Nigella Baked Ricotta With Grilled Radicchio Recipe [GUIDE]

Nigella Lawson’s Baked Ricotta with Grilled Radicchio is a dish that feels like a cozy hug on a cold evening but it also manages to have that sophisticated edge that elevates any dinner party. It’s the perfect combination of creamy richness from the ricotta, paired with the smoky, slightly bitter bite of grilled radicchio. There’s something magical about how the natural sweetness of the radicchio mingles with the creaminess of the ricotta, creating a balance that feels both indulgent and light at the same time.

The beauty of this dish is that it doesn’t require tons of ingredients, yet each one plays a pivotal role in building flavor. It’s simple but in the best way possible. there’s nothing here that’s overcomplicated and Nigella’s effortless style shines through. The ricotta, when baked, turns golden and slightly firm on the outside while staying luscious and soft on the inside, almost like a savory cheesecake. The radicchio, though, that’s where the magic happens. it’s bitter and charred in a way that cuts through the richness, adding an unexpected layer of depth to the dish.

I first stumbled upon this recipe during a particularly rainy evening, when I was craving something light yet comforting. I wasn’t in the mood for anything too heavy but I also didn’t want a salad. This dish seemed like the perfect answer. It was Nigella’s way of reminding me that even the simplest ingredients can be transformed into something special with just a little attention and love.

Nigella Baked Ricotta With Grilled Radicchio Recipe

Ingredients Needed

The ingredients list for this dish is refreshingly minimal but each item plays a role in creating that burst of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Ricotta cheese – The star of the show. I’d recommend opting for a full-fat, high-quality ricotta. You want that creaminess to shine through when it bakes. It’s worth spending a little extra on this because it makes a huge difference.
2. Radicchio – It’s a leafy vegetable with a slightly bitter edge. You can usually find it in most grocery stores and its vibrant purple leaves add a beautiful contrast to the dish. Grilling it adds a smoky depth that’s hard to beat.
3. Olive oil – A good quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling. You won’t use a ton but it’s essential for both grilling the radicchio and adding a little gloss to the ricotta.
4. Garlic – A couple of cloves of garlic, finely chopped. You could crush it or mince it but I like it finely chopped because it blends nicely into the ricotta.
5. Fresh thyme or rosemary. Either works really well but I lean towards thyme for its lightness. It adds a fragrant, earthy undertone that complements the richness of the ricotta.
6. Lemon zest – A simple yet genius addition. It’s the burst of citrus you didn’t know you needed but can’t live without once you’ve tried it. It brightens up the dish and adds a freshness that cuts through the creaminess.
7. Salt and pepper – Seasoning is key. Don’t skip on either-season both the ricotta and the radicchio, so every bite is flavorful.

Equipment Needed

Making Nigella’s Baked Ricotta with Grilled Radicchio doesn’t require much in the way of special equipment but there are a few essentials you’ll need:

1. Baking dish – A medium-sized oven-safe dish will work best for the ricotta. It’ll need enough space for the cheese to bake evenly but it doesn’t need to be anything fancy. I personally love using a simple ceramic dish that I can take from oven to table.
2. Grill pan – This is key for getting that perfect char on the radicchio. If you don’t have one, a regular frying pan will also work but the grill pan gives it those distinct marks that make it look so professional.
3. Mixing bowl – For combining your ricotta, garlic, herbs, lemon zest and seasoning. A large enough bowl will let you stir without splashing ricotta everywhere.
4. Knife and chopping board. For prepping the garlic, radicchio and herbs. Simple but you’ll want a sharp knife to slice the radicchio evenly.
5. Tongs or spatula – For flipping your radicchio while it grills, to ensure it gets that beautiful, even char.

Instructions To Make Nigella Lawson’s Baked Ricotta With Grilled Radicchio

Now, let’s dive into the steps. Don’t worry; this is one of those recipes that’s more about assembly than technique.

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives the ricotta plenty of time to cook through while developing that golden crust.
2. Prepare the radicchio: Trim the ends and slice the leaves in half lengthwise. Drizzle the halves with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Heat your grill pan over medium-high heat, then place the radicchio cut-side down. Grill for about 3-5 minutes per side or until it gets those lovely dark grill marks. You want it charred but still a little tender. Once done, set aside to cool.
3. Mix the ricotta: In your mixing bowl, combine the ricotta with finely chopped garlic, thyme (or rosemary), lemon zest, salt and pepper. Drizzle in some olive oil and mix it all together until smooth and creamy.
4. Transfer to your baking dish: Spoon the ricotta mixture into your baking dish. Smooth it out so that it’s even, then drizzle a little more olive oil on top.
5. Bake for about 25 minutes or until the ricotta turns golden brown on top and is set. You’ll see the edges start to get crispy which is exactly what you want.
6. Assemble the dish: Once the ricotta is baked, gently place the grilled radicchio on top, arranging it nicely so it covers the ricotta but still shows off its vibrant color.
7. Serve and enjoy: A sprinkle of fresh thyme on top, maybe an extra drizzle of olive oil and you’re done. You can eat this dish straight out of the oven or let it cool for a few minutes. Either way, it’s absolutely delicious.

What I Learnt

I’ve learned that this dish is a true testament to Nigella’s ability to take the simplest ingredients and turn them into something extraordinary. The beauty lies in the balance of textures-creamy ricotta that feels like a blanket against the smoky radicchio’s sharp bite. It’s a dish that made me realize how much I rely on the basics in my own cooking but how much joy can be found in just elevating them a little bit.

Grilling radicchio is one of those tricks I never knew I needed in my life. I thought of it as something purely salad-worthy but grilling it adds a completely new dimension. like it unlocks a different flavor profile that makes it so much more complex. It’s a reminder that sometimes, we overlook ingredients because we don’t know how to treat them right but once you do, they reward you tenfold.

FAQs

Can I Use A Different Type Of Cheese Instead Of Ricotta For This Recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses! While ricotta is the star in Nigella’s version, mascarpone or even a creamy goat cheese can work well if you’re looking for a richer texture. Just keep in mind that the flavor might change slightly, so choose one that complements the bitterness of the radicchio.

What Can I Serve With Nigella’s Baked Ricotta And Grilled Radicchio?

This dish pairs beautifully with some simple sides. You could serve it with crusty bread to soak up the ricotta, or a fresh salad with citrus dressing to cut through the richness. I’ve found it goes wonderfully with roasted vegetables or even grilled chicken if you want to make it more of a hearty meal.

How Do I Prevent The Radicchio From Becoming Too Bitter When Grilling?

Grilling radicchio brings out its smoky bitterness, but you can mellow it out by brushing the leaves with a bit of olive oil and a pinch of salt before grilling. Some people even sprinkle a bit of sugar on top to balance the bitterness. Another pro tip: grill the radicchio until it’s slightly charred but still holds its shape, which helps to bring out its natural sweetness.