Wilted Greens W Ricotta Salata Recipes

SALAD OF DANDELION GREENS WITH ALMOND VINAIGRETTE AND DRIED RICOTTA

Steps:

• Cut any tough stems from the greens and trim any wilted, yellow, or tough leaves. Wash and dry them according to directions on page 67. The greens can be prepared up to several hours in advance and kept, loosely covered with a clean towel, in the refrigerator.
• To make the dressing, combine the olive oil, 2 tablespoons of the toasted almonds, vinegar, and honey in a blender and blend until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. Place the greens in a large bowl, season them with salt and pepper, and pour the dressing over them. Toss well and divide the dressed greens among six plates, mounding them in the center of the plate. Sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of toasted almonds and top with shavings of ricotta salata. Serve immediately.

PAPPARDELLE WITH GREENS AND RICOTTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Fill a bowl with ice water. When the water comes to a boil, salt generously and add the greens (you may have to do this in two batches). After the water returns to a boil, boil two to four minutes until the greens are tender. Using a deep-fry skimmer or slotted spoon, transfer them to the ice water. Do not drain the hot water in the pot, as you'll use it to cook the pasta. Drain the greens, squeeze dry and chop.
• Heat the oil over medium heat in a large, heavy nonstick skillet. Add the garlic, cook for about a minute just until fragrant, and stir in the greens. Toss in the hot pan for about a minute, just until the greens are lightly coated with oil and fragrant with garlic. Season with salt and pepper, and remove from the heat.
• Place the ricotta in a large pasta bowl. Bring the water for the pasta back to a boil, and add the pappardelle. Cook al dente. Ladle 1/2 cup of the cooking water from the pasta into the ricotta and stir together. Drain the pasta, and toss with the ricotta, greens and cheeses. Serve at once.

GREEN BEANS WITH RICOTTA SALATA

Steps:

• Bring a large saucepan of cold water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt and trimmed beans. Cook until beans are just tender, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat, drain, and immediately plunge beans into an ice-water bath to stop the cooking process. Drain, pat dry, and place in a large bowl along with ricotta salata and basil leaves.
• In a small bowl, whisk together mustard, vinegar, olive oil, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper.
• Pour vinaigrette over bean mixture and toss well.

WILTED GREENS W/ RICOTTA SALATA

Steps:

• Wash greens, but do not dry. Trim large stems & coarsely chop. Set aside. Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the onions & saute for 4 minutes. Add the garlic & saute for 4 minutes longer. Add the greens, chicken broth, soy sauce, & pepper. Cook, stirring often,until the greens have wilted & become tender, @ 7-10 minutes. Transfer the cooked greens to a serving plate & crumble the ricotta salata cheese over the top.