Description
Ina Garten’s homemade ricotta brings Italian culinary magic right into your kitchen with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Creamy, fresh cheese emerges from simple milk, cream, and salt, promising delightful texture and rich taste perfect for spreading on crusty bread or adding to favorite recipes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups (950 ml) whole milk
- 2 cups (470 ml) heavy cream
Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) kosher salt
Acid Component:
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) white wine vinegar
Instructions
- Position a fine-mesh strainer over a spacious, deep container, then gently moisten two layers of cheesecloth with cool water and carefully drape them inside the strainer, ensuring complete coverage.
- Select a stainless-steel or enameled pot and combine 950 milliliters () whole milk and 475 milliliters () heavy cream, incorporating kosher salt, stirring until well integrated.
- Apply medium heat to the milk mixture, periodically stirring to prevent scorching, and continue heating until the liquid reaches a vigorous, rolling boil.
- Immediately remove the pot from heat source and introduce 45 milliliters () white wine vinegar, gently stirring to initiate curd formation; allow the mixture to rest for approximately 60 seconds as curds separate from whey.
- Carefully transfer the curdled contents into the prepared cheesecloth-lined strainer, permitting liquid to drain naturally for 20-25 minutes, periodically discarding accumulated whey beneath the strainer.
- For a denser ricotta consistency, extend the draining time, monitoring the texture until achieving desired thickness.
- Delicately transfer the freshly crafted ricotta into a clean serving bowl, removing and discarding the cheesecloth and residual whey.
- When planning to store, cover the ricotta with plastic wrap and refrigerate, maintaining optimal freshness for 4-5 days.
Notes
- Boost flavor by using fresh, full-fat milk for incredibly creamy ricotta that melts in your mouth.
- Customize texture by draining longer for thick spreads or briefly for silky dollops that elevate any dish.
- Prevent mess and ensure smooth straining with dampened cheesecloth, making cleanup a breeze.
- Achieve perfect curdling by adding vinegar after removing the pot from heat, creating delicate cheese clusters.
- Savor the best taste by consuming homemade ricotta within a day or two of preparation, capturing peak freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Breakfast
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately ¼ cup (60 grams)
- Calories: 100 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg