Description
Creamy homemade ricotta cheese elevates simple ingredients into a luxurious culinary experience. Fresh, tangy curds emerge from a quick process that brings Italian tradition to home kitchens, inviting you to savor each silky spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 cups (1.9 L) whole milk
- 1 cup (237 mL) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (59 mL) fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp (5 g) kosher salt
Instructions
- Milk Preparation: Combine whole milk, heavy cream, and kosher salt in a large saucepan, gradually heating to 200°F (93°C) while stirring intermittently, which takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
- Curd Formation: Remove from heat and disperse lemon juice across the surface, gently stirring to initiate spontaneous curd development, then allow the mixture to rest undisturbed for 10 minutes.
- Straining Process: Position a cheesecloth-lined colander over a large bowl, delicately transferring curds using a slotted spoon and permitting whey to drain naturally, adjusting drainage time to achieve desired ricotta consistency.
- Texture Refinement: Monitor the draining process – shorter duration creates a creamier texture, while extended drainage results in a firmer cheese composition.
- Storage and Preservation: Transfer the freshly crafted ricotta into a clean, sealed container using a spatula, then refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or lower, maintaining optimal quality for 3-4 days.
Notes
- Milk Quality Matters: Use fresh, high-quality whole milk and heavy cream for the richest, most authentic ricotta texture and flavor.
- Temperature Precision: Monitor milk temperature closely with a reliable thermometer to ensure perfect curd formation without scorching.
- Draining Technique: Control ricotta consistency by adjusting drainage time – shorter for creamy spread, longer for firmer cheese texture.
- Storage Wisdom: Consume homemade ricotta within 3-4 days for maximum freshness and optimal taste, storing in a cold refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 266
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 86 mg