Description
Creamy homemade ricotta cheese brings Italian culinary magic to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Simple ingredients blend seamlessly to create a luxurious spreadable delight you can proudly serve at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Seasoning:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Acidic Ingredient:
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (or white vinegar)
Instructions
- Assemble whole milk, heavy cream, salt, and fresh lemon juice in a medium saucepan, ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal curd formation.
- Gradually heat the milk and cream mixture over medium flame, gently stirring to prevent scorching, until the liquid reaches a precise temperature of 190°F, just shy of boiling point.
- Immediately remove the pan from heat and introduce fresh lemon juice, stirring delicately to initiate protein separation and curd development.
- Allow the mixture to rest undisturbed for 5-10 minutes, enabling natural coagulation and distinct curd formation.
- Prepare a fine-mesh strainer with several layers of clean cheesecloth, positioning it securely over a spacious collection bowl.
- Carefully transfer the warm, separated mixture into the lined strainer, permitting the liquid whey to drain naturally without disturbing the delicate curds.
- Monitor the draining process, adjusting the duration between 15-60 minutes depending on desired ricotta texture – shorter time yields creamier consistency, longer time results in firmer cheese.
- Once drained to preferred consistency, gently transfer the fresh ricotta to a sealed container, ensuring minimal handling to preserve delicate texture.
- Refrigerate immediately and consume within 3-5 days for optimal flavor and freshness.
Notes
- Experimenting with milk types can create different ricotta textures, like using goat or sheep milk for unique flavor profiles.
- Straining time directly impacts ricotta’s consistency, so watch closely for your preferred thickness – shorter drain time means creamier cheese.
- Leftover whey works perfectly in baking recipes like bread or pancakes, reducing kitchen waste and adding subtle tangy richness.
- Adding fresh herbs like basil or chives during final mixing can elevate the ricotta’s flavor, making it versatile for appetizers or spreads.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 115 mg
- Fat: 50 g
- Saturated Fat: 30 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg