Indulge in the creamy, dreamy goodness of a classic Italian Ricotta Crostata. This delightful dessert, a rustic tart brimming with a luscious ricotta filling, offers a delightful balance of sweet and subtle tang. The tender, buttery crust provides the perfect complement to the rich, creamy interior, making it a truly irresistible treat. Forget complicated pastries; this recipe is surprisingly simple to master, even for novice bakers. Its delicate flavor profile makes it perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon tea to a celebratory dinner party.
The beauty of this Ricotta Crostata lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You can easily customize it with the addition of your favorite fruits, nuts, or spices. Ready to create your own masterpiece? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions that will guide you through making this incredibly delicious and satisfying dessert.
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- 9-inch pie pan
- Parchment paper
- Fork
- Oven
Ingredients
- Slightly softened butter
- Powdered sugar
- Salt: a little pinch
- Lemon zest: half a big lemon or a whole small lemon
- Honey
- Eggs: 2
- Flour
- Baking powder: half a teaspoon
- Ricotta cheese
- Icing sugar
- Cinnamon: a quarter teaspoon
- Chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Make the Crust
- Cream together softened butter, powdered sugar, salt, and lemon zest. Add honey, then whisk in eggs.
- Sift in flour and baking powder. Mix until combined, but do not overmix. Form the dough into a flat disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about an hour.
Step 2. Prepare the Ricotta Filling
- For the filling, combine ricotta (without excess liquid), icing sugar, cinnamon, lemon zest, and an egg. Whisk until smooth. If the ricotta is grainy, use a mixer or blender for a smoother consistency. Add more lemon zest and chocolate chips.
Step 3. Assemble and Bake the Pie
- Roll out the chilled dough on floured parchment paper to a thin circle. Transfer to a buttered 9-inch pie pan.
- Trim excess dough and poke holes in the bottom crust with a fork. Spread the ricotta filling evenly over the crust.
- Create decorative strips from the leftover dough and arrange them on top of the filling. Press the edges to seal.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 330°F (165°C) for 45 minutes, or until golden and puffy. Let cool before serving. Decorate with icing sugar, if desired.
Read more: Castagnaccio Recipe: Authentic Tuscan Gluten-Free Cake
Tips
- Powdered sugar makes the dough smoother.
- If your ricotta is grainy, use a mixer or blender to create a smoother filling.
Nutrition
- Calories: Dependent on specific ingredient amounts
- Fat: Dependent on specific ingredient amountsg
- Carbs: Dependent on specific ingredient amountsg
- Protein: Dependent on specific ingredient amountsg
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?
While ricotta is traditional and provides the best texture, you could experiment with a similar creamy cheese like mascarpone or even a very well-drained cottage cheese. The flavor will be slightly different, however.
2. How can I store leftover Ricotta Crostata?
Store leftover crostata in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It's best enjoyed at room temperature.
This Ricotta Crostata recipe is a testament to the simplicity and elegance of Italian baking. With its delicate flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture, it's sure to become a new favorite dessert. Enjoy the sweet reward of your baking efforts, and don't hesitate to share this delightful treat with friends and family!