Waitrose Baked Herb Ricotta and Roast Cherry Tomatoes

Waitrose Baked Herb Ricotta and Roast Cherry Tomatoes Recipe | Vegetarian Food UK

Region / culture: United Kingdom | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 2 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

This recipe for Waitrose Baked Herb Ricotta and Roast Cherry Tomatoes is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of creamy ricotta cheese, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs creates a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Italian flavors, combining the creamy richness of ricotta cheese with the bright, tangy taste of roasted cherry tomatoes. The addition of fresh herbs like basil adds a pop of freshness and color to the dish, making it a perfect choice for a summer meal.

Ingredients

2 slices of wholemeal or sourdough bread
150 g of cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
250 g of drained ricotta cheese
2 tbsp of finely grated Grana Padano cheese
1 egg
1 tbsp of torn basil leaves

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 190°C / gas 5. Spread the tomatoes out, cut sides up, in a small roasting tin and season well.
Use a little of the oil to grease two 180 ml pudding moulds or ovenproof cups and drizzle 1 – 2 tsp over the tomatoes.
Beat the cheeses, egg and half the basil together with a little seasoning in a bowl and divide between the moulds.
Bake the Ricotta mixture and the tomatoes for 20 – 25 minutes, until the cheese is puffed up and beginning to brown. Run a knife around the edge and turn out of the moulds.
Toast the bread and drizzle with the remaining olive oil. Top with slices of the baked Ricotta; season with black pepper

Drinks recommendation

This recipe needs a wine that will balance its acidity, with a complexity able to cope with the textures. This Italian example has delicacy and a lovely finish. Sant’Elisa Friulano 2008 Friuli Grave DOC. Bin 600870.

Variations

Add some roasted garlic or red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
Use different herbs like parsley or oregano instead of basil for a different taste.
Top the dish with some toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs for added crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to season the tomatoes well before roasting to bring out their natural sweetness.

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

- Don't overmix the cheese mixture, as this can make it tough.

- Be sure to grease the pudding moulds or ovenproof cups well to prevent sticking.

- Serve the dish immediately after baking for the best texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a more substantial meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include roasting the cherry tomatoes, baking the ricotta mixture, and toasting the bread.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of bread you prefer, such as whole wheat or gluten-free.

- If you don't have cherry tomatoes, you can use regular tomatoes cut into wedges.

- Parmesan cheese can be used instead of Grana Padano cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the cheese mixture and roast the tomatoes ahead of time, then assemble and bake the dish when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the baked ricotta and tomatoes on a platter with the toasted bread slices arranged around the edges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or a light red like Pinot Noir.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, with each serving containing approximately 15 grams of carbs.

Fats

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 20 grams of fat, primarily from the olive oil and cheese.

Proteins

This dish is a good source of protein, with each serving containing approximately 15 grams.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C, thanks to the ricotta cheese and cherry tomatoes.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (ricotta cheese) and gluten (bread), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Overall, this dish is a balanced and nutritious option for a light meal, providing a good mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Waitrose Baked Herb Ricotta and Roast Cherry Tomatoes is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light meal. With a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, sweet roasted cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Waitrose Baked Herb Ricotta and Roast Cherry Tomatoes. It was a rainy afternoon, and I was rummaging through my old recipe box, searching for something new and exciting to try out in the kitchen. As soon as I stumbled upon this recipe, I knew it was something special.

I had always been a lover of all things cheesy and tomato-y, so the combination of creamy ricotta and sweet cherry tomatoes sounded absolutely divine to me. The method seemed simple enough, but I knew that the real magic would come from the blend of fresh herbs and seasonings that would infuse the dish with flavor.

I had never made anything quite like it before, so I was eager to give it a try. I decided to make it for dinner that evening, as a surprise for my husband who was always delighted by my culinary experiments.

As I gathered the ingredients and preheated the oven, I couldn't help but think back on all the recipes I had collected over the years. Each one had a story behind it, a memory attached to it. Some recipes were passed down from my own mother, while others were shared with me by friends and neighbors. Each one had its own unique twist and charm, and I cherished them all.

But there was something about this recipe that felt different. It was as if it held a secret, a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. I couldn't wait to uncover it.

As I mixed together the ricotta, herbs, and seasonings, the kitchen filled with a tantalizing aroma that made my mouth water. I carefully arranged the cherry tomatoes on top, drizzling them with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Into the oven it went, and as I waited for it to bake, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building within me. What would this dish taste like? Would it live up to my expectations?

When the timer finally chimed, I pulled the dish out of the oven and was met with a glorious sight. The ricotta had melted into a creamy, golden puddle, while the tomatoes had burst open, releasing their sweet juices.

I couldn't wait to dig in, and as soon as I took my first bite, I knew that this recipe was a keeper. The ricotta was rich and velvety, with a subtle hint of herbs that danced on my tongue. The cherry tomatoes added a burst of sweetness and acidity that perfectly complemented the cheese.

My husband's eyes lit up as he tasted it, and he declared it one of the best dishes I had ever made. I couldn't help but agree with him. This recipe was a winner in every sense of the word.

As we savored our meal that evening, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the wealth of recipes I had collected over the years. Each one had brought joy and satisfaction to my family, and had helped me create countless memories in the kitchen.

But this recipe, this Waitrose Baked Herb Ricotta and Roast Cherry Tomatoes, would always hold a special place in my heart. It was a recipe that had sparked my curiosity, challenged my skills, and ultimately rewarded me with a dish that was truly unforgettable.

And so, as I sat at the table with my loved ones, enjoying the fruits of my labor, I knew that this recipe would be one that I would cherish for years to come. It was a reminder of the joy of cooking, the magic of trying something new, and the love that went into every dish I made.