Description
This unique Ramp & Ricotta Cannoli combines the earthy, garlicky flavor of spring ramps with creamy ricotta cheese for a savory-sweet dessert that will surprise and delight. A modern twist on a classic Italian treat, perfect for showcasing seasonal ingredients and impressing adventurous foodies.
Ingredients
- 8–10 fresh ramps, washed and trimmed
- 2 cups (475g) full-fat ricotta cheese
- 1/3 cup (40g) powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (40g) mini chocolate chips (optional)
- 12 cannoli shells (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Finely chop the ramp bulbs and leaves, keeping a small amount of the greens separate for garnish.
- If your ricotta is watery, drain it through a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve for about 30 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and chopped ramps (except those reserved for garnish).
- Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips or lemon zest if using.
- Cover and refrigerate the filling for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and filling to firm up.
- When ready to serve, transfer the ricotta mixture to a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip. If you don’t have a pastry bag, use a resealable plastic bag with the corner snipped off.
- Carefully pipe the filling into each cannoli shell from both ends, ensuring they’re evenly filled.
- Dust the filled cannoli with powdered sugar and garnish with the reserved chopped ramps.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
For the best flavor balance, start with a small amount of ramps and add more to taste. The filling can be made a day ahead, but fill the shells just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy. If ramps aren’t in season, substitute with finely chopped green onions or chives. For a sweeter version, increase the powdered sugar to 1/2 cup.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cannoli
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: ramp recipes, ricotta cannoli, savory-sweet dessert, spring dessert, seasonal cooking, Italian fusion, ramps, cannoli