What is Ricotta Cheese?
Ricotta cheese is a fresh, soft, and creamy dairy product made from the whey of cow's, sheep's, or goat's milk. Whey is the liquid that separates from the curds during the cheesemaking process. Ricotta is made by reheating the whey until it coagulates and forms curds. These curds are then drained and salted to create ricotta cheese.
Ricotta has a delicate flavor and a slightly grainy texture. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, from sweet to savory.
Nutritional Value of Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese is a good source of protein and calcium. It also contains vitamins A, B2, and B12, as well as minerals such as zinc and potassium.
One serving of ricotta cheese (0.5 cup) contains the following nutrients:
- Calories: 171
- Protein: 14 grams
- Fat: 9.8 grams
- Carbohydrates: 6.4 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 0.4 grams
Uses of Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be eaten on its own, or used as a filling for pasta, ravioli, and lasagna. Ricotta can also be used in baked goods, such as cheesecake, cannoli, and manicotti.
Here are some popular ways to use ricotta cheese:
- As a topping for pizza or pasta. Ricotta cheese can be used as a topping for pizza or pasta. It adds a creamy and flavorful touch to these dishes.
- In a lasagna. Ricotta cheese is a common ingredient in lasagna. It is used as a filling between the layers of pasta, meat, and sauce.
- In a cheesecake. Ricotta cheese is often used as the base for cheesecakes. It gives cheesecakes a smooth and creamy texture.
- In cannoli. Ricotta cheese is used as the filling for cannoli. It is piped into the cannoli shells and then sprinkled with powdered sugar.
- In manicotti. Ricotta cheese is used as the filling for manicotti. It is stuffed into the manicotti shells and then baked in a tomato sauce.
Ricotta cheese is a delicious and versatile dairy product that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. It is a good source of protein and calcium, and it has a delicate flavor and a slightly grainy texture.
How many calories are in Ricotta?
Each 0.5 cup of Ricotta contains 171 calories.
Ricotta Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per 0.5 cup (124g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 171 Calories |
| Protein | 14g |
| Fat | 9.8g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.1g |
| Cholesterol | 0.038mg |
| Carbohydrates | 6.4g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugar | 0.4g |
| Sodium | 0.123mg |
| Potassium | 0.155mg |
| Calcium | 0.337mg |
| Iron | 0.0006mg |