Making Ricotta at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making fresh ricotta at home is a simple and rewarding process that results in a delicious, creamy cheese perfect for a variety of dishes. Here’s how you can make your own ricotta using basic ingredients and tools.

Ingredients and Tools

• 2 litres whole milk
• 250 ml heavy cream
• 60 ml fresh lemon juice (you may need a bit more depending on the acidity of your lemons)
• 1 tsp salt
• Large heavy-bottomed pot
• Dairy thermometer
• Cheesecloth
• Colander
• Ladle

Step-by-Step Ricotta Making

1. Prepare the Ingredients In a large pot, combine the whole milk, heavy cream, and salt. Stir gently to mix.
2. Heat the Mixture Place the pot over medium heat and slowly heat the mixture to 85°C, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Use a dairy thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately.
3. Add the Lemon Juice Once the mixture reaches 85°C, remove it from heat. Slowly drizzle the lemon juice into the mixture while gently stirring. You will notice the milk starting to curdle and separate into curds (solid) and whey (liquid).
4. Let the Curds Form Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed for about 10 minutes to let the curds fully form. If the whey is still milky, add a bit more lemon juice and wait a few more minutes.
5. Strain the Curds Line a colander with cheesecloth and place it over a large bowl or sink. Carefully ladle the curds into the cheesecloth-lined colander. Avoid pouring directly to keep the curds intact.
6. Drain the Whey Gather the corners of the cheesecloth and tie them together to form a bag. Hang the bag over a sink or bowl to drain for 1-2 hours, depending on the desired consistency of the ricotta.
7. Store and Serve After draining, transfer the ricotta to a bowl. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within a week. Enjoy your homemade ricotta in pasta, on toast, or as a delightful addition to various recipes.

Benefits of Homemade Ricotta

Making ricotta at home allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a fresh, preservative-free product. The process enhances the cheese’s flavour and texture, making it a wholesome and delicious choice for any meal. This homemade ricotta is versatile and can be tailored to your taste preferences. Enjoy experimenting with different flavours and uses!