Savoury Ricotta Snacks
A simple low-carb savoury snack. It can even take the place of a carb like potatoes or rice, because it's filling. Crisply fried crumbled bacon or dried hot pepper flakes can be added to the mixture to add more oomph. I tried my idea in muffin tins first, but they were a little large. I've made it again, using patty tins. I changed my mind about the patty pans -- they were too thin, and I think muffin hollows are still the best bet.
A simple low-carb savoury snack. It can even take the place of a carb like potatoes or rice, because it's filling. Crisply fried crumbled bacon or dried hot pepper flakes can be added to the mixture to add more oomph. I tried my idea in muffin tins first, but they were a little large. I've made it again, using patty tins. I changed my mind about the patty pans -- they were too thin, and I think muffin hollows are still the best bet.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 lb ricotta cheese fresh
- 2 tablespoons oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated or 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (the zest of 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper coarse
- 1 -2 tablespoon parsley finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or 3 tablespoons flax seed oil
- Carbohydrate 2.14832983934781 g
- Cholesterol 41.8394570014206 mg
- Fat 2.53908138063781 g
- Fiber 0.11140278075801 g
- Protein 3.70233205298865 g
- Saturated Fat 1.31965671128499 g
- Serving Size 1 1 pattie (42g)
- Sodium 50.8877623225019 mg
- Sugar 2.0369270585898 g
- Trans Fat 0.230227963615195 g
- Calories 46 calories
Step-by-step
- Patty tins: if not nonstick, grease with butter or a spray. For patties, which are fairly thin, set oven at 300 deg F/150 deg Celsius. If you decide to use muffin hollows, heat oven to 325 deg F/160 deg Celsius.
- Put the ricotta in a bowl, and break up lumps with a fork until you have a crumbly mixture.
- Fry the chopped onion in a little oil over high heat, stirring. When the onion bits have softened a little and just start to catch, add the balsamic vinegar (for flavour and colour). Stir well and fry a little longer, then take off the heat. The vinegar should cook away, leaving just the flavour.
- Add the grated Parmesan, lemon zest, coarse pepper, salt, baking powder and parsley to the ricotta, and mix well by turning over and over.
- Add the fried onion.
- Beat the eggs and add, then the olive oil, and mix to a moist consistency.
- Fill patty pan hollows to the top, smoothing with a finger. (They don't rise much). (Or fill muffin cups to the top).
- The recipe makes 7 muffins for me – I guess most muffin tins are the same size.
- Bake patty tins for about 17 - 20 minutes, until edges are brown and tops start to colour.
- Bake muffin size snacks for about 30 minutes.
- Serve hot or cooled, not chilled. Handy for a quick snack with tea.
Savoury Ricotta Snacks: A Busy Woman's Perfect Quick Meal
As a busy professional, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious meal can feel like an impossible task. Between juggling work deadlines, managing household responsibilities, and trying to squeeze in some personal time, the kitchen often takes a backseat. But what if I told you there's a recipe that requires minimal effort, yields impressive results, and can be whipped up in a flash? Enter my Savoury Ricotta Snacks – a lifesaver for busy weeknights and perfect for satisfying those unexpected hunger pangs.
I stumbled upon this recipe quite by accident. I was experimenting with ways to incorporate more protein and less carbs into my diet, and ricotta cheese seemed like a promising ingredient. I'd always enjoyed ricotta in sweet dishes, but I was curious about its savoury potential. After several failed attempts (let's just say some culinary disasters happened in the kitchen!), I finally landed on this fantastic combination of flavours and textures. The result? These little savoury snacks are not only easy to make, but they also taste incredibly satisfying. They're light enough to be a snack, but also substantial enough to serve as a side dish or a light meal, making them incredibly versatile.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. There's no complicated chopping or intricate techniques required. Just a handful of readily available ingredients, a few minutes of prep time, and a short baking period – and voilà! You have a delicious and nutritious meal that's perfect for any occasion. These snacks are great on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a side salad or some steamed vegetables. You can even get creative and add your own twist by including different herbs, spices, or even some finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to tailor the flavor to your liking.
One of my favourite things about these snacks is their versatility. They're equally delicious served hot or cold. I often make a batch at the beginning of the week and keep them in the refrigerator for a quick and easy grab-and-go snack. They're also fantastic for meal prepping. You can easily double or even triple the recipe to have a stockpile of healthy snacks on hand. And because they are low-carb, they fit perfectly into many different diets.
The process itself is incredibly straightforward. You simply combine all the ingredients in a bowl, mix them thoroughly, and pop them in the oven. The aroma that fills the kitchen while they bake is divine, promising a delicious treat to come. The texture is delightful – light, fluffy, and subtly savory. The balance of flavours is exquisite – the tangy balsamic vinegar, the sharp parmesan cheese, the zesty lemon, and the fresh parsley create a perfect symphony of tastes that will leave you craving more.
These savoury ricotta snacks are far more than just a convenient meal; they are a testament to how simple and delicious healthy eating can be. They're a quick and easy solution to a busy life, a comforting meal that never fails to satisfy, and a delicious way to incorporate more protein and less carbohydrates into your daily diet. So, the next time you're pressed for time and struggling to come up with a meal idea, remember these little saviours. They're the perfect answer to your culinary dilemma, proving that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming.
I encourage you to experiment with different variations of this recipe. Add some finely chopped chives for an extra layer of flavour, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. The possibilities are endless! I’ve even tried adding some finely diced cooked bacon for an extra savory element – it was a hit! Ultimately, the best part about this recipe is that it’s adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs.
So, whether you're a busy professional, a stay-at-home mom, or simply someone who appreciates a quick and easy meal, these savoury ricotta snacks are a must-try. They're the perfect solution for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or simply a satisfying snack any time of the day. Give it a go, and I'm confident you'll be adding this recipe to your regular cooking rotation. It's a true game-changer for busy lives!
