Delicious and versatile, Whipped Ricotta is the ultimate dish that redefines your gatherings and meals. Get ready to impress your guests with a delightful experience.
Creating a dish that serves multiple functions in the kitchen has never been easier. Whipped Ricotta fills that role beautifully, performing as a charming appetizer or a sophisticated topping. Imagine a creamy ricotta paired with flavorful burst tomatoes, served alongside crostini, or enhancing the taste of roasted vegetables like asparagus and mushrooms. Not only is this dish easy to make, but it also adds a touch of elegance to any palate.
For optimal flavor, sourcing high-quality ricotta is crucial. Visiting a local delicatessen or natural food store can significantly improve the creaminess of the Whipped Ricotta, elevating the dish’s taste dramatically compared to supermarket options. This small change makes all the difference, allowing you to create a more authentic culinary experience.
### The Key to Perfect Texture
Achieving a creamy, whipped texture is a matter of technique. Using a food processor, blend ricotta and Parmesan cheese until they reach a whipped cream-like consistency. If needed, incorporate small amounts of milk or cream to achieve the alluring texture. The right equipment makes it simple!
What You Need to Make Whipped Ricotta
- 1 cup full-fat ricotta, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk or cream, as needed
### The Burst Tomatoes That Steal the Show
Nothing contrasts the creamy Whipped Ricotta like an array of roasted burst tomatoes. To prepare these delicious additions
- 1 1/4 pound cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
Roasting brings out the sweetness of the tomatoes, perfectly complementing the creamy ricotta. Combine olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano in a bowl, adding the cherry tomatoes. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast in an oven at 400 degrees until wrinkled and slightly burst open.
### How to Serve Your Whipped Ricotta
Serving your Whipped Ricotta can be just as engaging as preparing it. Use an 8-inch plate to dollop the rich ricotta mixture at the center and spread it outwards. Top with your roasted burst tomatoes and garnish with basil, a drizzle of additional olive oil, and lemon juice for a refreshing kick. Pair with crostini for the perfect bite!
### The Recipe: Whipped Ricotta with Burst Tomatoes
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the recipe to ensure you succeed
#### Ingredients
- For the Whipped Ricotta
- 1 cup full-fat ricotta, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup tightly packed finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 to 3 tablespoons milk or cream (as needed)
- For the Burst Tomatoes
- 1 1/4 pound cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- For Finish
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 12 to 15 small fresh basil leaves
- Crostini for serving
#### Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and place the oven rack in the middle position.
2. Combine ricotta and Parmesan cheese in a food processor. Whip until the mixture resembles smooth whipped cream. Add milk or cream gradually if the consistency is too stiff.
3. Prepare the burst tomatoes by tossing them in a baking sheet with olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano. Spread them out in a single layer and roast for about 15 minutes, until they start to wrinkle.
4. After removing from the oven, allow the tomatoes to cool slightly.
5. For serving, place dollops of whipped ricotta on your serving plate and swirl it into a circle. Top generously with burst tomatoes, letting the juices flow over the ricotta. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and finish with fresh basil leaves.
6. Serve immediately alongside warm crostini.
### Tips for Success
- Opt for a high-quality ricotta purchased from a delicatessen or a natural food store, as suggested by cookbook author Nagi Maehashi. Avoid rubbery supermarket varieties for the best flavor.
- Adjust the creaminess of your Whipped Ricotta. If you decide to use a less creamy ricotta, consider incorporating heavy whipping cream for the best possible texture.
This Whipped Ricotta with burst tomatoes is more than just an appetizer; it’s a transformative dish that yields flavors far beyond its simple ingredients. Experiment with variations and make it your own, ensuring every gathering is memorable with this delightful recipe.