfly chicken breasts, stuff with a mixture of ricotta and sautéed spinach, secure with toothpicks, and bake until the chicken is cooked through.
- Ricotta and Honey Toast:
- Spread ricotta on toasted bread, drizzle with honey, and sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon for a sweet and creamy treat.
- Ricotta and Herb Dip:
- Combine ricotta cheese with fresh herbs (such as basil, parsley, and chives), garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil for a tasty dip for veggies or crackers.
- Ricotta and Berry Parfait:
- Layer ricotta cheese with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey for a healthy and satisfying dessert.
- Ricotta and Pesto Pasta:
- Toss cooked pasta with a mixture of ricotta and homemade or store-bought pesto for a quick and flavorful meal.
- Ricotta and Chocolate Chip Cannoli:
- Fill cannoli shells with a mixture of ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, and mini chocolate chips for a classic Italian dessert.
