Ricotta is a fake cheese with two pedigrees: Italian and Arabic

What is ricotta used for?

This traditional Italian product is made from whey left over from the production of other cheeses. This is where the name comes from, ricotta, which means “re-cooked”. There are 2 types of cheese, one made from sheep whey, and the other from waste from buffalo milk.

Many people are interested in the question of what they eat ricotta with; most often it is consumed as an independent dish; sandwiches with this cheese turn out unusually tasty. It is also added to various dishes, such as pasta, lasagna and even sweet pastries.

Ricotta is considered one of the healthiest cheeses because it contains little fat, its calorie content is 134 kcal per 100 g of product. In addition, it contains omega acids, which prevent the development of oncology and heart diseases.

What is the difference between ricotta and mascarpone

The main difference between these cheeses is that Mascarpone is made with cream, while ricotta is made with whey. In addition, the first product is higher in calories, so 100 g of cream cheese contains 412 kcal, which is twice the calorie content of ricotta. If you plan to use Mascarpone instead of cream cheese in a recipe, you will need to beat it thoroughly before using.

So, the main differences between Mascarpone cheese and ricotta are as follows:

• creamy consistency;
• clear creamy taste with sweetness in it;
• higher calorie content;
• fat content up to 75% (in contrast to ricotta, which contains 4-24% fat).

Neapolitan pie

If you don't know what to make with ricotta cheese, start with this traditional Italian pastry. Back in pagan times, this dish heralded the arrival of spring. Although it is considered an Easter dessert, its fans prepare Easter cake at any time of the year. In ancient times, it took several days to prepare a pie; in the modern world, the recipe has been adapted and the whole process will take you no more than 1 hour.

Ingredients:

• boiled wheat – 400 g;
• sugar – 800 g;
• ricotta – 600 g;
• dried fruits – 150 g;
• milk – 100 ml;
• chicken eggs – 10 pcs.;
• butter – 200 g;
• orange juice – 50 ml;
• flour – 450 g;
• lemon – 3 pcs.;
• cinnamon, vanillin, powdered sugar.

Sequencing:

1. Start the process by preparing the dough, to do this, combine flour and 200 g of sugar, add 200 g of butter, 3 yolks and the zest of one lemon. Knead the dough, then wrap it in a plastic bag and put it in a cool place.
2. Now start filling, put butter, wheat, 1 lemon, diced, in a small container and pour in milk. Simmer over low heat until thickened.
3. In a deep bowl, combine ricotta with sugar, add 5 whole eggs and 2 yolks, cinnamon, vanilla and orange juice. Grind until smooth.
4. Take out the dough and roll out the flatbread half a centimeter thick and place it in a special form, which you have greased in advance. Cut off any dough that does not fit and set aside for now.
5. Add the filling, spread it with a spoon so that the layer is even.
6. Roll the remaining dough into strips and place them in a grid pattern.
7. Place the pie in the oven, preheating it to 180 degrees.

Sprinkle the finished dish with powdered sugar.

How to choose ricotta?

Alexey Martynenko

CEO .

Be sure to pay attention to the composition. It should not contain any preservatives or artificial additives. In chocolate ricotta, the only additive should be 100% cocoa mass.

After tasting the cheese, evaluate the taste and consistency, and pay attention to the appearance. Ricotta should be snow-white, moist, plastic, without a dry crust or sour taste. Keep in mind: this cheese can be stored for no more than three days after opening the package.

Salad with tomatoes and ricotta

This dietary dish will especially appeal to those who follow a healthy diet.

We will need the following products:

• tomatoes – 3 pcs.;
• cheese – 200 g;
• Iceberg lettuce – 1 bunch;
• sour cream – 50 ml;
• egg – 2 pcs.;
• garlic – 2 cloves;
• vegetable oil – 50 ml;
• salt pepper.

Let's take a closer look at the preparation steps:

1. Cut the tomatoes and boiled eggs into cubes, and tear the salad with your hands.
2. Mash the ricotta with a fork.
3. For dressing, mix butter, sour cream, spices and chopped garlic.
4. Place Iceberg at the bottom of a deep cup, then the rest of the ingredients, and pour the sauce on top.

This dish can be varied by adding, for example, avocado or shrimp.

Recipe for “Ricotta with herbs and garlic”:

Chop the greens, squeeze out the garlic. The composition and quantity of greens can be varied according to your preference.

Add ricotta, lemon juice, salt to taste. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth.

Use as a spread on bread, toast, crackers, etc.

How will it look like?
Ricotta with herbs and garlic

Savory and dietary sandwich spread

Category: Snacks › Pates

Ingredients for Ricotta with Herbs and Garlic:

Try cooking together

Ravioli with ricotta and spinach

The whole process will take some time, but the dish will turn out so appetizing and delicious that you won’t feel sorry for this effort at all.

Products for the test:

• flour – 500 g;
• eggs – 2 pcs.;
• yolks – 8 pcs.

For filling:

• ricotta – 600 g;
• spinach – 2 bunches;
• egg white – 2 pcs.;
• butter – 30 g;
• nutmeg – ¼ tsp.

Sequencing:

1. Place the flour in a food processor, break the eggs and turn on the device at the highest speed, you will end up with raw balls. Place them on the table and knead a stiff dough, put it in a cold place for now.
2. Wash the spinach, dry and finely chop.
3. Simmer a little in a frying pan with some butter.
4. In a deep bowl, mash the cheese with a fork, add chopped eggs, spinach, nutmeg and salt.
5. Take out the dough and stick ordinary dumplings, I think there is no need to describe this process.
6. Go around the edges of each with a fork for beauty.
7. Cook the ravioli in salted water until they float.

