A Thousand Recipes for Desserts with Ricotta

Here is the recipe for a classic dessert that uses ricotta: ricotta tart. This is a simple but delicious dessert, typically Italian.

Ingredients

• 250 g of 00 flour
• 125 g of sugar
• 125 g of butter, at room temperature
• 1 egg
• 1 yolk (for the shortcrust pastry)
• 1 pinch of salt
• Grated zest of 1 lemon

For the filling:

• 500 g of ricotta
• 150 g of sugar
• 2 whole eggs
• 1 egg yolk
• Grated zest of 1 lemon
• 1 sachet of vanillin or one teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 100 g of chocolate chips or candied fruit (optional)

Preparation

1. Prepare the shortcrust pastry by mixing the flour with the butter until it becomes a sandy mixture. Add the sugar, an egg, the grated lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Quickly work the ingredients until you get a smooth dough, then wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

2. In the meantime, prepare the ricotta filling by mixing the ricotta with the sugar until creamy. Add the vanilla or vanilla extract, whole eggs and yolk, lemon zest and, if desired, the chocolate chips or candied fruit. Mix all the ingredients well.

3. Roll out the shortcrust pastry into an even layer and line a previously buttered and floured tart pan. Prick the bottom with a fork and pour in the ricotta mixture.

4. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C for 35-40 minutes or until the surface is golden and the shortcrust pastry is cooked.

5. Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool completely before serving.

This ricotta tart is a delicious conclusion to a meal or perfect for a snack. If desired, you can also add candied orange or lemon zest to the ricotta mixture for an extra touch of flavor.

Curiosity

The ricotta tart has ancient origins and is said to have been greatly appreciated in ancient Rome as a dessert that concluded banquets and celebrations. In Italy, depending on the region, it can undergo variations, such as the addition of pine nuts, dried fruit, or different essences.