Description
A creamy and flavorful Whipped Ricotta topped with aromatic basil oil, toasted pine nuts, and sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect as a savory spread or appetizer served with crusty bread, pita chips, 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 the basil oil: Add the basil leaves, olive oil, and pinch of salt to a blender or use an immersion blender. Blend until smooth. Pour into a ramekin or glass jar. Optionally, strain through a fine mesh sieve for a clearer oil or keep it rustic.
- Whip the ricotta: Place the ricotta, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and a good pinch of salt into a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Toast pine nuts: Heat a small saucepan over low to medium heat. Lightly toast the pine nuts, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.
- Assemble and serve: Spoon the whipped ricotta into a serving bowl. Using the back of a spoon, create a well or design on top. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of basil oil. Serve alongside crusty bread, pita chips, or crackers.
Notes
- You can substitute low fat ricotta if preferred, though full fat provides creamier texture.
- For a smoother basil oil, strain the blended oil through a fine mesh sieve.
- Toast pine nuts carefully to avoid bitterness from burning.
- Adjust salt seasoning according to taste as ricotta may vary in saltiness.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate basil oil separately to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
