Polpettine di Ricotta (Little Deep-Fried Ricotta Balls)
Posted By Mary Freeland on April 14, 2010
Sometimes it the small things that make the biggest impact. The scent of a fragrant bunch of fresh picked wild flowers, sitting on a table can transport you out doors. Crisp white linens are a striking canvas to build your feast upon. The finishing touches you add to your decor or the meal can really take you from ordinary to extraordinary. This week’s recipe may be a small portion of your meal but it really does put an exclamation point into the spread.
Ingredients
1 1/3 cups of fresh ricotta (we recommend sheep’s or goat’s milk ricotta as opposed to “regular”. You can find these varieties in stores like Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods)
3/4 of a cup of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
1 clove of garlic, minced
1/8 tsp grated nutmeg
3 tbsp finely chopped fresh flat leaf parsley
2 eggs
2/3 cup bread crumbs
2 cups extra virgin olive oil (light for frying)
salt and pepper to taste
With an electric mixer, fluff the ricotta to lighten the texture. Mix in grated cheese, parsley, nutmeg, garlic and the yolk of one of the eggs. Reserve the white for use later in the cooking process. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste. Roll the mixture into balls about the size of a walnut. Place them on a rack to dry for 10 to 15 minutes. Heat oil over medium heat. In a shallow bowl mix reserved egg white with remaining egg and beat to combine. Place bread crumbs in an additional shallow bowl. Dip each 
ricotta ball into the egg and then roll in the breadcrumbs. In batches of 3 to 4 fry the balls until golden brown. Remove to drain on the rack. Serve hot as a topping to mixed greens or with a side of red sauce for dipping.
Add finishing touches like this to bring that Tuscan flair to your decor and your meal.
Other movable feast posts: Polpettine di Ricotta, Olive Alle Erbe, Prosciutto Crudo Con Fichi, Funghi Marinati, Nocciolini
Comment to win one of these platters!
These sound like a little piece of heaven….cheese anything & something deep fried…now just to add some wine & chocolate & it is a perfect bliss!
They are amazing… I love any dish with cheese! You can purchase the candlesticks for the design professional price by registering on the site and filling out the contact us form with you business license number. I’ll activate your professional discount. Simple!
OK I HAVE to try these recotta balls – they just sound TOO yummy! And those candlesticks are aMAzingly beautiful – is there a link where I can buy those? =)