Lemon Zest Ricotta
Elevate your homemade cheese game with this creamy and tangy Lemon Zest Ricotta recipe, a delightful blend of simplicity and sophistication. Crafted from whole milk, rich heavy cream, and freshly squeezed lemon juice, this homemade ricotta boasts a gorgeously smooth texture and a bright citrus twist thanks to zesty lemon peel. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you'll transform basic pantry ingredients into a versatile, melt-in-your-mouth cheese that's perfect for spreading on crusty bread, enhancing pasta dishes, or serving as a light appetizer dip. The step-by-step process ensures foolproof results, while the final touch of lemon zest brings a burst of refreshing flavor to every bite. Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself, this quick, easy, and utterly satisfying recipe is the perfect match.
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Ingredients
- 4 cups Whole milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 3 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Lemon zest
- 1 piece Cheesecloth
Directions
Step 1
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and salt.
Step 2
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 185°F (85°C). You can use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Step 3
Once the milk mixture is hot, slowly stir in the lemon juice. Continue stirring gently for about 1-2 minutes until the curds begin separating from the whey.
Step 4
Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit undisturbed for 10 minutes to allow the curds to fully form.
Step 5
Meanwhile, line a colander or fine-mesh strainer with a piece of cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl to catch the whey.
Step 6
Carefully ladle the curds into the prepared cheesecloth-lined strainer, allowing the whey to drain. Let the ricotta sit for 10-20 minutes, depending on your desired texture. For creamier ricotta, drain for a shorter time; for firmer ricotta, drain longer.
Step 7
Transfer the ricotta to a mixing bowl and gently fold in the lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Step 8
Serve the Lemon Zest Ricotta immediately, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy it as a spread on toast, a dollop on pasta, or as a flavorful dip!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1368g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1409.3 |
| Total Fat 111.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 66.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.1g | |
| Cholesterol 357.1mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1630.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 49.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 0.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 48.1g | |
| Protein 32.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 429.4IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1213.2mg | 0% |
| Iron 0.0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1523.0mg | 0% |
Source of Calories