Best Easy Crostata di Ricotta Salata Recipe

Savory tart filled with tangy ricotta salata and fresh herbs is a light Mediterranean meal. This vegetarian high protein dish makes an elegant family lunch or picnic option.

Cook 60 min Difficulty NORMAL 340 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean #high protein
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • all-purpose flour 1.5 cups
  • ricotta salata cheese 10 oz
  • eggs 3 pieces
  • unsalted butter 6 tbsp
  • whole milk 0.25 cup
  • fresh parsley 0.25 cup
  • fresh basil 0.25 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • sea salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • olive oil 1 tbsp
  • nutmeg 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 27 g 32%
Protein 18 g 21%
Fat 17 g 47%
Serving size 160g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9-inch tart pan by brushing with olive oil and dusting lightly with flour.

  2. 2

    In a bowl, combine flour and 1/2 tsp sea salt. Cut in cold butter with fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add 1 egg and 2 tbsp cold water; mix just until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

  3. 3

    Meanwhile, grate ricotta salata and combine with remaining eggs, milk, parsley, basil, nutmeg, 1/2 tsp salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined, do not overmix to preserve texture.

  4. 4

    Roll out the chilled dough to fit the tart pan; gently lay it into the pan without stretching. Trim the edges and prick the base with a fork to prevent bubbling.

  5. 5

    Pour the ricotta filling into the crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake on the lower oven rack for 35–40 minutes, until the center is just set and the edges are golden. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing to serve.

Personalized Q&A
Q. Which ingredient gives Crostata di Ricotta Salata its signature flavor?
The ricotta salata cheese is the heart of this dish, providing a distinctive tangy and savory profile. Its firm texture and slightly salty taste define the crostata's unique character and perfectly complement the fresh herbs.
Q. What's crucial for a crisp and tender tart crust?
Careful handling of the dough is essential—work the butter in until just crumbly and avoid overmixing. Chilling the dough after mixing allows the fat to firm and prevents a tough crust. Baking on the lower oven rack ensures the bottom cooks evenly for a crisp texture.
Q. How do I prevent the filling from becoming rubbery or dry?
Do not overmix the egg and cheese filling, and watch the baking time closely. Remove the crostata from the oven when the center is barely set; residual heat will finish the cooking and keep the filling creamy.
Q. What are the nutrition highlights per serving?
Each serving of this crostata has 340 kcal, with 18g protein (21%), 27g carbs (32%), and 17g fat (47%). The protein content stands out, making it a high-protein, vegetarian-friendly option.
AI 채팅 아이콘