Ricotta Tart

Ricotta Tart: A Delicacy for Breakfast or Dessert

Ricotta tart is a classic recipe that combines the fine texture of cheese with the subtle aroma of vanilla, creating a perfect delight for both breakfast and dessert. This tart pairs wonderfully with aromatic coffee or cappuccino, making it an excellent choice to start the day with energy or to end a meal with style.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8

History of Ricotta Tart

Ricotta tart has its roots in ancient culinary traditions, being prepared over time in various versions. Ricotta, an essential ingredient, is a fresh cheese obtained from whey, having a creamy texture and delicate taste. This tart was often made in country households, where fresh ingredients were readily available, being considered a fasting food or a light dessert.

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 300 g flour
- 2 eggs
- 125 g soft butter (at room temperature)
- 100 g sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- A splash of vanilla essence or grated lemon zest (for added flavor)

For the filling:
- 500 g ricotta
- 100 g powdered sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla
- 2 egg yolks

Steps for Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Start by sifting the flour onto a work surface. Create a well in the center of the flour and add the soft butter, eggs, sugar, baking powder, salt, and vanilla essence or lemon zest. Use your fingertips to mix the ingredients, being careful not to form lumps. When the dough becomes homogeneous, form a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential to give the dough a tender texture.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling
In a bowl, add the ricotta, powdered sugar, vanilla packet, and egg yolks. Use a mixer or spatula to mix the ingredients until you achieve a soft and fluffy cream. Ensure that all ingredients are well incorporated and that no lumps remain.

Step 3: Assembling the Tart
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface until it reaches a thickness of about 0.5 cm. Transfer the dough sheet to the tart pan, trimming the excess from the edges. Use a fork to make a few holes in the bottom of the tart to prevent puffing. Pour the ricotta filling evenly into the pan.

Step 4: Decorating the Tart
From the remaining dough, you can cut various shapes to decorate the surface of the tart. These shapes can be thin strips or flower shapes, according to your preference. Carefully place them on top of the ricotta filling.

Step 5: Baking the Tart
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tart in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. It is important to check from time to time to ensure the tart does not brown too much. When done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.

Step 6: Serving
Sprinkle powdered sugar over the tart before serving for an elegant appearance. This tart is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or alongside a scoop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Practical Tips
- Make sure the butter is soft for easy incorporation into the dough.
- Ricotta can be replaced with cottage cheese or mascarpone if you want a different version.
- For a more intense flavor, you can add some pieces of candied fruit to the ricotta filling.
- You can also add a bit of cinnamon to the filling for a more aromatic taste.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use another type of cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, you can use cottage cheese or mascarpone to achieve a different texture.

2. Can the tart be frozen?
Yes, the tart can be frozen, but it is recommended to consume it fresh for the best taste.

3. How can I make the tart less sweet?
Reducing the amount of sugar in the filling is a simple way to achieve a less sweet tart.

Nutritional Benefits
Ricotta is an excellent source of protein and calcium, and using whole wheat flour can add valuable fiber. This tart is a good choice for a nutritious breakfast or a light dessert, having a moderate calorie content of about 250 calories per serving, depending on the servings.

Possible Variations
To add a touch of freshness, you can include fresh berries in the filling or add a citrus glaze on top. You can also experiment with different essences, such as almonds or oranges.

In conclusion, ricotta tart is a simple and delicious recipe, ideal for any time. With a few basic ingredients and a bit of patience, you will create a tart that will impress both family and friends. Don’t forget to put your personal touch by adding your favorite ingredients or presenting it in creative ways. Enjoy!