18 Indian Recipe Using Ricotta Cheese You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 30, 2024
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that is commonly used in Italian cuisine, but did you know that it can also be incorporated into Indian dishes? This creamy and slightly tangy cheese is a great addition to many Indian recipes, adding a rich and savory flavor. In this article, we will explore how you can use ricotta cheese in your Indian cooking and provide you with a delicious recipe to try at home.
Main Ingredients: Carrots, Ghee, Cashews, Sliced Almonds, Ricotta Cheese
One of the most popular Indian desserts is Carrot Halwa, also known as Gajar Halwa. This sweet dish is made with grated carrots, milk, sugar, and ghee (clarified butter). It is usually served warm and is the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and nutty flavors.
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Twice Baked Indian Stuffed Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Large Potatoes, Ricotta Cheese, Garam Masala, Fresh
A unique twist on a classic dish, these Twice Baked Indian Stuffed Potatoes are sure to be a hit. The potatoes are first baked, then scooped out and mixed with a flavorful blend of Indian spices, onions, and peas. They are then stuffed back into the potato skins and baked again until golden and crispy.
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Quick Bengali Sandesh – Indian Milk Fudge
Main Ingredients: Ricotta Cheese, Milk, Ghee, Sugar, Saffron, Cardamom
Sandesh is a popular Bengali sweet made with fresh cheese (chenna) and sugar. This Quick Bengali Sandesh recipe is a modern take on the traditional sweet, using condensed milk and milk powder to make a creamy and delicious fudge-like dessert. It is perfect for those with a sweet tooth craving something simple and delicious.
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Patishapta (Saffron Cardamom Indian Rice Crepes)
Main Ingredients: Ricotta Cheese, Milk, Ghee, Sugar, Saffron, Cardamom
Patishapta is a traditional Bengali dessert that is often made during festivals and special occasions. These thin, delicate crepes are made with a batter of rice flour, milk, and cardamom powder, and then filled with a sweet coconut and jaggery filling. They are then rolled up and served warm, making for a delicious and comforting treat.
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Best Gujiya (Indian Sweet Empanadas – Fried and Baked)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Olive Oil, Water, Ricotta Cheese
Gujiya, also known as Karanji, is a popular Indian sweet that is often made during festivals like Holi and Diwali. These sweet empanadas are filled with a mixture of khoya (milk solids), nuts, and raisins, and then fried or baked until golden brown. They are then dipped in a sugar syrup, making for a sweet and indulgent treat.
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Kalakand In Microwave| Indian Milk Cake|Milk Burfi
Main Ingredients: Ricotta Cheese, Condensed Milk, Cardamom Powder
Kalakand is a rich and creamy Indian milk cake that is often served during celebrations and weddings. This quick and easy recipe uses condensed milk and milk powder to create a delicious and decadent dessert that is perfect for those with a busy schedule. The addition of rose water and cardamom powder adds a subtle, aromatic flavor to this traditional sweet.
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Spicy Indian Pork Leg
Main Ingredients: Pork, Red Onion, Garlic, Fresh Ginger Root, Red Chile
If you're looking to spice up your dinner menu, try this Spicy Indian Pork Leg recipe. Marinated in a blend of Indian spices and yogurt, the pork leg is slow-cooked until tender and then roasted until crispy on the outside. The result is a flavorful and juicy dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.
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Murgh Makhani or Restaurant Style Butter Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Yogurt, Water, Minced
Murgh Makhani, also known as Butter Chicken, is a popular Indian dish that is loved by people all over the world. This restaurant-style recipe uses a creamy and rich tomato-based sauce, along with a blend of spices and marinated chicken, to create a dish that is indulgent and bursting with flavor. Serve it with naan or rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
For a slightly different take on Butter Chicken, try this Indian Butter Chicken recipe. Made with a blend of Indian spices and a cashew and tomato-based sauce, this dish has a unique flavor that is sure to impress. The addition of cream and butter gives it a rich and velvety texture, making it a perfect comfort food for any occasion.
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Lasagna
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Ground Beef, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Tomato
You may be surprised to see Lasagna on a list of Indian recipes, but this fusion dish is a must-try for any food lover. Layers of lasagna sheets, spicy Indian chicken, and a creamy bechamel sauce come together to create a dish that is both comforting and delicious. Serve it with a side of garlic bread for a complete and hearty meal.
Another fusion dish that combines Italian and Indian flavors is Italian Meatballs. These juicy and flavorful meatballs are made with a blend of Indian spices, ground beef, and breadcrumbs. They are then cooked in a rich tomato and vegetable-based sauce, making for a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
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Baked Ziti
Main Ingredients: Ziti, Olive Oil, Bulk Italian Sausage, Onion, Garlic
Baked Ziti is a classic Italian dish, but this recipe adds a twist of Indian flavors to make it more unique and flavorful. Ziti pasta is cooked in a spicy tomato sauce and then layered with a mixture of ground beef, onions, and Indian spices. It is then topped with mozzarella cheese and baked until melted and bubbly, creating a delicious and indulgent meal.
