Ricotta and asparagus pesto dip

Elevate your appetizers with this delightful Ricotta and Asparagus Pesto Dip! Made with creamy ricotta, fresh asparagus, zesty lemon juice, and aromatic spearmint, this flavorful dip is perfect for any occasion. Try it with crackers, veggies, or as a spread on your favorite bread.

  • 04 Jul 2024
  • Cook time 5 min
  • Prep time 10 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 8 Ingredients

Ricotta and asparagus pesto dip

The Ricotta and Asparagus Pesto Dip is a delightful and refreshing appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Combining creamy ricotta cheese with the fresh flavors of asparagus, spearmint, and lemon, this dip is both nutritious and delicious. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a tasty snack, this recipe is sure to impress your guests with its unique blend of ingredients.

Ingredients:

1 cup ricotta cheese
230g
1/3 cup olive oil
80g
1/2 cup spearmint
44g
1.50 lb asparagus
680g
2 garlic cloves
6g
1/3 cup almonds
40g
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
40g
1 tbsp lemon juice
5g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Asparagus:
- Trim and wash the asparagus, removing any tough ends.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the asparagus for 2-3 minutes until tender but still bright green.
- Drain the asparagus and immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and pat dry with a clean towel.
2. Toast the Almonds:
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the almonds for about 3-4 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Let them cool.
3. Prepare the Pesto:
- In a food processor, combine the blanched asparagus, toasted almonds, garlic cloves, spearmint leaves, and lemon juice.
- Process until coarsely chopped and well combined.
4. Add the Ricotta and Olive Oil:
- Add the ricotta cheese and olive oil to the food processor.
- Continue processing until the mixture is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
5. Incorporate the Parmesan Cheese:
- Add the grated parmesan cheese and pulse a few times to integrate it into the mixture.
- Taste the dip and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve:
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and drizzle with a little extra olive oil, if desired.
- Serve with fresh bread, crackers, or vegetable sticks for dipping.

Tips:

- Make sure to trim the woody ends off the asparagus before cooking for a more tender texture.

- Be sure to blanch the asparagus until it is bright green and tender-crisp to preserve its flavor and nutrients.

- Toast the almonds lightly in a dry skillet to bring out their natural oils and enhance their flavor.

- Adjust the amount of garlic to suit your personal taste if you prefer a milder or stronger garlic flavor.

- For a smoother consistency, you can blend the dip longer or use a food processor.

- Serve the dip chilled with crudités, pita chips, or your favorite crackers for the best experience.

This Ricotta and Asparagus Pesto Dip offers a refreshing and tasty twist on traditional dips. Its combination of creamy ricotta, fresh asparagus, and aromatic spearmint makes it a versatile dish that can complement a variety of foods. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it is sure to become a favorite at your gatherings. Enjoy this delicious dip with your favorite snacks and savor the delightful blend of tastes!

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size280 grams
Energy
Calories 220kcal9%
Protein
Protein 16g10%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 13g4%
Fiber 4.85g13%
Sugar 3.86g4%
Fat
Fat 33g38%
Saturated 8g25%
Cholesterol 27mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 150ug17%
Choline 44mg8%
Vitamin B1 0.28mg23%
Vitamin B2 0.49mg38%
Vitamin B3 2.08mg13%
Vitamin B6 0.21mg12%
Vitamin B9 100ug25%
Vitamin B12 0.30ug13%
Vitamin C 10mg11%
Vitamin E 4.55mg30%
Vitamin K 70ug59%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 310mg24%
Copper, Cu 0.45mg0%
Iron, Fe 4.33mg39%
Magnesium, Mg 66mg15%
Phosphorus, P 310mg25%
Potassium, K 560mg17%
Selenium, Se 18ug32%
Sodium, Na 240mg16%
Zinc, Zn 2.45mg22%
Water
Water 210g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2500 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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