Polpette di Ricotta Recipe Guide
Polpette di Ricotta
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or fork
- Oven
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- For the Polpette:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese drained
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs plus extra for coating
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
- For the Sauce Optional:
- 1 jar about 24 oz marinara sauce
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk or fork to mix everything until it's well combined. The mixture should be moist but firm enough to hold its shape.
- Form the Polpette:
- With your hands, take a small amount of the mixture (about the size of a golf ball) and roll it into a ball. Repeat this process until all the mixture is shaped into balls. If desired, roll each ball in additional breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating.
- Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
- Place the ricotta balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out evenly. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of each ball to help them brown in the oven.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the polpette are golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
- Prepare the Sauce (if using):
- While the polpette are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat until warm. If desired, add some chopped basil for extra flavor.
- Serve:
- Once the polpette are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm, drizzled with marinara sauce and garnished with fresh basil leaves.
- Variations
- Spicy Polpette: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as basil or thyme for unique flavors.
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy Italian dish that packs a flavorful punch, then Polpette di Ricotta is just what you need. These delightful ricotta balls are not only simple to make, but they’re also a great way to use up leftover ricotta cheese. From my own personal experience, I can tell you that they make for a perfect appetizer, side dish, or even a light main course. The creamy texture of the ricotta, combined with fresh herbs and spices, creates a dish that is sure to impress family and friends. So, let me show you how I make Polpette di Ricotta.
Notes on What to Expect
When making Polpette di Ricotta, you can expect a tender, creamy interior with a crispy exterior. The flavor is rich and savory, making them a crowd-pleaser. They can be served as an appetizer with dipping sauce or as a main dish alongside pasta or a salad.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Time to Stand: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Easy
- Servings: 4-6
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 220
- Cost of Ingredients: $10-15 (varies by location)
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Appetizer/Main
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or fork
- Oven
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Polpette di Ricotta now.
Ingredients
- For the Polpette:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese, drained
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- For the Sauce (Optional):
- 1 jar (about 24 oz) marinara sauce
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Polpette di Ricotta now.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. - Mix the Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk or fork to mix everything until it’s well combined. The mixture should be moist but firm enough to hold its shape. - Form the Polpette:
With your hands, take a small amount of the mixture (about the size of a golf ball) and roll it into a ball. Repeat this process until all the mixture is shaped into balls. If desired, roll each ball in additional breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating. - Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
Place the ricotta balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out evenly. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of each ball to help them brown in the oven. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the polpette are golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. - Prepare the Sauce (if using):
While the polpette are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat until warm. If desired, add some chopped basil for extra flavor. - Serve:
Once the polpette are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm, drizzled with marinara sauce and garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Variations
- Spicy Polpette: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as basil or thyme for unique flavors.
Tips and Substitutions
- Ricotta Substitution: If you don’t have ricotta, you can use cottage cheese; just blend it until smooth.
- Breadcrumb Options: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Egg Replacement: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Polpette di Ricotta now.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 10g
I hope this guide has made making Polpette di Ricotta seem a little less daunting! Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment!
Hello all,
Zio Leo here!
Cooking and sharing great food brings people together in the most authentic way, in my own personal experience, and with a lifelong passion for Italian cuisine, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and stories that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy. From classic dishes to modern twists, have my guides inspired you to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen? Please, be honest with me here. Leave your comments down below. I’d love to hear from real people like you. Read more about me here! =>>