Ricotta is a soft Italian curd cheese with a grainy texture and delicate flavor. It's high in calcium and low in salt, making it an excellent alternative to many other cheeses.

Where did ricotta come from?

The first mentions of this product can be found in Latin and Mediterranean history. It is believed that this product was invented in a Roman village by travelers who cooked food in large cauldrons over an open fire. The name comes from the Latin word recocta, meaning re-cooked or cooked twice.

Manufacturing technology

The process uses clear whey (a byproduct of cheesemaking) with a low fat content. The whey is brought to a boil. The combination of low pH and high temperature causes the remaining protein to precipitate, forming curds. After cooling, the liquid is strained using cheesecloth.

Ricotta as an ingredient in dishes

Like mascarpone in Northern Italian cuisine, ricotta is a favorite ingredient in many Italian desserts. Cooks often stir the curd until smooth, adding cinnamon, sugar, and chocolate shavings, and serve it as a dessert. Italian cream cheese can also be used in savory dishes, including pasta, pizza, lasagna, and ravioli.

Types of Italian cheese

Italian ricotta is typically made from sheep's whey, while the American version is almost always made from cow's milk whey. While both types are low in fat and sodium, the Italian version is nutty, slightly sweet, and has a dry texture, while the American version is softer, sweeter, moister, and therefore more neutral. In addition to being available fresh, this cheese is also available salted, baked, and smoked.

How to make ricotta at home

How to make ricotta at home?

Milk, lemon juice, and half an hour—that's all you need to make a batch of fresh homemade ricotta. You'll be surprised how easy it is to prepare this Italian product! And believe me, once you make your own ricotta, you'll never buy it from the store again.

Ingredients:

  • 2 liters of pasteurized whole milk;
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice (1 1/2 to 2 lemons);
  • 1/3 cup white vinegar or 1/2 teaspoon citric acid;
  • 1 teaspoon salt, optional.

Preparation:

  1. Pour the milk into a saucepan and place it over medium heat. Heat to 90°C (190°F). As soon as the milk begins to foam, remove it from the stove.
  2. Remove the milk from the heat. Pour in the lemon juice and vinegar (or citric acid), add salt. Stir gently.
  3. Set the saucepan aside for 10 minutes to allow the milk to separate into white curds and yellow whey.
  4. Strain the whey into a separate container using cheesecloth.
  5. Let the curds dry for 10 to 60 minutes, depending on your preference. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.

Dessert recipes with soft cheese

Have you ever really wanted a delicious dessert but had no desire to spend any time in the kitchen? Grab your notebooks and jot down these recipes, which are incredibly quick to prepare and produce results beyond your expectations – these delicious ricotta desserts will make you forget everything else for a moment!

Ricotta Mousse

Mousse with ricotta and nuts

Ingredients:

  • 50 g low-fat cheese;
  • 2 tbsp. low-fat yogurt;
  • 1 tbsp. l. peanut butter;
  • 1 tbsp. l. agave nectar;
  • roasted peanuts to taste

Preparation:

  1. In a food processor, blend all ingredients until smooth.
  2. Serve in a serving bowl, sprinkled with crushed peanuts.

Healthy Ricotta and Berry Cake

Ricotta and Berry Cake

Ingredients:

  • 200 g cheese;
  • 2 beaten egg whites;
  • 4 tbsp honey;
  • 1 tsp vanilla;
  • 800 g fresh or frozen berries

Preparation:

  1. Preheat oven to 170C. Place ricotta in a bowl and stir with a spoon.
  2. Add whipped egg whites, honey and vanilla, mix thoroughly.
  3. Grease 4 cake tins and pour the mixture into them.
  4. Bake for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, place the fruit in a saucepan, add a little water, and simmer over low heat until soft.
  5. Cool and strain the berries.
  6. Add honey if the sauce is too tart. Serve the baked ricotta, drizzled with the sauce first.

Caramelized Oranges with Honey Ricotta

Caramelized oranges with ricotta and nuts

Ingredients:

  • 6-8 large oranges;
  • 250 g sugar;
  • 200 ml of hot water

To make honey ricotta:

  • 400 g ricotta;
  • 1 tbsp liquid honey;
  • 50 g chopped lightly toasted almonds

Preparation:

  1. Peel the oranges, removing the white pith, leaving only the orange flesh. Cut into small pieces and arrange in a serving bowl.
  2. Simmer the finely chopped zest over low heat for several minutes. Strain.
  3. Melt sugar in a saucepan.
  4. Add hot water to the sugar. Stir the syrup and turn the heat to low. Pour the zest into the syrup and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
  5. Pour syrup over the orange pulp.
  6. In a clean bowl, beat ricotta with honey, add almonds.
  7. Serve the oranges drizzled with honey ricotta.

Baked Pears with Ricotta and Honey – Video Recipe