Il Cucinologo
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Lemon Ricotta Crostata

17/11/2023

Here is the recipe for a delicious Lemon Ricotta Crostata, a fresh and creamy dessert that combines the acidity of lemon with the sweetness of ricotta.

Ingredients

  • 300 g of 00 flour
  • 150 g cold butter, cubed
  • 100 g sugar
  • 1 egg
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 pinch of salt

For the filling:

  • 500 g ricotta
  • 120 g sugar
  • 2 whole eggs
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Grated zest of 2 lemons
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
  • Powdered sugar for decoration (optional)

Preparation

  1. Start by preparing the shortcrust pastry: in a large bowl, mix the flour with the sugar and the pinch of salt. Add the cold butter, cubed, and begin working it with your fingertips until you obtain a sandy mixture.
  2. Add the egg and the grated zest of 1 lemon, then quickly knead until a homogeneous dough forms. Wrap the shortcrust pastry ball in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, prepare the filling: in a bowl, mix the ricotta with the sugar and add the eggs, lemon juice, and grated zest of the 2 lemons. If you want a firmer filling, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch.
  4. Take the shortcrust pastry from the fridge and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it reaches a thickness of about 5 mm.
  5. Butter and flour a tart pan, then place the shortcrust pastry inside, trim the excess from the edges, and prick the base with a fork.
  6. Pour the ricotta and lemon filling onto the shortcrust pastry base and level it with a spatula.
  7. Bake the crostata at 180 °C for about 30-35 minutes, until the surface of the filling is golden and slightly puffed.
  8. Let the crostata cool before unmolding it and, if desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Trivia

The lemon ricotta crostata is a fresh and fragrant variant of the classic ricotta crostata. The addition of lemon with its zest and juice gives it a summery flavor and can be a wonderful choice for an after-dinner treat or an afternoon snack. Remember that the quality of the ricotta is essential for the success of the dessert; try to get fresh, high-quality ricotta.

Lemon ricotta crostata