Best Easy Polpette di Ricotta Recipe

Light, fluffy ricotta fritters in tomato sauce are a vegetarian take on Italian meatballs. This high protein mediterranean dish is family-friendly and fits into healthy calorie deficit plans.

Cook 50 min Difficulty NORMAL 265 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean #high protein #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • whole milk ricotta cheese 1 cup
  • large eggs 2 pieces
  • freshly grated Parmesan cheese 0.5 cup
  • breadcrumbs 0.5 cup
  • fresh parsley 0.25 cup
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
  • crushed tomatoes (canned or boxed) 2 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • kosher salt 1 tsp
  • freshly cracked black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • dried oregano 1 tsp
  • garlic cloves 2 cloves
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 18 g 27%
Protein 18 g 27%
Fat 13 g 44%
Serving size 190g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, finely chopped fresh parsley, half of the salt, and half of the black pepper. Mix gently just until combined to keep the mixture light.

  2. 2

    Shape the mixture into 12–14 equal balls using wet hands for easier handling, and place them on a parchment-lined tray.

  3. 3

    Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large nonstick skillet. Add the ricotta balls in batches, cooking them 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Don’t overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming.

  4. 4

    Remove the ricotta balls and lower the heat to medium-low. Add minced garlic to the same pan and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then stir in crushed tomatoes, the remaining salt, pepper, and oregano.

  5. 5

    Nestle the lightly browned ricotta balls into the simmering tomato sauce. Cover and simmer gently for 12–15 minutes, turning the fritters once halfway, until they are heated through and the sauce thickens. Serve hot, garnishing with extra parsley if desired.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What is the key ingredient that gives Polpette di Ricotta its signature texture and flavor?
The core ingredient is whole milk ricotta cheese. It provides the signature light, moist texture and mild flavor, making these fritters distinct from typical meat-based meatballs. Combined with Parmesan for savoriness and eggs for structure, ricotta is truly the foundation of this dish.
Q. What cooking techniques are important to keep ricotta balls fluffy and not dense?
To achieve a fluffy texture, mix the ricotta mixture gently—overmixing will make the balls dense. When shaping, use wet hands and avoid compacting tightly. In the pan, brown them over medium heat just until lightly golden, then finish cooking them gently in the sauce to keep them tender.
Q. How do you prevent the polpette from falling apart or becoming overcooked?
Make sure the mixture has the right balance; breadcrumbs and eggs act as binders. Browning them first helps set the exterior. When simmering in sauce, keep the heat low and cover the skillet. Avoid excessive stirring and lifting to prevent breakage, and don’t overcook as this can dry them out.
Q. What is the nutrition profile per serving for this Polpette di Ricotta recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 265 kcal, with 18g protein (27%), 18g carbohydrates (27%), and 13g fat (44%). This balanced profile offers a good amount of protein for vegetarians and fits well into calorie-controlled and diabetes-friendly meal plans.
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