Description
Creamy, smooth ricotta dip with a spicy kick and sweet hot honey. Perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- Zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tsp spicy sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup toasted chopped walnuts
- 1 to 2 tsp fresh chopped rosemary
Instructions
- Prepare the Ricotta Base: Place a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth over a bowl and spoon the ricotta into it. Cover loosely and drain in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to remove excess whey, ensuring a thicker, creamier dip.
- Infuse Olive Oil: In a small skillet or saucepan, heat 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil over medium-low heat. Add 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Gently cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until the oil is fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Process Ricotta for Smoothness: Once drained, transfer the ricotta to a food processor. Add the cooled red pepper flake-infused olive oil (including the flakes), 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Process on high for 2-3 minutes until the ricotta is completely smooth and airy, like a thick mousse.
- Brighten with Lemon and Rosemary: Transfer the smooth ricotta mixture to a serving bowl. Zest 1/2 lemon directly over the ricotta, then squeeze in the juice from that same half-lemon. Add 1 to 2 tsp fresh chopped rosemary. Gently fold these ingredients into the ricotta until just combined.
- Craft the Hot Honey: In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup honey with 1 tsp spicy sauce. Gently warm over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, just enough to combine. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Assemble and Serve: Arrange your dippers (crusty bread, crackers, or vegetables) around the ricotta dip. Drizzle the cooled hot honey over the top. Garnish with 1/4 cup toasted chopped walnuts and additional fresh chopped rosemary. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing and heating
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg