Cathy Katin-Grazzini
Cathy’s Kitchen Prescription LLC
www.cathyskitchenprescription.com
 
Creamy Vegan Ricotta
 
You do not need dairy’s whey or calf rennet for this ricotta. This plant-based version is simple to make and very tasty substitution in many sweet and savory dishes. 
 
Delicious on canapes, smeared on a cracker, mixed into  sauces, stuffed in pastas and cannolis, or as a substitute for whipped cream, this vegan ricotta has a rich flavor and a texture that is moister, creamier, and less grainy than its dairy counterpart ~ more like mascarpone actually.
 
Prep time 15 minutes to mix, 4 ½-6 ½ hours to drain                Makes 1 ¼ cups
 
Ingredients
 
1 liter unflavored whole soymilk *
4 Tablespoons white vinegar
1 teaspoon shiro (white) miso (optional)
 
Directions
 
Using a whisk to constantly mix and a candy thermometer heat soymilk in a saucepan to 176°F/80°C. Stir in miso, if using, and distribute evenly throughout the soymilk.
 
Turn off flame and with a wood spoon or silicon spatula, gently stir in vinegar for just a few seconds to facilitate curd formation.  Set aside, undisturbed for 30 minutes for curds to set up.
 
Line a ricotta basket or a sieve with several layers of cheesecloth or a clean tea towel. To drain off the liquid, set it in a bowl, elevated off the bottom with a small, inverted bowl. Gently spoon the curds into the cloth. Cover and refrigerate for three hours.
 
Remove from fridge. Remove the cloth from the basket/sieve. Invert the ricotta back into the basket/sieve. Though the curds will be very soft, use the back of a spoon to gently press down to make sure the ricotta makes good contact with the basket/sieve and the sides of the basket/sieve.
 
Return to the fridge to continue to drain and solidify for 1-3 hours, or longer.
 
Transfer to a storage container for future use, or to serve immediately, place a plate on top, and invert to release the ricotta onto the plate.
 
Vegan ricotta will keep, refrigerated, for about 5 days.