Charred Broccolini With Homemade Ricotta Food

CHARRED BROCCOLI WITH LEMON AND CHILE FLAKES

Steps:

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. When the oil is heated, add the broccoli, flat sides down, in an even layer, and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Let the broccoli cook undisturbed for 2 minutes. Flip the broccoli and continue cooking until the broccoli is tender-crisp, an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the broccoli to a plate and set aside.
• Turn the heat down to low and add 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Add the garlic, shallot and chile flakes and cook, stirring frequently, until tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the lemon zest and juice and stir to combine.
• Spoon the lemon-shallot mixture over the broccoli and serve.

CHARRED SPICY BROCCOLINI

Steps:

• Toss 2 large trimmed bunches broccolini with 2 tablespoons olive oil and a pinch each of salt and pepper on a baking sheet. Spread in a single layer and roast at 475˚ F until charred around the edges, 8 to 10 minutes. Whisk 1 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon agave syrup and 1 teaspoon chili-garlic sauce. Drizzle on the broccolini.

HOMEMADE RICOTTA

Steps:

• Line a large sieve with 2 layers of cheesecloth or paper towels and set it over a large bowl.
• Bring the milk, cream and 1 teaspoon salt to a simmer in a large nonreactive pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add the lemon juice and vinegar and cook, stirring, until the mixture curdles, about 1 minute.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared sieve and let drain, discarding the liquid (whey) from the bowl as necessary, at least 5 minutes or up to 30 minutes for thicker cheese. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Crostini Photograph by Kang Kim
• How-To Photographs by Ben Goldstein/Studio D.

HOMEMADE RICOTTA

Steps:

• Set a large sieve over a deep bowl. Dampen 2 layers of cheesecloth with water and line the sieve with the cheesecloth.
• Pour the milk and cream into a stainless-steel or enameled pot such as Le Creuset. Stir in the salt. Bring to a full boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and stir in the vinegar. Allow the mixture to stand for 1 minute until it curdles. It will separate into thick parts (the curds) and milky parts (the whey).
• Pour the mixture into the cheesecloth-lined sieve and allow it to drain into the bowl at room temperature for 20 to 25 minutes, occasionally discarding the liquid that collects in the bowl. The longer you let the mixture drain, the thicker the ricotta. (I tend to like mine on the thicker side, but some prefer it moister.) Transfer the ricotta to a bowl, discarding the cheesecloth and any remaining whey. Use immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The ricotta will keep refrigerated for 4 to 5 days.

HOMEMADE RICOTTA

Steps:

• Set a fine-mesh sieve over a deep bowl. Dampen 2 pieces of cheesecloth with water and line the sieve with a double layer of the cheesecloth.
• Pour the milk and cream into a medium stainless-steel or enameled pot, such as Le Creuset, and stir in the salt. Bring to a full rolling boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Turn off the heat and pour in the vinegar. Allow the mixture to stand for one minute, until it curdles. It will separate into thick parts (the curds) and milky parts (the whey).
• Pour the mixture into the cheesecloth-lined sieve and allow it to drain into the bowl at room temperature for 20 minutes (for soft ricotta) to 25 minutes (for firmer ricotta), occasionally discarding the liquid that collects in the bowl. Transfer the ricotta to a bowl, discarding the cheesecloth and any remaining liquid. Use immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
• The ricotta will keep, refrigerated, for 4 to 5 days.