Mastazzola di Riesi

Ingredients

• 500g (2 cups) ricotta cheese 500g (2 cups) ricotta cheese
• 150g (1 cup) powdered sugar 150g (1 cup) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp orange blossom water 1 tsp orange blossom water
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 100g (3/4 cup) crushed pistachios 100g (3/4 cup) crushed pistachios

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 15g
• Protein: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, orange blossom water, and vanilla extract.
2. 2.
   Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth.
3. 3.
   Gently fold in the crushed pistachios, reserving a small amount for garnish.
4. 4.
   Transfer the mixture to a serving dish or individual dessert bowls.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the remaining crushed pistachios on top for garnish.
6. 6.
   Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
7. 7.
   Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy goodness of Mastazzola di Riesi.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ricotta cheese — Make sure to use a high-quality ricotta cheese for the best flavor and texture in the dessert. If the ricotta is too watery, drain it in a cheesecloth-lined sieve for a few hours before using.
• Orange blossom water — Use a small amount of orange blossom water to add a delicate floral aroma to the dessert. Be cautious not to overpower the other flavors.
• Pistachios — Crush the pistachios into small pieces to ensure a consistent texture throughout the dessert. You can do this by placing them in a ziplock bag and gently crushing them with a rolling pin.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey on top of the Mastazzola di Riesi before serving.
• Serve the dessert with a side of fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the ricotta cheese in a food processor before mixing it with the other ingredients.
• Experiment with different nuts such as almonds or walnuts for a unique variation of Mastazzola di Riesi.
• Make sure to refrigerate the dessert for the recommended time to allow it to set properly and develop its flavors.

Serving advice

Serve Mastazzola di Riesi chilled in individual dessert bowls or a decorative serving dish. Garnish each portion with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for an appealing presentation. This creamy delight is best enjoyed with a small spoon to savor its velvety texture.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation of Mastazzola di Riesi, you can dust the top of the dessert with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving. This adds a touch of elegance and enhances the visual appeal of the dish.