Name: Spiced Baked Ricotta Recipe
Total time: 45 min
Yield: Serves: 4+
Ingredients: 4tsp fennel seeds; 4tsp coriander seeds; 4tsp cumin seeds; 1tsp sea salt; 2 x 250g ricotta cheese; 2tbsp olive oil; 200g mixed tomatoes (larger ones halved)

By Jane Curran 2017-02-11T06:07:00Z

Ricotta is most commonly known as a soothing, creamy accompaniment to a dish, or an ingredient as part of a larger meal. This soft cheese is high in protein, and rich in vitamins A and D, as well as a great source of calcium. In this very simple recipe, we show you how to spice ricotta up (quite literally), and make it into a main meal of its own. Be sure to marinade the tomatoes properly, in order to bring out the flavours, and add some balsamic vinegar if you like; this will really accentuate the accompanying vegetable. If served in the evening for a dinner party, pair with a light white wine (Chardonnay, with soft cheese) to bring out the flavours. Cheese which is good for you and some healthy vegetables; what more could you want from a meal?

HOW TO MAKE SPICED BAKED RICOTTA

Method

Put the spices into a small frying pan and heat gently until they release their aromas. Roughly grind with a mortar and pestle. Add the salt and some freshly ground black pepper, then spread out on a small plate.
Drain the ricotta of any liquid. Heat the oven to 160C fan, gas 4. Line a baking tray with oiled foil. Roll the sides and top of the ricotta in the spices then transfer with a fish slice to the baking tray. Drizzle over 1 tbsp of the oil and bake for 25 minutes.
To serve, put the tomatoes into a frying pan with the remaining oil and some sea salt and pepper. Toss until warmed through and serve with the ricotta, halved, and some toasted sourdough.