Ingredients Guide

Ricotta cheese, with its creamy texture and delicate flavour, is a beloved ingredient in kitchens around the globe. But what exactly is ricotta, and how can you best use it? This guide explores everything you need to know about ricotta cheese, from its ancient origins to its modern culinary applications.

Ricotta Cheese: A Comprehensive Guide

1. History of Ricotta Cheese:

Ricotta cheese has a rich history rooted in the Mediterranean. The word "ricotta" itself means "re-cooked" in Italian, and it refers to the process of re-heating the whey – the leftover liquid from making other cheeses like mozzarella or provolone. This re-heating process causes the remaining proteins to coagulate, forming the soft, fresh cheese we know as ricotta.

Ancient Romans were likely the first to develop this technique, as cheese-making was widespread throughout their empire. Evidence suggests ricotta was a common food in ancient Rome. Traditionally, ricotta was made using the whey from sheep or goat milk, although today it’s often made from cow’s milk.

Over time, ricotta became a staple throughout Italy, particularly in regions where cheese production was prevalent. It has been used in both sweet and savoury dishes for centuries, reflecting the adaptability of this versatile ingredient.

2. Cooking Techniques:

Ricotta cheese is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of cooking techniques. Its delicate flavour and creamy texture make it a great addition to many dishes.

• How to Cook Ricotta (General Overview): Ricotta itself doesn't require cooking in the traditional sense. It is generally used as a filling, topping, or ingredient in other dishes that are then baked, sautéed, or grilled. However, it’s often incorporated into sauces or fillings.

• How to Prepare Ricotta for Cooking: If you're using ricotta in a baked dish like lasagna or stuffed shells, it's often best to drain it first to remove excess moisture. This can be done by placing the ricotta in a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve over a bowl, and allowing it to drain for at least 30 minutes, or even a few hours in the fridge.

• How to Grill Ricotta: Grilling ricotta is not very common, as it can be tricky to get the cheese to hold its shape. However, firm ricotta can be grilled after being drained and slightly patted dry, and then marinated in olive oil and herbs. Grill it on a hot grill pan until it gets grill marks on each side and starts to soften. It’s ideal for salads or appetizers.

• How to Bake Ricotta: Ricotta is frequently baked as part of casseroles (like baked ziti or lasagna), pastries (like ricotta pie or cannoli filling), or incorporated into muffins and cakes.

• How to Sauté Ricotta: Ricotta isn't typically sautéed on its own. However, it can be added to sauces that are sautéed or cooked on the stovetop. It will soften and become creamy when heated in these dishes, which is delicious in pasta sauces or as a filling for ravioli or tortellini.

3. Ingredient Preparation:

Most of the preparation for using ricotta involves the techniques mentioned above, like draining it for the best results. However, here are some additional pointers.

• How to Cut Ricotta: Ricotta doesn't really need to be cut, as it's a soft, spreadable cheese. It is commonly scooped, dolloped or spread onto dishes.

• How to Peel Ricotta: Ricotta doesn’t have a peel, because it’s a fresh cheese made from the curds of milk. There is nothing to peel off.

• How to Dice Ricotta: Again, due to its soft texture, you don't dice ricotta. It's often crumbled or dolloped.

• How to Mince Ricotta: Similarly to dicing, mincing ricotta isn't necessary. Ricotta is generally too soft to mince, and it's meant to be a creamy addition, rather than an ingredient to finely chop.

4. Storage:

Proper storage is crucial to maintain ricotta's freshness.

• How to Store Ricotta: Unopened ricotta should be stored in the refrigerator, according to the expiry date printed on the container. Once opened, store the ricotta in an airtight container, pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the cheese to prevent it from drying out.

• How Long Does Ricotta Typically Last? An unopened container of ricotta typically lasts for the date on the package. Once opened, ricotta is best consumed within 5-7 days, if stored properly in the refrigerator. Check for any signs of spoilage, such as mould or a sour smell, before using.

5. Substitutions:

If you're looking for substitutes for ricotta cheese, consider these options:

• Best Substitutes: Cottage cheese is the closest in texture, but has a more tangy flavour. In recipes like lasagna, you can also use a mixture of ricotta with mascarpone to get a richer and creamier result. For a vegan substitute, you can use crumbled tofu mixed with some lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and seasonings to replicate the texture.

• Allergy Considerations: For those with dairy allergies, avoid ricotta and choose dairy-free alternatives like tofu ricotta or coconut ricotta. Also, check the ingredients list for additives, as some ricottas can contain gluten or other allergens.

6. Nutritional Information:

Ricotta offers a decent nutritional profile.

• Ricotta Nutrition Facts (per 100g, approximate):

  • Calories: 174
  • Protein: 11g
  • Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Calcium: 20% DV (Daily Value)

• Health Benefits: Ricotta is a good source of protein and calcium. It is also relatively low in sodium compared to some other cheeses. However, it can be high in saturated fat, so it's best enjoyed in moderation.

• Allergies and Sensitivities: Ricotta is a dairy product and is unsuitable for people with lactose intolerance or milk allergies.

7. Pairing:

Ricotta pairs well with a range of flavours.

• Complementary Flavors: Ricotta’s delicate flavour complements both sweet and savoury ingredients. It pairs beautifully with fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and mint, as well as with garlic, lemon, and olive oil. It's a great addition to spinach and other vegetables.

• Specific Examples:

  • Savoury: Lasagna with ricotta, spinach and nutmeg; ricotta and pesto stuffed shells; ricotta and tomato bruschetta; ricotta with grilled vegetables.
  • Sweet: Ricotta with honey and fruit; ricotta in cannoli filling; ricotta cheesecake; ricotta pancakes.

8. Cleaning and Washing:

Ricotta cheese requires no washing. It comes ready to use in the package.

9. Ripeness:

Ricotta cheese is a fresh cheese that is sold ready to use. It is generally consumed within a few days of purchase. It does not ripen in the way aged cheeses do.

• How to tell if Ricotta is ripe: Ricotta is usually at its best when it's fresh, soft and creamy. It does not change in appearance or flavour over time like other types of cheeses. If it becomes watery, sour, or develops mould, discard it.

• Seasonality: Ricotta is available year-round, as it is not dependent on any specific season or harvest.

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