This light and refreshing dessert combines the creamy texture of ricotta with the bright, zesty flavor of lemon. It’s sweetened with a sugar substitute suitable for diabetics and is lower in carbs than traditional ricotta desserts.
Ingredients:
- 15 oz (about 425g) part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup erythritol or stevia blend (or your preferred diabetic-friendly sweetener, adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum (for a thicker texture)
- Optional Garnish: Fresh berries (raspberries, blueberries), a sprig of mint, or unsweetened shredded coconut.
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, add the ricotta cheese, erythritol (or sweetener), lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- Blend: Use an electric hand mixer or a blender to mix the ingredients until smooth and creamy. If you want a thicker texture, add the xanthan gum and mix again until well combined.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or lemon flavor as needed. Add more sweetener or lemon juice/zest to suit your preference.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture to individual serving dishes. Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to allow the dessert to chill and set.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with fresh berries, a sprig of mint, or a sprinkle of unsweetened shredded coconut, if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve chilled.
Tips for Diabetic Friendliness:
- Sweetener Choice: Erythritol and stevia blends are generally considered safe for diabetics, as they have minimal impact on blood sugar levels. However, it’s always best to check with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized recommendations.
- Portion Control: Even with diabetic-friendly ingredients, portion control is essential. Be mindful of serving sizes to manage carbohydrate intake.
- Berry Choices: Berries like raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries are lower in sugar compared to other fruits, making them a good option for garnish.
- Carb Count: Be sure to calculate the carbohydrate count based on the specific sweetener and any garnishes you use.
- Check Ingredients: Always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they are sugar-free or low in carbohydrates.
Enjoy your delicious and diabetic-friendly lemon ricotta dessert!