Homemade Ricotta Cheese
Fresh and Creamy Homemade Ricotta Cheese Recipe
Today, I’m excited to introduce you to homemade ricotta cheese! It’s incredibly fresh, boasting the rich, nutty, and wholesome flavor of milk, with a delightful coolness. Perfect for salads, sandwiches, pasta, and more!
Ingredients
- 1000ml Milk (Use fresh, high-quality milk for the best results)
- 500ml Heavy Cream (Ensure it’s 100% pure, unsweetened heavy cream, not whipping or topping cream)
- 1 Tbsp Sea Salt (approx. 15g)
- 4 Tbsp Lemon Juice (approx. 60ml)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent scorching. Pour in 1000ml of milk and 500ml of heavy cream. Place it over medium heat and begin to warm. Meanwhile, set aside about 50ml of the milk. Dissolve 1 Tbsp of sea salt in this reserved milk to create a brine.
Step 2
As the milk and cream mixture heats up and a thin film (skin) begins to form on the surface, reduce the heat to low. Cooking over too high heat can cause the cheese to stick or burn.
Step 3
While maintaining low heat, carefully pour the 4 Tbsp of lemon juice around the edges of the pot. After adding the lemon juice, stir gently only two or three times. Continue to cook on very low heat for over an hour, allowing the curdling process to happen slowly.
Step 4
After simmering for about 1 hour, pour in the prepared salt brine. Gently swirl the pot to distribute the brine evenly, and continue to cook on low heat.
Step 5
After simmering for approximately 30 more minutes, it’s time to drain the whey. Once you can see the cheese curds forming in the pot, carefully pour the mixture into a sieve lined with cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer to separate the whey.
Step 6
To prevent the surface of the cheese from drying out, cover it loosely with the pot lid or a piece of cheesecloth. This will help maintain its moist texture.
Step 7
Don’t discard the whey! It’s rich in nutrients like calcium and minerals. Using it as a facial rinse can leave your skin feeling incredibly soft. Alternatively, substitute water or milk with whey when baking bread for an enhanced flavor.
Step 8
Allow the naturally drained ricotta cheese to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Enjoying it chilled will enhance its freshness and flavor. It’s absolutely delicious piled on top of salads or spread on toast!
