Ricotta Stregata with Roasted Tomatoes and Basil

Ingredients

• 500g (2 cups) ricotta cheese 500g (2 cups) ricotta cheese
• 400g (14 oz) cherry tomatoes 400g (14 oz) cherry tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4-5 fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish 4-5 fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 5g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   Place the cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
3. 3.
   Roast the tomatoes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are soft and slightly caramelized.
4. 4.
   In the meantime, place the ricotta cheese in a bowl and whip it until smooth and creamy.
5. 5.
   Once the tomatoes are roasted, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
6. 6.
   Spread the whipped ricotta cheese onto a serving plate.
7. 7.
   Arrange the roasted tomatoes on top of the ricotta.
8. 8.
   Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the tomatoes.
9. 9.
   Tear the basil leaves into small pieces and sprinkle them over the dish.
10. 10.
    Season with salt and pepper to taste.
11. 11.
    Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves.
12. 12.
    Serve immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ricotta cheese — Make sure to use a high-quality ricotta cheese for the best results. If the ricotta is too watery, drain it in a fine-mesh sieve before whipping.
• Cherry tomatoes — Choose ripe and flavorful cherry tomatoes for roasting. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can sprinkle a pinch of sugar over the tomatoes before roasting.
• Basil — Use fresh basil leaves for the best flavor. Tear the leaves instead of chopping them to release their aromatic oils.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle balsamic glaze over the dish before serving.
• Serve the Ricotta Stregata with crusty bread or toasted baguette slices for a delightful appetizer.
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• Experiment with different herbs such as thyme or oregano to customize the dish to your taste.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, you can mix a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese into the whipped ricotta.

Serving advice

Serve the Ricotta Stregata as an appetizer or light lunch. Accompany it with crusty bread or toasted baguette slices to scoop up the creamy ricotta and roasted tomatoes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an elegant presentation.

Presentation advice

To create an appealing presentation, spread the whipped ricotta cheese onto a large serving plate, leaving some space between each dollop. Arrange the roasted tomatoes on top of the ricotta, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with olive oil for a finishing touch.