Protagonist of numerous recipes of Sicilian cuisine , ricotta salata is irreplaceable in pasta alla Norma and in several other tasty preparations. But what is it in essence, what are its nutritional values, how to use it in the kitchen and where to buy it ? Here's everything you need to know.
What is Sicilian ricotta salata
It is a semi-hard dairy product, specifically dry and seasoned ricotta, the use of which is particularly widespread in Southern Italy. Once prepared following the same procedure as the fresh one, it is drained for a few days in the special " fuscelle ", then salted with coarse sea salt . It is ready after a short maturation period between 10 days and a month. The origins of ricotta salata date back to the ancient need to keep the classic ricotta longer.
Sicilian salted ricotta, ingredients
The ingredients of this typical Sicilian product are few but of high quality: they are cow's milk, rennet, whey, salt.
The taste
The difference compared to the fresh one, as well as in the consistency , lies in its flavor , which is much more decisive. This derives from the addition of salt which combines perfectly with the typical taste of ricotta.
Sicilian salted ricotta, nutritional values
Let's start with the calories : 100 grams of salted ricotta provide about 280. A source of quality protein (it contains 18% of its weight) it is a food rich in sodium (3.1% per 100 grams). 23% instead consists of fat . If in general, ricotta made by hand and with unpasteurized milk should be avoided during pregnancy, it can be said that Sicilian salted ricotta can be eaten without risk during pregnancy .
Baked Sicilian salted ricotta
Equally delicious is Sicilian baked ricotta . Ricotta infornata, as it is also called, is covered with a thin dark layer and has a more compact but not hard consistency. It is made according to the same procedure as table oven baked ricotta , but requires longer cooking at medium temperature. Typical product, it is particularly tasty and widely used in the provinces of Messina and Catania. It is ideal for seasoning first courses . When it is not too seasoned it can be tasted as a table cheese (it is often inserted in mixed platters of cheeses and cold cuts and in rustic appetizers in general).
Sicilian salted ricotta, recipes
The most famous of the recipes with Sicilian salted ricotta is - as anticipated - his majesty pasta alla Norma . However, it is used in many other first courses of Sicilian cuisine, often and willingly in combination with the sauce and fried aubergines . The same ingredients can also be found on pizza alla Norma . The icing on the cake of first courses served with red sauces - meat and non-meat based - it is perfect on macaroni .
Sicilian salted ricotta, online sale
Why look for the recipe for homemade ricotta salata when you can buy it on the internet? As for online sales , Sicilyaddict offers it among its various quality Sicilian products . Take a look!
