Best 2 Easy And Delicious Homemade Ricotta Cheese Recipes
In the realm of dairy delights, ricotta cheese stands tall with its creamy texture, mild flavor, and versatile culinary applications. This magical ingredient finds its way into countless dishes, from creamy pasta sauces to light and fluffy pancakes. Ricotta's versatility extends from savory to sweet, making it a true kitchen chameleon.
Our collection of ricotta cheese recipes offers a delightful journey through the diverse culinary possibilities this ingredient presents. From classic Italian dishes like lasagna and manicotti to modern twists like ricotta crostini and ricotta cheesecake, our recipes showcase the endless potential of ricotta. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, our easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step guides ensure success in your kitchen adventures.
Indulge in the creamy goodness of our homemade ricotta cheese, crafted with simple ingredients and a touch of patience. Learn the art of ricotta salata, a drier, aged version of ricotta with a delightful tang. Discover the secrets of ricotta gnocchi, light and delicate dumplings that dance on your palate. And for a sweet treat, whip up our luscious ricotta cheesecake, a symphony of creamy filling nestled in a graham cracker crust.
With our comprehensive collection of ricotta cheese recipes, you'll unlock a world of culinary possibilities. From savory to sweet, simple to sophisticated, our recipes cater to every taste and skill level. Embrace the versatility of ricotta and embark on a delicious journey that will leave your taste buds craving more.
EASY AND DELICIOUS HOMEMADE RICOTTA CHEESE
A lovely creamy cheese which is very easy to make! Even my sister who refused to eat the cheese at first ended up loving it! This is a fail-safe recipe in our household, I have made it time and time again. To cheese or not to cheese...that is never the question!
Provided by Alicia_in_London
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 40m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 3
Steps:
- Pour milk into a saucepan set over medium heat. Heat milk until it registers 194 degrees F (90 degrees C) on an instant-read thermometer, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Stir lemon juice and salt slowly into warmed milk. Let stand until milk curdles, 10 to 15 minutes.
- Line a fine-mesh strainer with cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl. Pour milk mixture carefully into the lined strainer. Let stand until most of the liquid has drained off the ricotta, about 15 minutes. Discard drained liquid.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 158.1 calories, Carbohydrate 12.6 g, Cholesterol 25.9 mg, Fat 8.4 g, Protein 8.4 g, SaturatedFat 4.8 g, Sodium 394.5 mg, Sugar 12 g
HOMEMADE RICOTTA CHEESE
Once you try this easy and delicious recipe, you'll never buy grocery-store ricotta again.
Provided by Rhoda Boone
Categories Milk/Cream Ricotta Lemon Juice
Yield Makes 2 1/2 cups
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Line a large colander with 2 layers of cheesecloth and place over a large bowl.
- In a 5 to 6 quart pot over medium heat, heat milk, cream, and salt, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching, until mixture foams and comes to a boil. Reduce heat to low and add lemon juice. Simmer, stirring, until mixture curdles, 2 minutes for small curds. If you'd like a larger, dryer curd, continue to simmer an additional 2 minutes.
- Pour mixture into cheesecloth lined colander and drain 10 to 15 minutes or until desired texture is achieved. Empty liquid from bowl if necessary to ensure proper draining. Reserved whey can be used in smoothies or soup. Chill ricotta until ready to use.
- Serve spread onto crostini with a drizzle of olive oil, dollop over pasta or pizza, or stir into scrambled eggs. Ricotta will keep in the fridge for 1 week.
Tips:
- Fresh and high-quality milk is essential: Make sure to use the freshest, best quality whole milk available. You can also use pasteurized, non-homogenized milk, but avoid ultra-pasteurized milk as it may not yield the same results.
- Do not boil the milk: Heating the milk too high can cause the proteins to denature and result in a ricotta cheese that is tough and grainy. Keep the heat low and maintain a temperature between 185°F (85°C) and 195°F (90°C).
- Use an accurate thermometer: A good quality thermometer is crucial to ensure that the milk reaches the correct temperature. This is especially important if you are using a slow cooker, where it may be difficult to control the temperature precisely.
- Do not overcook the curds: Once the curds have formed, they should be cooked gently for a short period of time. Overcooking can result in a dry, crumbly ricotta cheese.
- Use a fine-mesh strainer: When draining the whey from the curds, use a fine-mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth or a muslin cloth to ensure that no curds are lost.
- Hang the ricotta cheese: Hanging the ricotta cheese in a cheesecloth-lined colander over a bowl allows the excess whey to drain, resulting in a thicker, creamier texture.
Conclusion:
Homemade ricotta cheese is a versatile and delicious ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from pasta and lasagna to desserts and dips. With just a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can create fresh, flavorful ricotta cheese at home that is far superior to store-bought brands. Whether you choose to make it on the stovetop, in the oven, or in a slow cooker, the process is straightforward and beginner-friendly. Experiment with different types of milk and seasonings to personalize your ricotta cheese and discover new culinary creations. Enjoy your homemade ricotta cheese as a spread, filling, or topping, and savor the satisfaction of crafting a homemade ingredient that adds a touch of homemade goodness to your meals.
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