When serving, drizzle with olive oil, and you can grate Parmesan on top.

Who benefits from ricotta?

For children

The protein albumin (also found in hematogen) maintains normal osmotic pressure and strengthens the immune system. Cheese is good for children to consume, as it can rightfully be called a building material for the body.

For expectant mothers

Ricotta has a wide range of minerals (iron, manganese, sodium) and vitamins C, D, E and K. This cheese is useful for expectant mothers, as it is able to replenish the reserves of nutrients in the body.

To old people

The product contains B vitamins and vitamin A, necessary for preserving vision and stimulating brain activity, as well as minerals, including calcium and phosphorus, which are responsible for bone density. It is recommended to include cheese. What is the best diet for osteoarthritis? in the diet of older people and people suffering from arthrosis and arthritis.

For athletes

Ricotta contains a lot of protein and the essential amino acid leucine, which helps build muscle mass and reduce fatigue. Cheese helps restore physical strength to people leading an active lifestyle. Ricotta is also rich in selenium, which helps strengthen muscle tissue and bones and form cartilage.

Ricotta cheesecakes with banana

A cheese-based dish will turn out much lighter and more tender than one made from cottage cheese. In addition, they will have a refined, piquant taste.

Ingredients:

• cheese – 500 g;
• egg – 1 pc.;
• flour – 2 tbsp;
• sugar – 3 tbsp;
• banana – 2 pcs.;
• mint, honey optional.

Now follow these steps:

1. Place ricotta, flour, sugar, egg in a deep bowl and mix.
2. Form into balls, about 70 g each, and roll in flour.
3. Fry them in a hot frying pan on both sides until golden brown.
4. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake in the broiler for 10 minutes.

Place cheesecakes sprinkled with powdered sugar on a festive plate, garnish with a sprig of mint, and next to them a banana cut into rings.

Why is ricotta better than cottage cheese?

Ricotta is very different from cottage cheese not only in taste, but also in composition. This cheese contains more easily digestible water-soluble protein albumin. It is also present in plant seeds, egg whites and in human plasma (accounting for 55% of its protein volume).

Umalat produces several types of ricotta: classic, chocolate creamy Unagrande and granular Pretto. The latter is a rare product for the Russian market. Low calorie content and dense consistency allow it to be used instead of cottage cheese in recipes. Granular ricotta can be baked, and dishes containing it can be served with various additives: spices, honey, nuts.

Pasta with ricotta

Ordinary dough tubes will turn into an appetizing dish if you add a cheese sauce with spices.

Ingredients:

• garlic - 2 cloves;
• ricotta – 250 g;
• pasta – 500 g;
• paprika – 0.5 tsp;
• black pepper – 0.5 tsp;
• vegetable oil – 2 tbsp;
• Italian herbs – 2 tbsp.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Boil the pasta in salted water and drain in a colander.
2. Mash the cheese with a fork, add black pepper, paprika, herbs, squeeze the garlic through a press and mix.
3. Place the pasta in the pan and fry it, then add the sauce and simmer for another 5 minutes.

If you like spicy dishes, you can add red chili pepper while preparing the dressing.

Cheesecake with ricotta

This dessert is prepared quite quickly; the entire process takes place without heat treatment.

Take the following products:

• cookies – 300 g;
• margarine – 100 g;
• cheese – 500 g;
• sour cream – 200 ml;
• cream – 150 ml;
• lime – 2 pcs.;
• blueberry jam – 500 g;
• sugar – 200 g;
• gelatin – 4 tsp.

Sequencing:

1. Grind the cookies, mix with margarine and place in a springform pan. Put it in the refrigerator.
2. Pour hot water over the gelatin and give it time to brew and swell.
3. Whip the cream with sour cream and ricotta, add lime juice, jam, then pour in the gelatin mixture in a thin stream.
4. Place the resulting mass on top of the cookie layer and place in a cool place for 4 hours.

When serving, the cheesecake can be decorated with fresh berries. Be sure to use a springform pan, otherwise you will not be able to remove the dessert without damaging it.

Classic cheesecake

An American dessert called cheesecake can be made from ricotta.

Dishes with ricotta - a recipe for making a classic cheesecake.

To prepare 8 servings of dessert you will need the following products:

• 250 g ricotta;
• 300 g crumbly cookies;
• 90 g milk chocolate;
• 50 ml cream 10% fat;
• 180 g butter;
• 4 tbsp. l. granulated sugar.

Detailed cooking instructions:

1. You will need to remove the butter from the refrigerator and soften it, leaving it at room temperature or slightly heating it. Place the cookies in a blender bowl and grind until smooth.
2. The crushed cookies must be poured into a deep container, put butter in it and mix everything thoroughly with a spoon. You will need to transfer the resulting mass into a baking dish, level it over the entire surface of the form using a kitchen spatula, and make small sides.
3. Then, using a blender, you need to combine the ricotta with sugar and cover the cheesecake base with the resulting mixture. The workpiece should be placed in the oven, preheated to 180°C, and baked for 50 minutes.
4. The baked dessert will need to be removed from the oven and left for 40 minutes to cool. At this time, you need to place the cream with the milk chocolate broken into slices in a water bath and heat, stirring, until the chocolate is completely melted.
5. Now the top of the cooled dessert should be covered with chocolate glaze and placed in the freezer overnight. The next day, the cheesecake can be served chilled with aromatic tea.