Homemade Rich Fresh Ricotta Cheese
🕒 Total Time: 12 minutes
🥄 Servings: 3 cups
Description:
This homemade ricotta cheese recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, almost like it’s doing the work itself! Inspired by Molly O’Neill, a renowned figure from the NYT food section, this ricotta can be used in various dishes, from pies to lasagna. You can even sweeten it with honey for a delightful spread. Simply mix the ingredients, cook for a couple of minutes, let it drain, and voila! You have a batch of creamy, fresh ricotta cheese ready to elevate your dishes.
Ingredients:
- 12 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups plain yogurt
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions:
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| 1 | In a large pan, combine the milk, yogurt, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. |
| 2 | Boil the mixture for 2 minutes or until the milk is very curdled, indicating the separation of curds and whey. |
| 3 | Line a large mesh strainer with a damp kitchen towel or several layers of damp cheesecloth, ensuring the cloth extends well over the sides of the strainer. |
| 4 | Place the prepared strainer over a deep bowl and carefully pour the curdled milk through the strainer. Allow it to drain for 30 minutes, ensuring the strainer does not rest in the liquid. |
| 5 | After 30 minutes, gather up the loose ends of the cloth and gently twist to extract any remaining liquid from the curds. |
| 6 | Transfer the drained curds to a mixing bowl and stir in the salt and nutmeg until well combined. |
| 7 | Discard the liquid (whey) collected in the bowl. |
| 8 | Your homemade ricotta cheese is now ready to be used! Store it refrigerated, and it will keep for up to 3 days. |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 1080.6
- Fat Content: 79.7g
- Saturated Fat: 48.2g
- Cholesterol: 276.6mg
- Sodium: 572.9mg
- Carbohydrate: 55.9g
- Sugar: 55.1g
- Protein: 37.4g
Tips:
- For a creamier texture, you can adjust the ratio of yogurt to heavy cream.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of your ricotta cheese.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the milk reaches the proper temperature for curdling.
- Don’t discard the whey! It can be used in baking or cooking to add moisture and nutrition to recipes.
