Why Make This Recipe
Whipped Ricotta with Charred Lemon & Hot Honey is a delightful dish that combines creamy texture, zesty flavor, and a hint of sweetness. It is simple to prepare and can be served as a luxurious appetizer or snack. The whipped ricotta’s smoothness pairs perfectly with the tangy charred lemon, and the hot honey adds a spicy kick that will leave your taste buds dancing. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, this recipe is sure to impress.
How to Make Whipped Ricotta with Charred Lemon & Hot Honey
Ingredients
- 1 1⁄2 cups whole-milk ricotta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 1⁄4 tsp black pepper
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced into rounds
- 1 tsp olive oil (for lemon topping)
- 3 tbsp hot honey
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Pinch flaky sea salt
Directions
Prepare the Ricotta: Start by placing the whole-milk ricotta, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper into a food processor. Make sure the lid is secured tightly.
Blend Until Smooth: Turn on the food processor and blend the mixture until it becomes completely smooth and fluffy. This should take about 1-2 minutes. You want the ricotta to have a creamy consistency that you can easily spread.
Plate the Ricotta: Once whipped, take your creamy ricotta and transfer it onto a serving plate. Use a spatula to spread the ricotta in thick swoops, creating a lovely presentation.
Heat the Skillet: Take a skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Allow it to warm up for a few minutes.
Prepare the Lemon: While the skillet is heating, brush the lemon slices lightly with olive oil. Make sure both sides get a little oil for an even char.
Char the Lemon Slices: Once the skillet is hot, place the lemon slices in the skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side. You want them to become deeply charred and caramelized. This will amplify their flavor and create a lovely contrast to the ricotta.
Remove the Lemons: After the lemons are charred, take them out of the skillet and set them aside while still warm.
Arrange the Dish: Now that you have your whipped ricotta and charred lemons ready, it’s time to assemble the dish. Arrange the charred lemon slices artfully over the whipped ricotta.
Add Hot Honey: Drizzle the hot honey generously over the ricotta and charred lemons. This is the secret ingredient that adds a delicious sweet and spicy flavor.
Garnish: Finally, sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves over the top and add a pinch of flaky sea salt to finish the dish beautifully.
Serve: Enjoy your Whipped Ricotta with Charred Lemon & Hot Honey immediately. It’s best served fresh with your choice of toasted bread or crackers.
How to Serve Whipped Ricotta with Charred Lemon & Hot Honey
When serving Whipped Ricotta with Charred Lemon & Hot Honey, the goal is to provide a delightful eating experience. Serve the dish with an array of crispy toasted bread, crackers, or even vegetable sticks for dipping. The creamy ricotta and sweet-and-spicy topping will complement a variety of dippers.
For a more elegant presentation, you can place the whipped ricotta in small bowls and serve the lemons and hot honey on the side. Guests can assemble their own servings, allowing them to control their portions and flavors.
If you’re hosting a larger gathering, consider making a spread. Pair this dish with other appetizers like bruschetta with tomatoes, olives, and a selection of cheeses. This will allow everyone to mix and match flavors, enhancing the overall dining experience.
How to Store Whipped Ricotta with Charred Lemon & Hot Honey
If you have leftovers, it’s essential to store them properly to maintain flavor and texture. Here’s how to store your Whipped Ricotta with Charred Lemon & Hot Honey:
Refrigeration: Place the whipped ricotta in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep it covered to prevent it from absorbing other odors.
Lemon and Honey: For the charred lemon and hot honey, you can store them separately. The lemons can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for a couple of days, while the hot honey should remain sealed in its original jar at room temperature.
Reheating Tips: When ready to eat, you can serve the whipped ricotta cold; just give it a good stir if you see any separation. For the lemons, you might want to reheat them quickly in a skillet to warm them back up and revive their flavor.
Tips to Make Whipped Ricotta with Charred Lemon & Hot Honey
To ensure your Whipped Ricotta with Charred Lemon & Hot Honey turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
Use High-Quality Ricotta: The better the ricotta, the creamier and more flavorful your dish will be. Whole-milk ricotta provides a richer taste and texture.
Don’t Over-Blend: While you want your ricotta to be smooth and fluffy, avoid over-blending. Blending for too long can make the texture a bit runny.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemons and herbs will elevate the flavors in this dish. Always use fresh thyme and make sure your lemons are ripe.
Adjust the Spice: If you prefer less heat, you can use regular honey instead of hot honey. Alternatively, you can mix a smaller amount of hot honey with regular honey for a milder sweetness.
Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings to your ricotta. You can try adding nuts, seeds, or any fruits you like for a unique flavor twist.
Variation
This recipe can be customized in various ways. Here are a few ideas you can try:
Citrus Variations: Instead of using just lemon, you can also add orange or grapefruit slices for an interesting citrus combo. Each fruit will offer a distinct flavor profile to the dish.
Herb Infusion: Try different fresh herbs like basil or rosemary instead of thyme. Each herb will impart a different aroma and taste to the dish, making it unique.
Cheese Blend: Mix the ricotta with other cheeses like goat cheese or cream cheese for a different taste. This can vary the creaminess and flavor complexity.
Sweet Toppings: If you want to create a sweeter version, consider using maple syrup instead of hot honey, and top it with some berries or candied nuts.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the whipped ricotta ahead of time. It’s best to make it a few hours before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. However, the lemon slices should be charred just before serving for the best flavor and texture.
2. Can I use a different type of honey?
Absolutely! If you don’t prefer hot honey, you can use regular honey, maple syrup, or any flavored honey you enjoy. Just keep in mind that it might alter the overall taste profile.
3. What can I serve with this dish besides bread?
You can serve this whipped ricotta with an assortment of items like vegetable sticks (carrots, cucumbers), crackers, or even fruits like figs and apple slices. They all pair nicely with the creamy texture and flavors.
4. Can I freeze whipped ricotta?
While it’s possible to freeze whipped ricotta, the texture may change once thawed. If you choose to freeze it, be sure to store it in a tightly sealed container. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator and re-blend it before serving.
5. Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Yes! For a vegan alternative, you can substitute the ricotta with a plant-based ricotta made from blended tofu, nutritional yeast, and vegan cream. Use the same toppings and seasonings as in the original recipe.
By following these simple steps and tips, your Whipped Ricotta with Charred Lemon & Hot Honey will be a hit every time you serve it. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Print
Whipped Ricotta with Charred Lemon & Hot Honey
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A luxurious appetizer featuring smooth whipped ricotta topped with charred lemons and spicy hot honey.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole-milk ricotta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced into rounds
- 1 tsp olive oil (for lemon topping)
- 3 tbsp hot honey
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Pinch flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Place the whole-milk ricotta, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, heavy cream, salt, and black pepper into a food processor.
- Blend the mixture until completely smooth and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Transfer the whipped ricotta onto a serving plate and spread it in thick swoops.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brush lemon slices lightly with olive oil on both sides.
- Char the lemon slices in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes on each side until deeply charred.
- Remove the lemons from the skillet and set aside while warm.
- Arrange the charred lemon slices over the whipped ricotta.
- Drizzle hot honey generously over the ricotta and charred lemons.
- Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves and a pinch of flaky sea salt on top.
- Serve immediately with toasted bread or crackers.
Notes
Use high-quality ricotta for the best flavor. Serve this dish with an array of crispy dippers for a delightful experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Blending and Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: whipped ricotta, charred lemon, hot honey, appetizer, vegetarian dish