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Lemon Ricotta Dip

For some reason, during Ramadan I tend to see, make, eat and enjoy appetizers the most. It’s nice to have something light but substantial at the initial breaking of the fast, but it’s more than that for me. Maybe it’s because when the fast-breaking time comes every evening, it’s one of the sweetest moments I experience (whether the appetizer is sweet or savory). I love biting into something I can hear crunch, maybe because it then actually feels like the sound of food. I’m not sure what it is, but I enjoy it.

inside sweet phyllo

Dates, Tamarind & Walnut phyllo appetizers

One of the tastiest new ways to have Iftar are these new sweet appetizers by Saffron Road (pictured above).  They have two different kind, one with Dates, Tamarind & Walnuts and the other a Turkish Figs & Goat Cheese variety. I created a dip to have with them, something creamy and with a bit of fresh citrus zest to celebrate the tastes of summer and bring home a reminder of the Mediterranean I love so much. It’s simple to make, with fresh and simple ingredients:

ingredients for lemon ricotta dip Just be sure to use fresh organic lemons, especially since you’ll use the citrus zest directly in the dip. Add some evaporated cane juice or turbinado sugar, or even honey to the ricotta if you like things on the sweet side.

ricotta and lemon up close

In a small bowl, add the whipping cream to the ricotta and give it a whisk to combine all the  ingredients. Then grate the lemon zest directly over the bowl.

grating lemon over bowl

Be sure to check the back of the grater– I always find a ton of zest back there, which is perfectly usable and wonderful- use every bit of it!

fresh lemon zest on zester

Whisk it again.

add lemon zest to Ricotta

And again, to get all the lumps out. You may even want to add a few drops of fresh lemon juice- just taste and see if you like it that way.

whisk over bowl

Serve in a separate bowl with the warmed appetizers for dipping.

sweet appetizers with lemon

The hardest part is waiting until Iftar to enjoy it, but that’s ok- self control, discipline, and willpower are all things to gain from Ramadan, so we can practice with tasty things like this…

table spread

And the wait is worth it….

What other sweetened or creamy dips would you suggest with these new appetizers? Lemon Ricotta Dip Serves 4-6 Ingredients

1 cup Ricotta cheese 1- 2 teaspoons raw cane sugar (optional) 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream (or more, if desired) fresh citrus zest

Directions Place Ricotta cheese in a medium size bowl.  Add the sugar whisk until dissolved. Add the whipping cream then grate the lemon zest on top of the cheese/sugar mixture and mix to combine. Serve as a dip with your favorite sweet appetizers or add a little extra whipping cream and pour over fresh pitted dates with slivered almonds or chopped pistachios on top.   Giveaway

*Update: This Giveaway Is Now CLOSED*

Leave your comment to be entered to win this fabulous gift basket from Saffron Road. One winner will be randomly-selected to win the basket which contains the items listed below. Be sure to read our official guidelines before entering. Giveaway ends at 12:01 am on July 27, 2012.

SR Basket giveaway

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Responses

  1. Oh these look divine! Ramadan Mubarak! I’d maybe use the dip only add a 1/2 capful of rose water to it maybe, and lessen the citrus…maybe sprinkle a few crushed pistachios on top? Love this! Thanks for sharing!!

  2. I would do caramelized spanich onions, garlic, rosemary, salt and pepper blended with either sour cream or Greek yogurt. I don’t know I just love the caramelized onions and rosemary with goat cheese and figs combo, so turning into a dip sounds interesting 🙂

  3. I’ve never really tried sweetened dips so I’m not so sure what I would make to go with it. We’ve usually always done salty appetizers so maybe it’s time to expand my tastebuds and try these ones.

  4. Looking for appetizers that are low in sugars, for health reasons – so what can we use this dip with that is not high in carbohydrates? Do you have ideas on making high protein, and/or veggie appetizers?

  5. i would have to try these to see what my taste buds would like to side with it. but maybe they could instead be dessert with just plain vanilla icecream. there also used to be danish puck cream (honey flavoured), that i used to love with dates during iftar. it might go really well with the first appetizer atleast. also extra creamy homemade yogurt. using heavy cream/half and half to make the yogurt, instead of with regular milk, removes the slight tartness of yogurt and makes its slightly sweeter as well.

  6. would have to try these to see what my taste buds would like to side with it. but maybe they could instead be dessert with just plain vanilla icecream. there also used to be danish puck cream (honey flavoured), that i used to love with dates during iftar. it might go really well with the first appetizer atleast. also extra creamy homemade yogurt. using heavy cream/half and half to make the yogurt, instead of with regular milk, removes the slight tartness of yogurt and makes its slightly sweeter as well.

  7. That dip looks delicious! I haven’t tried any Saffron Road foods yet, but inshAllah I will since Sprouts has them on sale this week.

  8. I think a lavender and honey greek yogurt dip with a little bit of fresh zest would go great with these 😀

  9. I would do a simple dip like what you did — mascarpone with a little honey and lemon zest. Maybe add some flavor like vanilla or cardamom. However, I agree with one of the other posters that they don’t really need a dip. They’d be perfect with an Earl Grey tea or espresso.

  10. A creamy dip made with cream cheese, marshmallow creme, a little vanilla extract and then served with pistachio and almonds sliced thinly.

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