This simple dip provides a great vehicle to showcase some of your highest quality ingredients. The best ricotta is made from sheep’s milk (if you have a choice). And be sure to use your best quality olive oil – even better if you have lemon olive oil in your pantry. You just can’t get enough lemon in this spread (it’s even pictured in a lemon bowl!). It may seem like there’s a lot of pepper but it gives the dip some spiciness. This goes well with both veggies and pita chips. Or try it on top of fish (as a friend suggested) or pasta.
Did you know that ricotta means “re-cooked?” It’s not actually cheese, but the creamy curd by-product of cheese that has been cooked twice.
| Lemon-Thyme Ricotta Dip | Print |
Recipe type: Appetizer
Author: Nicole
Serves: Makes 2 cups
Ingredients
- 1-15-ounce container part-skim ricotta
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil or lemon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Serve with: fresh vegetables and pita chips
Instructions
- Combine ricotta, 2 tablespoons thyme, chives, lemon zest, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of olive oil, pepper and salt in a food processor, Vitamix or blender. Purée for a few seconds until smooth.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and swirl the top with the back of a spoon. Drizzle with remaining 1 teaspoon of olive oil and sprinkle with thyme.
- Cover and refrigerate for an hour for flavors to blend. Can be prepared a day in advance.
I prefer to stir this by hand and then put it in the oven at 350 to get it nice an warm!
Geoff – Great suggestion! I will have to try it warm.
This sounds terrific. Will make for our dinner club next week!
Perfect! Love to hear how it’s received.