Best 3 Homemade Fresh Ricotta Cheese Recipes

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Homemade fresh ricotta cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a great way to use up leftover whey from making cheese or yogurt, and it is also a good source of protein and calcium. Ricotta cheese is traditionally made with sheep's milk, but it can also be made with cow's milk or a combination of the two. The process of making ricotta cheese is relatively simple, but it does require some patience. The first step is to heat the milk until it is just below boiling. Then, an acid such as lemon juice or vinegar is added to the milk, which causes the milk to curdle. The curds are then separated from the whey and allowed to drain. The resulting ricotta cheese can be used fresh or stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Let's cook with our recipes!

HOMEMADE RICH FRESH RICOTTA CHEESE



Homemade Rich Fresh RICOTTA Cheese image

This is delicious and easy - it almost makes itself. Use it wherever ricotta cheese is called for - in pies, in phyllo, in lasagne etc. Sweeten it with honey for a yummy spread. I got this from Molly O'Neill, who wrote the food section in the NYT for many years. Basically you mix the ingredients, cook for a couple of minutes, and then it drains for half an hour. Then it's done.

Provided by Jangomango

Categories     Cheese

Time 12m

Yield 3 cups

Number Of Ingredients 5

12 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups whole-milk yoghurt
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 pinch salt
1 pinch nutmeg (optional)

Steps:

  • In a large pan, combine the milk, yoghurt and cream and bring to a boil over medium high heat.
  • Boil for 2 minutes, or until the milk is very curdled.
  • Line a large mesh strainer with a damp kitchen towel or several layers of damp cheesecloth, making sure the cloth extends well over the sides of the strainer.
  • Place the strainer over a deep bowl and pour the milk through the strainer.
  • Drain 30 minutes, making sure the strainer does not rest in the liquid.
  • Gather up the loose ends of the cloth and twist gently to extract more liquid.
  • Transfer the curds to a bowl and stir in the salt and nutmeg.
  • Discard the liquid (whey).
  • The cheese will keep, refrigerated, for 3 days.

HOMEMADE FRESH RICOTTA CHEESE



Homemade Fresh Ricotta Cheese image

This is amazingly simple to make, using just 3 ingredients! And it only takes about 20 minutes to make!!! More delicate than storebought and only 1/2 the price. Use this fluffy cheese for lasagna, cannoli, or simple crostini(with a drizzle of eevo or topped with chopped fresh herbs). There's even a reduced fat version! I found this in the May issue of Good Housekeeping magazine.

Provided by Sharon123

Categories     European

Time 10m

Yield 2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 3

8 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (or lemon, even vinegar works)

Steps:

  • Line a large strainer or colander with 4 layers of cheesecloth. Place lined strainer in a large bowl and set aside.
  • In a heavy bottom 4 quart saucepan, heat milk and 1 teaspoons salt to boiling on medium high, stirring occasionally to prevent milk from scorching.
  • Stir in lemon juice; cover and remove from heat.
  • Let stand 5 minutes. With a slotted spoon, gently transfer curds from the pan to the lined strainer. Drain 3 minutes. Discard whey in bowl.
  • If not using right away, transfer ricotta to a clean bowl, cover and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
  • Reduced Fat Ricotta:.
  • Substitute 4 cups reduced fat milk(2%) for 4 cups of the whole milk, and follow recipe as above.
  • Makes about 2 cups.

HOMEMADE FRESH RICOTTA CHEESE



Homemade Fresh Ricotta Cheese image

Usually if you hear the comment, "That's so cheesy" it really isn't a good thing. That phrase indicates something that is undesirable...tacky...dumb...unappealing...silly... cornball....dated. However, if you're using the phrase to describe a food WITH cheese, that is a whole 'nother matter. If you see someone eating Macaroni...

Provided by cassie thornburg

Categories     Salads

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 5

4 c whole milk
2 c heavy cream
1 tsp kosher salt
3 Tbsp white wine vinegar
cheesecloth and a large sieve

Steps:

  • 1. Set a large sieve over a deep bowl. Dampen 2 layers of cheesecloth with water and line the sieve with the cheesecloth.
  • 2. Pour the milk and cream into a stainless-steel or enameled pot such as Le Creuset. Stir in the salt. Bring to a full boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and stir in the vinegar. Allow the mixture to stand for 1 minute until it curdles. It will separate into thick parts (the curds) and milky parts (the whey).
  • 3. Pour the mixture into the cheesecloth-lined sieve and allow it to drain into the bowl at room temperature for 20 to 25 minutes, occasionally discarding the liquid that collects in the bowl. The longer you let the mixture drain, the thicker the ricotta. (I tend to like mine on the thicker side, but some prefer it moister.) Transfer the ricotta to a bowl, discarding the cheesecloth and any remaining whey. Use immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The ricotta will keep refrigerated for 4 to 5 days.

Tips:

  • Use fresh whole milk for the best flavor and texture.
  • Slowly heat the milk to the desired temperature to prevent curdling.
  • Stir the milk constantly while heating to ensure even heating.
  • Use a thermometer to accurately measure the temperature of the milk.
  • Do not overcook the curds, as this will result in a dry, crumbly ricotta cheese.
  • Drain the whey from the curds in a cheesecloth-lined colander for a smooth, creamy ricotta cheese.
  • Season the ricotta cheese with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Use fresh herbs, such as basil, parsley, or chives, to add flavor to the ricotta cheese.
  • Store the ricotta cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Conclusion:

Homemade fresh ricotta cheese is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a great way to use up leftover milk and is also a healthier alternative to store-bought ricotta cheese. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can make your own fresh ricotta cheese at home.

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