Homemade Ricotta Cheese (Video!) Coley Cooks... from coleycooks.com
Introduction
If you're a fan of Italian cuisine, you must have heard of ricotta. Ricotta is a creamy, fresh cheese that can be used in various dishes, from lasagna to cannoli. While you can easily find ricotta in grocery stores, making it at home is surprisingly easy and rewarding. In this article, we'll share a simple yet delicious ricotta recipe that you can try at home.
Ingredients
To make ricotta, you'll need the following ingredients: - 1 gallon whole milk - 1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice or white vinegar - 1 teaspoon of salt (optional) You can adjust the amount of ingredients depending on how much ricotta you want to make.
Instructions
Now, let's get to the fun part – making ricotta! Follow these steps: 1. In a large pot, pour the milk and heat it over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from scorching. 2. When the milk reaches 185°F, remove it from the heat. You can use a thermometer to check the temperature. 3. Add the lemon juice or white vinegar to the milk and stir gently. You'll see the milk start to curdle and separate into curds and whey. 4. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for 10-15 minutes to allow the curds to form. 5. Line a colander with cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl. Carefully pour the curdled mixture into the cheesecloth, letting the whey drain into the bowl. 6. Let the ricotta drain for 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how creamy you want it to be. You can also add salt at this point if desired. 7. When the ricotta is ready, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It can last for up to a week.
Nutrition
Now, let's talk about the nutritional value of ricotta. One cup of ricotta (whole milk) contains: - Calories: 428 - Protein: 28g - Fat: 32g - Carbohydrates: 7g - Calcium: 700mg - Phosphorus: 500mg As you can see, ricotta is a good source of protein and calcium, making it a healthy addition to your diet. However, it's also high in calories and fat, so it's best consumed in moderation.
Conclusion
Making homemade ricotta is not only easy but also a fun activity to do in the kitchen. Plus, the taste and texture of fresh ricotta are unbeatable. With this recipe, you can enjoy delicious ricotta in your favorite Italian dishes or simply as a snack. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out!
