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When you’ve prepared a dish like lasagna or tiramisu, it’s common to find yourself with leftover ricotta cheese. Instead of discarding it, consider the versatility of this creamy ingredient. Ricotta can complement both sweet and savory dishes, offering a wide range of culinary possibilities. Here are several innovative ways to use up that extra ricotta.
Enhance Pasta and Pizza
Ricotta, a quintessential Italian cheese, is perfect for a variety of Italian dishes beyond just lasagna. It can elevate pizzas and various pasta dishes, including stuffed shells and ravioli. Simply add a few dollops of ricotta to your pizza before baking or mix it into creamy pasta sauces. This addition boosts the dish’s creaminess without overwhelming it with salt—a problem often encountered with harder cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino Romano. For a richer flavor profile, combine ricotta with a sprinkle of your favorite aged cheese.
Mix into Pancakes
Ricotta should be a must-have ingredient in pancake batter. The inclusion of this cheese contributes moisture without the heaviness experienced with some other ingredients. It’s renowned for producing exceptionally fluffy pancakes. To create a delightful flavor, consider adding lemon zest or blueberries to the mix. Similarly, ricotta works well in crepes or as a delightful enhancement to French toast batter.
Create a Flavorful Dip
For an effortless yet impressive dip, toss ricotta into a food processor along with your choice of seasonings. Ingredients such as lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and a dash of salt and pepper create a savory dip ideal for crudités or crackers. Alternatively, for a sweeter option, blend ricotta with honey and vanilla to serve alongside graham crackers. For a heartier dip, consider combining ricotta with roasted squash, using the hollowed gourd as a unique serving bowl. Additionally, ricotta serves as a light and fluffy alternative for pimento cheese balls.
Spread it on Toasts and Sandwiches
Ricotta toast has gained popularity in various dining scenes, and you can easily recreate this at home. Start with a slice of crusty bread, spread ricotta over it, and layer your favorite toppings. Fresh figs drizzled with honey and flaky sea salt create a sweet treat, while tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar offer a savory twist. Jam is another excellent choice. Furthermore, ricotta can serve as a creamy alternative to cream cheese on bagels, or it can be included in sandwiches or wraps, pairing wonderfully with turkey, ham, or fried eggs.
Enjoy it on its Own
If you’re a fan of cottage cheese or strained yogurt, you might find that enjoying ricotta straight from the tub is just as satisfying. You can enhance it with toppings like berries, honey, and vanilla bean, or simply savor it on its own—there’s no wrong way to appreciate this versatile cheese.
Dina Ávila is a Portland-based photographer.
Source
www.eater.com