Ricotta means "recooked" in Italian, which signifies a process of reclaiming proteins from whey. If you're familiar with Italian cuisine, you must have heard about Ricotta - one of the most common cheeses used in Italy.
Ricotta cheese is a great option for those looking for a cheese that is versatile, delicious, and packed with nutrients. This blog will cover everything you need to know about ricotta cheese, from its origin to its best uses in the kitchen.
What Is Ricotta Cheese?
Ricotta is a soft, white cheese made from cow's milk. It has a slightly sweet taste and a creamy texture.
Ricotta cheese is used in a variety of dishes, from lasagna to cannoli. It's also famous for making dips and spreads. You can also replace your regular cheese with ricotta in your favourite recipes.
The History of Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese has been around for centuries. It is believed to have originated in central Italy sometime in the 13th century. Back then, it was made from the leftover whey, a byproduct of the cheesemaking process that is high in protein and calcium.
These days, ricotta cheese is made from A2 cow's milk. It's a versatile cheese used in sweet and savory dishes.
How Is Ricotta Cheese Made?
Have you ever wondered how ricotta cheese is made? It's a process that's fascinating.
First, the whey is separated from the curds (whey is the watery substance left over from the cheesemaking process.) Then, the curds are mixed with cream and heated until they reach a boiling point. This mixture is then strained and put into moulds to cool.
Our Ricotta cheese is made from free-range A2 cow milk, apple cider vinegar, salt whey, and cow cream. If you're looking for cheese with a unique flavour, our Ricotta cheese is the way to go.
Health Benefits of A2 cow milk Ricotta-
- Low in lactose.
- High in proteins
- Rich in potassium and calcium
- Good for bone health.
- Does not cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
Recipes using Ricotta Cheese
Here are a few recipes using ricotta cheese for you to try:
1- Italian Ricotta Cookies- Italian ricotta cookies have a sweet and straightforward frosting and are soft, spongy, cake-like pastries. We bet you can't stop at one with these incredible cookies.
Ingredients-
- 3 1/2 cups (495g) all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups (370g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 400 gm Highland Farms Ricotta
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Glaze
- 1 Tbsp butter (salted or unsalted), melted
- 3 3/4 cups (460g) powdered sugar
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 - 6 Tbsp milk
Directions
For the cookies-
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl
- . Whip butter, granulated sugar, and lemon zest in another bowl until it turns pale and fluffy.
- Add the Ricotta and vanilla essence, then gradually incorporate eggs. Turn the mixer to low speed, add the flour mixture slowly, and blend until combined. Wrap plastic wrap around the bowl and chill for up to two days. During the final 20 minutes of dough chilling, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Take one tablespoon of cold dough and shape it into a ball. Use two spoons to transfer the balls to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat if it is too sticky.
- Bake cookies for 12 to 14 minutes in a preheated oven or until the bottoms are brown. After a few minutes of cooling, transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
- After the cookies are cooled down, coat the tops with glaze and place them back on the wire rack. If adding sprinkles, do so right away. Allow the glaze to cool and harden. Keep in an airtight container.
For the glaze:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, lemon juice or almond extract, vanilla, and four tablespoons of milk until smooth. Add milk one teaspoon at a time to achieve the desired consistency.
Delicious Italian cookies are ready to devour!
2- Roasted Garlic Baked Ricotta- Simple, indeed. Mediocre? Never! This piping-hot, cheesy, and garlicky dip is the perfect appetizer.
Ingredients-
- 2 heads garlic
- 2 cups Highland Farms Ricotta
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons thyme leaves, or to taste
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- Olive oil to drizzle and brush
Directions-
- Heat the oven to 400F.
- Cut 1/4 to 1/2 inch off the top of the garlic heads to reveal the garlic cloves. Place the head cut-side facing up on a baking sheet and season with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
- Roast the heads for approximately an hour until the cloves are tender, fragrant, and practically caramelized on top. Wrap the heads in aluminium foil.
- Remove from the oven (but don't turn it off!) and wait until they are cold enough to handle. Then, press the garlic into a small bowl with your fingers (or a fork). The roasted garlic cloves should be mashed with a fork until they are smooth and resemble a paste.
- Transfer the garlic paste to a large bowl and stir in the Ricotta, egg, thyme, salt, and pepper. Top with the remaining 2/3 of the parmesan. Using a spoon or whisk, thoroughly blend the ingredients.
- Place the mixture in a 2-cup baking dish that has been oiled. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan over the top and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden and puffy.
- Serve right away.
FAQs About Ricotta Cheese
So, you're interested in ricotta cheese? Here are some of the most common questions people ask about this type of cheese.
1-What is A2 cow milk ricotta?
A2 cow milk ricotta is made from free-range A2 cow milk, apple cider vinegar, salt whey, and cow cream.
2-Where did Ricotta originate?
Ricotta is originally from Italy, but it's now produced worldwide.
3-How is Ricotta made?
Ricotta is made by heating the whey until it thickens and pouring it into moulds to cool.
4-How does Ricotta taste?
Ricotta cheese has a signature salty and sweet taste.
A Cheese You'll Learn to Love
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient used in both savory and sweet recipes. Its flavour and texture make it one of the most loved cheeses.
Ricotta cheese is an excellent choice for recipes that call for creamy, cheesy goodness. It's also low in fat and calories, making it a healthier choice.
If you're looking for something new to add to your recipe repertoire, give our ricotta cheese a try. You won't be disappointed. Shop now!