Undisputed queen of Sicilian pastry , sheep ricotta is present in practically all the recipes of Sicilian desserts . Many wonder where to find it , but in reality it is not that difficult to find, indeed. Before suggesting where to buy it , we give you some useful info on its characteristics and on the dishes in which to savor it.
The nutritional values of sheep ricotta
Ricotta is generally one of the least fatty milk derivatives. That of sheep, however, contains the greatest number with its 12-15 grams per 100. As for proteins , however, the grams are 8 grams. The calories of sheep's ricotta are around 150. However, if you are on a diet , don't let it influence you. Being tastier than cow's milk, one is generally satisfied with a smaller quantity.
Recipes with sheep ricotta to try
One of the characteristics that make fresh sheep's ricotta so much appreciated is that it is really tasty . This is because the grazing sheep eat the grass, while the cow feeds directly inside the stable. Could the Sicilians, a well-known shepherd people, not exploit it as a precious culinary resource?
Not surprisingly, in Sicily , it is the only one to boast the honor of being used in the preparation of the most loved traditional Sicilian desserts . It is unthinkable to prepare cannoli with ricotta or cassata with another type. As well as making the cassatine, the sfince di san Giuseppe , the sweet cuccìa , the cassatelle, the Catania iris, and still the fried Sicilian cartocci and all the other delicious desserts based on this dairy product.
But also in the rest of Italy they recognize the potential of this dairy product, so much so that they use it in the Neapolitan pastiera , in the pardulas and in the Sardinian ricotta sandwiches, in the ricotta and sour cherry tart of the Roman tradition, or in the common fried ricotta , among the savory recipes simpler but loved.
Baked sheep ricotta
Equally delicious and typical of the island is the baked sheep ricotta , which can be used in the preparation of pasta alla Norma , pizza and all those dishes with baked ricotta that we love to eat in local restaurants.
Sheep ricotta, where to find it
In Sicily it is not that difficult to find. In addition to local producers (recommended, where possible), it can be purchased at the supermarket . Its price per kg is quite cheap: in short, you can make good feasts with a light heart. But, if you want to find it at home already in the form of a cream inside a delicious cassata ready to bite, you can find it on Sicilyaddict .
