Description
Ina Garten’s homemade ricotta recipe delivers creamy, luxurious cheese with simple ingredients. Crafting this Italian staple requires minimal effort, promising a delightful spread for you to enjoy with fresh bread or crackers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups (950 ml) whole milk
- 2 cups (470 ml) heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) kosher salt
Instructions
- Preparation: Position a fine-mesh strainer over a deep container, draping two moistened cheesecloth layers to cover the entire surface.
- Milk Fusion: In a stainless-steel pot, combine whole milk, heavy cream, and kosher salt, blending thoroughly to create a uniform mixture.
- Heating Process: Apply medium heat, stirring continuously to prevent burning, until the liquid erupts into a vigorous boil, creating a rich, creamy base.
- Curd Transformation: Remove from heat and introduce white wine vinegar, gently stirring to trigger curd separation; let the mixture rest momentarily as curds distinct from whey emerge.
- Draining Stage: Gently transfer the curdled mixture into the prepared cheesecloth-lined strainer, allowing natural liquid drainage for 20-25 minutes, periodically removing accumulated whey.
- Texture Refinement: Adjust draining time to achieve desired ricotta consistency, carefully monitoring the texture until reaching optimal thickness and smoothness.
- Finishing Touch: Delicately transfer the freshly crafted ricotta to a clean serving bowl, removing cheesecloth and excess whey, ensuring a pure, creamy result.
- Storage Protocol: Seal ricotta with plastic wrap and refrigerate, preserving its fresh, delicate flavor for 4-5 days of enjoyment.
Notes
- Milk Quality Matters: Use the freshest, highest-fat whole milk and heavy cream possible for the richest, most creamy ricotta texture.
- Temperature Control: Watch the heat carefully during boiling to prevent scorching or burning, which can dramatically alter the cheese’s flavor and smooth consistency.
- Vinegar Selection: White wine vinegar provides the best acid balance for curd formation; avoid substituting with other vinegars that might impart unwanted flavors.
- Straining Technique: Patience during draining determines the ricotta’s final texture – longer draining creates firmer cheese, while shorter times result in a softer, more delicate spread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Breakfast
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Fat: 52 g
- Saturated Fat: 32 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg