If you’re searching for a dessert that can win over anyone’s heart and taste buds, look no further than this Sicilian Ricotta Crostata!
This culinary masterpiece is a beloved classic, celebrated for its enchanting marriage of a crumbly crust and a luscious filling. Each mouthful is a symphony of flavors and textures, narrating a tale of tradition and ardor.
While time is sometimes a scarce commodity, you’ll be delighted to know that with just 75 minutes of preparation, you can conjure up a Sicilian Ricotta Crostata that rivals those found in artisanal bakeries. Every step is a graceful interplay between premium ingredients and a straightforward yet effective process.
With the right care and attention, you’ll produce a dessert that’ll leave your loved ones’ eyes sparkling with delight.
The cornerstone of this tart is a pastry crust that approaches perfection.
With an impeccable balance of flour, butter, sugar, and fragrant accents, the result is a crust that melts in your mouth from the very first bite.
Grated zest of organic lemon and fragrant vanilla delicately harmonize with the sweetness of sugar, crafting a symphony of aromas and flavors.
However, the true allure of this confection lies within its heart.
Skillfully crafted sheep’s milk ricotta metamorphoses into a smooth and velvety cream.
Sugar contributes sweetness without overwhelming the delicate ricotta essence.
And what about those chocolate chips? They’re akin to hidden treasures that delight with each morsel, creating a jubilant burst of flavor.
The charm of this tart extends to the finer details. A gentle brush of cherry jam, or a flavor of your choice, bestows a glossy and alluring finish to the surface. It’s a final flourish that not only enhances its visual appeal but also introduces a touch of freshness that complements the opulent filling seamlessly.
The Sicilian Ricotta Crostata is indeed a culinary chameleon.
It can be presented as a grand finale to a lunch or dinner, gracefully concluding the meal with its sweet notes. Yet, its appeal doesn’t stop there; this tart is also the ideal choice for a special snack or a convivial gathering with friends. Its versatility renders it suitable for any occasion, whether relished alone or in the company of others.
Yields and Prep Times
- Serves: 6 people
- Prep Time: 40 minutes plus resting times for ricotta and dough
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1h 15m
Nutritional values per serving of Sicilian Ricotta Crostata
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Proteins: 10-12 g
- Fat: 25-30 g
- Carbohydrates: 45-50 g
- Fiber: 1-2 g
- Sugar: 20-25 g
Ingredients
Shortcrust pastry:
- 500 g of all-purpose flour
- 200 g of sugar
- 200 g of butter
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 whole egg
- A pinch of salt
- Grated zest of one lemon
- 1/2 packet of vanilla extract
- 1/2 packet of baking powder
Ricotta filling:
- 800 g of sheep’s ricotta cheese
- 250 g of sugar
- 150 g of chocolate chips
Glaze:
- Cherry jam or other preferred flavor
Directions
- Ricotta Filling Preparation: The day before, let the sheep’s ricotta drain in a sieve in the fridge for 4-5 hours to reduce its moisture. Crush the ricotta roughly with a fork and mix it with the sugar. The ricotta itself will help dissolve the sugar. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge overnight.
- Shortcrust Pastry Preparation: Start by separating the egg yolks from the egg whites. Place the yolks and the whole egg together with the sugar in a stand mixer. Add the cold diced butter and start the stand mixer at low speed. Incorporate the sifted flour, a pinch of salt, grated lemon zest, vanilla, and baking powder. Continue to knead until you obtain a soft and non-sticky dough. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface, form a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Ricotta Filling Creation: Pass the ricotta through a fine-mesh sieve to achieve a smooth and velvety consistency. Now, add the chocolate chips to the ricotta and mix well. The result will be an irresistibly delicious ricotta filling.
- Base Creation and Assembly: Retrieve the shortcrust pastry from the fridge and roll it out on a lightly floured surface. Cut out a sheet about 0.5 cm thick, leaving one-third for decorations. Line a 26 cm tart pan with the shortcrust pastry, paying attention to the edges. Then, pour the ricotta filling into the pastry base and level it with a spatula. Use the remaining shortcrust pastry to create strips about 2-3 mm thick and 1 cm wide. Place them on top of the tart to form a decorative lattice.
- Baking and Finishing: Bake the Sicilian Ricotta Crostata in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 35-40 minutes, or until the surface turns golden. Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool slightly. Now, gently warm the cherry jam (or any other preferred flavor) and brush it onto the surface of the crostata to make it glossy and inviting. Allow it to cool completely before serving.
Wine Pairing
To fully enhance the taste experience of the Sicilian Ricotta Crostata, we recommend pairing it with a glass of Moscato di Noto Naturale.
This wine is a refined and harmonious choice to complement your dessert.
Characterized by a color ranging from golden yellow to amber, Moscato di Noto Naturale offers a typical fragrant aroma that blends magnificently with the flavors of the crostata.
Its subtle aromaticity and natural sweetness create a sublime harmony with the soft ricotta heart and chocolate chips, contributing to a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate.
Savoring this wine at the ideal serving temperature, generally between 8 and 10 degrees Celsius (46-50 degrees Fahrenheit), allows you to fully appreciate its freshness and aromatic nuances. Pour the Moscato di Noto Naturale into glasses that allow for good aeration to capture every fragrant detail.
When you take a bite of the Sicilian Ricotta Crostata and pair it with a sip of this Moscato, you’ll have the opportunity to experience an extraordinary pairing.
The wine’s sweetness intertwines with the ricotta filling’s sweetness, while the wine’s aromatic notes highlight the freshness of the flavors.
Let the crispness of the pastry base blend with the smoothness of the Moscato, creating an experience that delights the senses with every single bite.
How To Store Sicilian Ricotta Crostata
- Initial Cooling: After baking the crostata and allowing it to cool slightly, it’s essential to let it cool completely at room temperature before proceeding with storage. This will help prevent the formation of moisture inside the crostata, which could affect its texture and longevity.
- Covering: Once the crostata has fully cooled, cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This will help protect it from air and light, which could compromise its freshness and flavor.
- Refrigeration: The ricotta crostata can be stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of 3-4 days. Be sure to position it in a part of the fridge where it won’t come into contact with strongly odorous foods to preserve its original flavor.
- Freezing: If you wish to store the crostata for a longer period, you can freeze it. Before freezing, wrap it carefully with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil to prevent the formation of ice crystals. The crostata can be stored in the freezer for 1-2 months. To thaw it, place it in the refrigerator for several hours before serving.
- Reheating: If you want to reheat the ricotta crostata before enjoying it, you can do so in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 10-15 minutes. This will help bring the crostata back to room temperature and revive its texture and flavors.
- Note on Ricotta Filling: Keep in mind that the ricotta filling can be sensitive to moisture. If you notice that the filling has softened too much during storage, you can gently blot it dry with paper towels.
Your Culinary Adventure with Ricette di Sicilia: Sicilian Ricotta Crostata
If you haven’t yet experienced the authentic pleasure of a homemade Sicilian Ricotta Crostata, now is the time to do so.
Every step of this recipe is an invitation to discover the world of flavors and textures that only the perfect combination of shortcrust pastry and ricotta can offer.
Take your time, enjoy the process, and let yourself be captivated by a sweet creation that will remain in your most cherished culinary memories.
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