Full-fat ricotta is browned with breadcrumbs and baked with peas, lemon, sage, garlic, and onions. Take a whiff and then dig in!
What does one make for dinner when you’ve had a bad day and it feels like the world is coming to an end? Baked ricotta and peas, apparently. When I’m feeling a lack of creativity, I go to one of my favorite cookbooks, Deborah Madison’s Vegetable Literacy. 
Full-fat ricotta is browned with breadcrumbs and baked with peas, lemon, sage, garlic, and onions. Dig in!
Want more simply delicious spring recipes? Make this.
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- 1 cup full-fat ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons bread crumbs
- 2 teaspoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion (sliced thin)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 5 sage leaves (minced)
- 1 cup fresh peas
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Parmesan cheese (as garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F.
- Lightly oil the bottom of a small baking dish (I used a 6 inch by 6 inch, a little smaller is fine too).
- If ricotta is wet and milky, use a cheesecloth to drain out excess liquid. Spread ricotta thinly onto the bottom of your baking dish, top with a little olive oil, and bake until cheese has begun to set and is brown on top. This may range anywhere from 20-40 minutes, depending on how wet your cheese is to start with.
- When ricotta starts to brown, top with breadcrumbs and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until breadcrumbs are nice and toasty.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in onion, garlic, and sage and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in peas, ½ cup of water, and lemon zest. Simmer until peas are a bright green color and liquid has reduced some, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- When ricotta is done baking, top with peas and sauce. Sprinkle Parmesan on top as garnish.
- Category: Primi
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of ricotta should I use for this recipe?
Full-fat ricotta is recommended for the best texture and flavor in the baked dish.
How do I properly brown the ricotta with breadcrumbs?
To brown the ricotta, spread it in your baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden brown, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning.
Can I substitute fresh sage with another herb in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute fresh sage with thyme or oregano, but keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly.
