Ricotta is a lovely light and creamy fresh cheese that lends itself to both sweet and savoury recipes with ricotta.
Hailing from Italy the traditional curd cheese, made from whey, literally means 'cooked again'.
Good ricotta is very delicate and although it can be happily eaten on its own, it also makes for delicious stuffings for pasta or pancakes when combined with herbs or spinach, as well as added to pastries and even in baked into cheesecake.
Here are some of our favourite recipes with ricotta, that take this wonderful cheese through the sweet and savoury spectrum. And if you can't eat dairy, we've even got a solution for that!
Enjoy.
Vegan Ricotta
Can't eat dairy? No problem, try making this vegan ricotta alternative prepared with soya milk, salt and apple cider vinegar.
Ricotta and Asparagus Quiche
Ricotta and asparagus are a match made in heaven set on a layer of puff pastry. Perfect for brunch, a light lunch or spring picnic.
Ricotta and Herb Filled Crepes
For a tasty and light filling try wrapping ricotta and herbs up in crepes along with Parmesan for some added depth of flavour.
Ricotta Cheesecake
Love cheesecakes? Try this luscious Italian version made with a creamy sheep’s milk ricotta, sweet marsala wine and raisins.
BACIO DI PANTELLERIA, SICILIAN RICOTTA FRITTERS
For a mouth-watering decadent dessert try this Sicilian deep fried fritters with a creamy ricotta filling.
Cannelloni with Ricotta and Spinach
Ricotta and spinach are a classic combo stuffed into these delicious pasta tubes topped off with a creamy bechamel sauce and baked to perfection.
RAVIOLI WITH RICOTTA CHEESE AND WILD HERBS
If you enjoy ravioli try making your own in this authentic Italian pasta recipe with a light ricotta and herb filling for a light and tasty dish.