Beyond Lasagna: Creative Uses for Ricotta
When it comes to Italian cuisine, ricotta is much more versatile than just a key ingredient in lasagna. From savory pies and first courses to sweet desserts, this creamy dairy product offers endless possibilities. Whether you're adding it to your menu for the first time or seeking new ways to cook with it, here's a comprehensive guide on how to use ricotta beyond lasagna.
1. Italian Traditions with Ricotta
Ricotta, a traditional Italian ingredient, is more than just a cheese; it's a culinary marvel. Its unique texture and taste make it a star in dishes such as Ligurian lean Ravioli, where it is paired with herbs, spinach, and other seasonal flavors. The Ravioli is seasoned with butter, pine nuts, and sage or marjoram, offering a rich and comforting meal.
Innocent as it may seem, ricotta is often left out of many traditional Italian dishes due to its associations with lasagna. However, it's up to you to explore its versatility. The famous Ravioli di Magro (literally, "lean ravioli") features ricotta and spinach, making for a delightful first course. Some might even indulge in a ricotta cheesecake for a sweeter treat, sprinkling unsweetened cocoa powder or sugar on top to transform it into a dessert course.
2. Savory Uses of Ricotta
Ricotta's creamy nature makes it perfect for incorporating into a wide range of savory dishes. In Italian snowy pies, ricotta is a key ingredient that contributes to their distinctive flavor and texture. At Easter, spinach and ricotta are combined for a delicious savory pie. If you're making cannoli Siciliani, consider filling them with ricotta for a unique and indulgent flavor experience.
Other savory delights include stuffed zucchini, pasta rolls, and crêpes (crespelle). Polpette (meatballs) can also be enhanced with a touch of ricotta for added moisture and texture. For a dish that's both customizable and comforting, try making spaghetti con la ricotta from Tuscany. Cook spaghetti and mix it with melted butter and ricotta, then add parmesan and ground black pepper to taste. This dish can be enjoyed as a main course or a light meal.
For a more innovative approach, consider making gnudi (naked ravioli). Prepare a filling of ricotta, spinach, and egg, then cook them in boiling salted water until they float. Season them with a meat ragù (bolognese) or fried sage leaves, and garnish with grated parmesan. This can serve as a delightful first course to start a big meal.
Eggplant involtini (stuffed eggplants) are another delightful use for ricotta. Fresh basil and aged pecorino cheese elevate the flavor of the ricotta, creating a rich and satisfying filling. These can be served as a main dish or as morsels for an aperitif.
3. Sweet Treats with Ricotta
When it comes to desserts, ricotta can be transformed into sumptuous confections. In Tuscany, a childhood favorite might be ricotta topped with caster sugar and ground coffee for a forbidden pleasure that's both rich and indulgent. Another classic is the crostata di ricotta, a sweet tart filled with this creamy cheese. For a fancy touch, consider adding aromatic ingredients such as cinnamon or ground cardamom to enhance the flavor.
While ricotta is often enjoyed as a savory cheese, it can also be delightful in a sweet context. A simple ricotta cheesecake can be a crowd-pleaser, and think of it as a more authentic, low-fat version compared to other cheesecakes.
4. Misconceptions about Ricotta
It's important to clarify some misconceptions about ricotta. Many people mistakenly include it in lasagna, but in reality, it's the creamy essence of the dish. Lasagne, plural for lasagna, refers to a pasta dish layered with different ingredients. It's crucial to understand the difference between lasagna and lasagne to appreciate the full range of ricotta's uses.
Furthermore, some believe that ricotta should be considered a cheese. However, it's more accurately categorized as a dairy product, given its lower protein content and distinct manufacturing process. Delving into the history and culinary uses of ricotta reveals its true potential beyond the confines of traditional dishes like lasagna.