Description
This creamy Whipped Ricotta topped with vibrant basil oil, toasted pine nuts, and sun-dried tomatoes is a delightful appetizer or snack. Easy to prepare, it combines smooth ricotta whipped to perfection with aromatic homemade basil oil for a fresh, savory treat served best with crusty bread or crackers.
Ingredients
Scale
Whipped Ricotta
- 1.1 lb full fat sheep's ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Good pinch of salt
- 2-3 sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons basil oil
Basil Oil
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Make Basil Oil: Add fresh basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of salt to a blender or use an immersion blender. Blend until smooth. Optionally, strain with a fine-mesh sieve for a clearer oil or keep it rustic. Pour into a small container.
- Whip Ricotta: In a blender or food processor, combine ricotta cheese, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and a good pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.
- Toast Pine Nuts: In a small saucepan over low-medium heat, lightly toast pine nuts, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
- Assemble Dish: Spoon the whipped ricotta into a serving bowl. Use the back of a spoon to create a well or decorative pattern on top. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of prepared basil oil over the ricotta. Serve immediately with crusty bread, pita chips, or crackers for a delicious appetizer or snack experience.
Notes
- Use full fat ricotta for a creamier texture but low fat can be substituted for a lighter version.
- For clearer basil oil, strain blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve; otherwise, leave it rustic for added texture and flavor.
- Be careful not to burn pine nuts—they toast quickly once they start to brown.
- Sun-dried tomatoes can be regular or oil-packed; if dry, soak briefly in warm water before chopping.
- Serve with a variety of dippers like crusty bread, pita chips, or crackers for different textures.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
