Truffled Almond Ricotta + Sautéed Kale

Course Overview:

Hey there, culinary adventurers! I’m Chef Greg Hanger, and I’m thrilled to walk you through one of my favorite recipes: Almond Ricotta. This recipe isn’t just a cornerstone of plant-based cuisine; it’s a versatile superstar that can jazz up anything from simple pastas to sophisticated gourmet dishes. Here’s what you can expect from this course:

What You Will Learn:

• Soaking and Prepping Almonds: Dive into the world of nut preparations to achieve that perfect creamy base for our ricotta.
• Blending Techniques: I’ll show you how to get that silky-smooth consistency using a high-speed blender and just the right amount of water.
• Fermentation Fundamentals: We’ll cover how to ferment this mixture to enhance its flavor and texture, turning it into a rich, dairy-free ricotta.
• Seasoning and Enhancements: Learn how to season your ricotta perfectly and enhance it with luxurious truffle oil for that umami kick.

This Dish is Ideal For:

Anyone looking to expand their plant based repertoire with a delicious, multi-purpose almond ricotta that’s perfect for spreading, baking, and filling.

Preparatory Work:

• Soaking: Almonds need to be soaked in water in the refrigerator for 18-48 hours.
• Fermentation: After blending, the mixture should be left at room temperature to ferment for 18 hours to develop its flavors.

What’s Included:

• Ingredients for the Ricotta: We’re keeping it simple yet sophisticated with ingredients like soaked almonds, nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor, and a hint of truffle oil for an elegant finish.
• Step-by-Step Guidance: From soaking the almonds to fermenting and final seasoning, I’ll guide you through each step to ensure you achieve the perfect almond ricotta.
• Serving Suggestions: Learn how to beautifully plate your ricotta with sautéed kale, toasted sunflower seeds, and grated chestnuts for a dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Preparation and Cooking Time:

• Preparation Time: Including soaking and fermentation, you should allocate about 42-72 hours from start to finish.
• Active Cooking Time: About 1 hour to blend, season, and assemble the ingredients.

This course is designed for up to 4 servings of almond ricotta, making it perfect for a family meal or a special occasion that calls for an impressive vegan centerpiece.

Meet The Chef

Greg Hanger stands at the forefront of plant-based innovation, renowned for his transformative influence in vegan gastronomy. With a rich background in fine dining, including experience in Michelin-starred restaurants in Australia, Greg has established himself as a pioneering force in the plant-based culinary scene. As the former head chef at Unity Diner, London, he significantly contributed to its ethos and culinary direction from the very beginning in 2018, earning a reputation as a plant-based alchemist. Learning from Greg offers a unique opportunity to absorb knowledge from a true leader dedicated to elevating vegan cuisine to new heights.