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Stuffed Shells
Main Ingredients: Jumbo Pasta Shells, Ricotta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese
For another twist on a classic Italian dish, try these Stuffed Shells with an Indian twist. Large pasta shells are filled with a mixture of Indian spices, ground chicken, and ricotta cheese, and then baked in a creamy tomato sauce. The result is a dish that is both comforting and bursting with flavor.
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Indian Chicken Korma
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Extra Virgin Olive
Korma is a creamy and flavorful Indian curry that is popular all over the world. This Indian Chicken Korma recipe uses a blend of aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk to create a dish that is both rich and satisfying. Serve it with rice or naan for a complete and delicious meal.
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Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti Squash, Italian Sausage, Pasta Sauce, Fresh
For a healthier twist on a classic Italian dish, try this Stuffed Spaghetti Squash recipe. Spaghetti squash is filled with a mixture of ground turkey, vegetables, and Indian spices, and then baked until the squash is tender and the filling is cooked through. It's a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional pasta dishes.
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Baked Ricotta Dip
Main Ingredients: Ricotta Cheese, Garlic, Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Fresh
This Baked Ricotta Dip is a delicious and easy appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. Made with a blend of Indian spices, ricotta cheese, and spinach, this dip is full of flavor and can be served with crackers, bread, or vegetables for dipping. It's a great addition to any party or gathering.
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Swedish-Style Meatballs with Indian Butter Sauce
Main Ingredients: Chopped Onion, Minced Ginger, Ghee, Tomato Puree, Salt
For a fusion dish that combines Swedish and Indian flavors, try these Swedish-Style Meatballs with Indian Butter Sauce. The meatballs are made with a blend of Indian spices and served with a creamy and rich tomato-based sauce. It's a unique and tasty dish that is sure to impress.
Chana Masala is a popular Indian dish made with chickpeas and a blend of Indian spices. This Easy Indian Chana Masala recipe simplifies the traditional dish by using canned chickpeas and a pre-made spice mix. It's a quick and flavorful meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
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Favorite Indian Lentils and Spinach (Dal Palak)
Main Ingredients: Red Lentils, Baby Spinach Leaves, Water, Salt, Ground
Dal Palak is a popular Indian dish made with lentils and spinach. This recipe adds a twist by using a blend of Indian spices and coconut milk, giving the dish a creamy and flavorful twist. It's a nutritious and delicious meal that is perfect for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
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Easy White Cheese & Garlic Pizzas
Main Ingredients: Naan, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Shredded
For a quick and easy meal that is perfect for movie nights or parties, try these Easy White Cheese & Garlic Pizzas. Naan bread is used as the pizza crust, and is topped with a creamy white sauce, mozzarella cheese, and garlic. It's a delicious and crowd-pleasing dish that can be served as an appetizer or a main course.
Ricotta Cheese in Indian Cuisine
Ricotta cheese is not a traditional ingredient in Indian cuisine, but its creamy texture and mild flavor make it a great addition to many dishes. In fact, it can be used as a substitute for paneer, a type of fresh cheese commonly used in Indian cooking. Ricotta cheese is made from whey, a byproduct of cheese-making, and has a similar texture to paneer. This makes it a convenient and easily accessible alternative for those who may not have access to paneer or want to try something new.
Benefits of Using Ricotta Cheese
Aside from its creamy and mild flavor, ricotta cheese also offers several health benefits. It is a good source of protein, calcium, and phosphorus, making it an excellent addition to a vegetarian or plant-based diet. It is also lower in fat and calories compared to paneer, making it a healthier option for those watching their weight.
How to Use Ricotta Cheese in Indian Recipes
Ricotta cheese can be used in a variety of Indian dishes, from curries to desserts. It can be crumbled and added to curries, making them creamier and more flavorful. It can also be used as a filling for samosas or added to vegetable dishes such as saag paneer. For those with a sweet tooth, ricotta cheese can be used in desserts like ras malai or shrikhand, adding a unique twist to these traditional sweets.
Try This Delicious Recipe: Ricotta Cheese and Spinach Curry
To give you a taste of how ricotta cheese can be used in Indian cooking, here is a simple and delicious recipe for ricotta cheese and spinach curry.
Ingredients:
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup chopped spinach
1 onion, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, pureed
1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp red chili powder
1 tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
Salt to taste
2 tbsp oil
Cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
In a pan, heat oil and add the chopped onions. Sauté until they turn golden brown.
Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
Next, add the tomato puree and cook until the oil starts to separate.
Add the cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes.
Add the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts.
Finally, add the ricotta cheese and mix well. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
Crush the kasuri methi between your palms and add it to the curry. Mix well.
Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with rice or naan bread.
Now that you know how to use ricotta cheese in Indian dishes, get creative and experiment with different recipes. Who knows, you might discover your new favorite ingredient! So, the next time you're craving some Indian food, don't forget to add ricotta cheese to your grocery list.