EatingWell: Easy starter infused with herb-citrus combo
This stunning yet easy appetizer recipe infuses creamy ricotta with fresh herbs and lemon. Serve with whole-grain crackers and cut-up vegetables or use as a spread for sandwiches or sauce for pasta.
Lemon-Thyme Whipped Ricotta
Serves 8
Active Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
1 15-ounce container part-skim ricotta
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme, plus more for garnish
2 teaspoons minced shallot or 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives
2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
Combine ricotta, 2 tablespoons thyme, shallot (or chives), lemon zest, lemon juice, pepper and salt in a food processor. Puree for a few seconds until smooth.
Transfer to a serving bowl and swirl the top with the back of a spoon. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with thyme.
Recipe nutrition: Per serving: 88 calories; 5 g fat (3 g sat, 2 g mono); 16 mg cholesterol; 4 g carbohydrate; 0 g added sugars; 0 g total sugars; 6 g protein; 0 g fiber; 212 mg sodium; 85 mg potassium.
Nutrition bonus: Calcium (15 percent daily value)
Exchanges: 1 medium-fat meat
(EatingWell is a magazine and website devoted to healthy eating as a way of life. Online at www.eatingwell.com.)
