Description
Insanely Delicious Whipped Ricotta is a creamy, smooth ricotta spread blended with olive oil, lemon zest, honey, and topped with crunchy roasted pistachios. This simple yet elegant dish is perfect for serving as an appetizer or snack alongside grilled or toasted bread. Its rich texture and balance of sweet and savory flavors make it an irresistible addition to any table.
Ingredients
Scale
Ricotta Spread
- 16 ounces whole milk ricotta (Calabro brand recommended)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus extra to taste, Diamond Crystal brand preferred)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves picked (optional)
Toppings & Serving
- 1/4 cup shelled, salted, roasted pistachios
- Bread for serving — grilled, charred, or olive-oil toasted
Instructions
- Chop Pistachios: In a food processor, pulse the shelled, salted, roasted pistachios until they are finely chopped but not powdered. Transfer the chopped pistachios to a bowl and set aside for topping later.
- Whip Ricotta: Without washing the food processor, add the whole milk ricotta, 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Add the lemon zest directly into the food processor. Process this mixture for about 1 minute or until the ricotta becomes thick, smooth, and creamy. Taste and adjust salt by adding an additional 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon if needed, blending again briefly to incorporate.
- Plate the Mixture: Transfer the whipped ricotta to the center of a shallow serving platter. Use the back of a spoon to spread it out, creating peaks and valleys that will hold toppings beautifully.
- Drizzle and Sweeten: Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly over the ricotta. Then drizzle the honey on top; start with 1 tablespoon if concerned about sweetness, and add the remaining if desired. The final amount of honey balances the tang and creaminess perfectly.
- Add Pistachios and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped pistachios evenly over the top of the ricotta. Keep additional pistachios on the side to re-garnish as needed while serving. Serve immediately with grilled, charred, or toasted bread alongside.
Notes
- The thyme is optional and omitted in recent preparations, but can add a herbal note if preferred.
- Garlic is not included in this version despite being in the original recipe, as the dish pairs well with other herby, garlicky components served alongside.
- Honey quantity can be adjusted according to taste—starting with less and adding more ensures perfect sweetness balance.
- Use a good quality whole milk ricotta for creaminess and flavor; Calabro brand is recommended for its richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (about 90g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
