Roasted Garlic-Ricotta Sauce

Roasted Garlic-Ricotta Sauce Recipe - Vegetarian Italian Cuisine

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Roasted Garlic-Ricotta Sauce is a creamy and flavorful sauce that is perfect for pasta dishes, as a dip for bread, or as a topping for grilled meats. The combination of roasted garlic, shallots, white wine, and fresh herbs creates a rich and savory sauce that will elevate any dish.

History

The origins of Roasted Garlic-Ricotta Sauce are not well-documented, but it is believed to have originated in Italian cuisine. Garlic and ricotta cheese are commonly used ingredients in Italian cooking, and when combined with white wine and fresh herbs, they create a delicious and versatile sauce.

Ingredients

0.5 tsp of extra-virgin olive oil
0.33 cup of chopped roasted garlic
0.25 cup of chopped roasted shallots
0.5 cup of white wine
3 cup of vegetable stock
3 tbsp of cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp of water
0.5 cup of fat-free ricotta cheese
1 tbsp plus 1 tsp of chopped fresh basil
1 tbsp of chopped fresh oregano
0.5 tsp of sea salt
0.25 tsp of freshly ground black pepper

How to prepare

Heat a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan. Stir in the roasted garlic and shallots and cook until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Pour in the wine and cook until reduced and the pan is almost dry, about 3 to 5 minutes, to concentrate the flavors of the sauce. Add the stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Mix in the cornstarch mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
Place the ricotta cheese and about 0.33 cup of the garlic mixture into a blender. With the blender on, slowly pour in the remaining sauce through the opening in the blender lid; the sauce will thicken.
Transfer the sauce back into the saucepan and stir in the basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Use the sauce immediately, or cool quickly by setting it in a bowl of ice and water. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week in the refrigerator or freeze for about 1 month.

Variations

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Stir in some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Use different herbs such as thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to roast the garlic and shallots until they are golden brown and caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness.

- Use a high-quality ricotta cheese for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.

- Be sure to blend the sauce in a blender to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.

- Adjust the seasoning to taste by adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Roasted Garlic-Ricotta Sauce is delicious served over pasta, grilled vegetables, or as a dip for crusty bread. It can also be used as a topping for grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the garlic and shallots adds depth of flavor to the sauce.

- Simmering the sauce with white wine and vegetable stock helps to concentrate the flavors.

- Blending the sauce in a blender creates a smooth and creamy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken or beef stock instead of vegetable stock.

- Mascarpone cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta cheese.

- Fresh herbs can be replaced with dried herbs, but use half the amount.

Make Ahead Tips

Roasted Garlic-Ricotta Sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 1 month. Simply reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Roasted Garlic-Ricotta Sauce in a small bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. Garnish with a few roasted garlic cloves for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Roasted Garlic-Ricotta Sauce pairs well with pasta dishes such as fettuccine or gnocchi, grilled chicken or shrimp, and roasted vegetables. Serve with a crisp white wine or sparkling water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Roasted Garlic-Ricotta Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Roasted Garlic-Ricotta Sauce contains approximately 120 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Roasted Garlic-Ricotta Sauce contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Roasted Garlic-Ricotta Sauce contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Roasted Garlic-Ricotta Sauce contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Roasted Garlic-Ricotta Sauce is a good source of vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

Roasted Garlic-Ricotta Sauce contains dairy (ricotta cheese) and may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Summary

Roasted Garlic-Ricotta Sauce is a creamy and flavorful sauce that is relatively low in carbohydrates and calories. It is a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Roasted Garlic-Ricotta Sauce is a versatile and flavorful sauce that is easy to make and perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any dish. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Roasted Garlic-Ricotta Sauce. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the countryside. My family had always been passionate about food, and my grandmother was the one who taught me everything I know about cooking.

One day, while visiting a local farmer's market, I came across a stall selling freshly harvested garlic. The aroma was intoxicating, and I couldn't resist buying a few bulbs to take home. As I was walking back, I started thinking about what I could make with the garlic. That's when I remembered a recipe that a friend had shared with me a few months earlier.

The recipe called for roasting the garlic until it was soft and caramelized, then mixing it with creamy ricotta cheese and a handful of fresh herbs. It sounded simple yet delicious, and I couldn't wait to try it out.

When I got home, I immediately set to work roasting the garlic. I sliced the bulbs in half, drizzled them with olive oil, and popped them in the oven until they were golden brown and fragrant. As the garlic was roasting, I prepared the rest of the ingredients: creamy ricotta cheese, a handful of fresh basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Once the garlic was done, I let it cool slightly before squeezing the soft cloves out of their skins. The aroma that filled the kitchen was heavenly, and I knew that this sauce was going to be something special.

I mixed the roasted garlic with the ricotta cheese, chopped basil, and red pepper flakes, and gave it all a good stir. The sauce was creamy, garlicky, and just a little spicy – the perfect combination of flavors.

I couldn't wait to try it, so I cooked up a batch of pasta and tossed it with the Roasted Garlic-Ricotta Sauce. The first bite was a revelation – the creamy richness of the ricotta, the sweetness of the roasted garlic, and the kick of the red pepper flakes all came together in perfect harmony.

I knew then and there that this recipe was a keeper. I made it for my family that night, and they all loved it. My grandmother, in particular, was impressed with how I had taken a simple ingredient like garlic and turned it into something so delicious.

From that day on, Roasted Garlic-Ricotta Sauce became a staple in my kitchen. I made it for special occasions and weeknight dinners alike, and it never failed to impress. It became one of my signature dishes, and I was proud to share it with friends and family whenever I could.

Over the years, I have made this sauce countless times, each batch a little different from the last. Sometimes I add roasted cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness, or sautéed spinach for a touch of green. But no matter how I tweak the recipe, the core flavors of roasted garlic and creamy ricotta always shine through.

I am grateful to that friend who shared the recipe with me all those years ago – it opened up a world of possibilities in my cooking. And I am grateful to my grandmother, who taught me the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients and cooking with love.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover Roasted Garlic-Ricotta Sauce, I am filled with gratitude for all the people and experiences that have shaped my love of cooking. And I know that I will continue to make this sauce for many years to come, passing it down to future generations as a reminder of the joy that can be found in a simple, delicious recipe.