Chocolate Ricotta Mousse (Cuisine: Italian)
This decadent chocolate ricotta mousse is a surprisingly heart-healthy dessert that satisfies your sweet cravings without compromising your well-being. The ricotta cheese provides a creamy texture and protein, while the dark chocolate offers antioxidants. This recipe focuses on using high-quality ingredients and keeping added sugars to a minimum.
**Serving Size:** 4
**Difficulty Level:** Easy
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Chill Time:** Minimum 2 hours (preferably overnight)
**Ingredients:**
* **Dairy:**
* 15 ounces (425g) part-skim ricotta cheese, well-drained (see note below)
* 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other plant-based milk)
* **Chocolate:**
* 4 ounces (115g) dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), finely chopped
* **Sweeteners & Flavorings:**
* 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (or honey, adjust to taste)
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, enhances the chocolate flavor)
* Pinch of sea salt
* **Optional Toppings (for heart-healthy additions):**
* 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds
* 1/4 cup fresh raspberries or blueberries
* Shaved dark chocolate
* Cocoa nibs
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Ricotta:** Drain the ricotta cheese thoroughly. The best way to do this is to place the ricotta in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth (or a clean kitchen towel) set over a bowl. Let it drain in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, overnight. This removes excess moisture and results in a smoother mousse.
2. **Melt the Chocolate:** Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler). Ensure the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
3. **Blend the Ingredients:** In a food processor or blender, combine the drained ricotta cheese, almond milk, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and sea salt. Blend until the mixture is very smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. **Incorporate the Chocolate:** With the food processor or blender running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the slightly cooled melted chocolate. Continue blending until the chocolate is fully incorporated and the mixture is evenly colored. Be careful not to over-blend.
5. **Portion and Chill:** Divide the mousse evenly among 4 individual serving glasses or small bowls. Cover each serving with plastic wrap, pressing it gently onto the surface of the mousse to prevent a skin from forming.
6. **Chill Thoroughly:** Refrigerate the mousse for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set and the flavors to meld.
7. **Garnish and Serve:** Just before serving, remove the plastic wrap and garnish the mousse with your choice of heart-healthy toppings, such as chopped nuts, fresh berries, shaved dark chocolate, or cocoa nibs. Serve chilled.
**Cooking Times:**
* **Draining Ricotta:** 30 minutes to overnight (refrigerated)
* **Melting Chocolate:** 3-5 minutes
* **Blending:** 2-3 minutes
* **Chilling:** Minimum 2 hours (preferably overnight)
**Serving Suggestions:**
* Serve as a light and satisfying dessert after a heart-healthy meal.
* Pair with a cup of herbal tea or black coffee.
* For a more elegant presentation, pipe the mousse into serving glasses using a piping bag.
* Consider adding a layer of crushed graham crackers (use whole wheat for a healthier option) at the bottom of the serving glass for added texture.
* For a festive touch, garnish with a sprig of mint.
**Note on Ricotta:** Using part-skim ricotta is important for reducing the fat content, but be sure to drain it well. Full-fat ricotta can be used, but it will significantly increase the fat content of the dessert.
**Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving, without toppings):**
* Calories: 220-250
* Fat: 12-15g
* Saturated Fat: 7-9g
* Cholesterol: 40-50mg
* Sodium: 80-100mg
* Carbohydrates: 15-18g
* Fiber: 2-3g
* Sugar: 10-12g
* Protein: 12-15g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*
Heart-Healthy Dark Chocolate Ricotta Mousse
This decadent yet guilt-free dessert combines the rich flavor of dark chocolate with the creamy texture of ricotta cheese, offering a delightful treat that's also kind to your heart.
**Cuisine:** Italian
**Dietary Preferences:** Heart-Healthy
**Serving Size:** 4 servings
**Difficulty:** Easy
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Chill Time:** Minimum 2 hours
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (250g) part-skim ricotta cheese, drained well
* 1/4 cup (60ml) unsweetened almond milk
* 1/4 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1/4 cup (50g) honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
* 2 ounces (56g) dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), melted and slightly cooled
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* Pinch of sea salt
* **Optional Toppings:**
* Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
* Chopped walnuts or almonds
* A drizzle of honey or maple syrup
* Cocoa nibs
**Equipment:**
* Food processor or blender
* Mixing bowl
* Rubber spatula
* 4 individual serving glasses or bowls
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Ricotta:** Drain the ricotta cheese thoroughly. The drier the ricotta, the smoother the mousse will be. You can do this by placing the ricotta in a cheesecloth-lined sieve over a bowl and letting it drain in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight).
2. **Blend the Base:** In a food processor or blender, combine the drained ricotta cheese and almond milk. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
3. **Add the Chocolate and Sweetener:** Add the cocoa powder, honey (or maple syrup), melted dark chocolate, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to the food processor.
4. **Blend Until Smooth:** Blend again until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and silky. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed, adding more honey or maple syrup to your preference.
5. **Transfer to Serving Dishes:** Divide the mousse evenly among the 4 serving glasses or bowls.
6. **Chill:** Cover the serving dishes with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably longer, to allow the mousse to set and the flavors to meld.
7. **Garnish and Serve:** Before serving, garnish the mousse with your choice of toppings, such as fresh berries, chopped nuts, a drizzle of honey, or cocoa nibs.
**Serving Suggestions:**
* Serve chilled as a light and satisfying dessert after a meal.
* Pair with a cup of herbal tea or a small glass of red wine.
* For a more decadent treat, layer the mousse with crushed graham crackers or almond biscotti in a parfait glass.
* This mousse can also be used as a filling for crepes or as a topping for pancakes or waffles.
**Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):**
* Calories: 220-250 (depending on sweetener and toppings)
* Fat: 12-15g
* Saturated Fat: 6-8g
* Cholesterol: 25-30mg
* Sodium: 80-100mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g
* Fiber: 4-5g
* Sugar: 12-15g (naturally occurring and added)
* Protein: 10-12g
**Note:** This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Always consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice.
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