Ricotta And Chestnut Fritters With Bagna Cauda
Italy
Known as an Italian recipe, with similar versions prepared across other nations.
Ingredients 17 ingredients
- Roast
- 1 cup fresh ricotta
- 2 tablespoons chestnut flour
- Chop
- 1 quart pure -- (pomace) olive oil, -- for frying
- (available in gourmet markets)
- 4 tablespoons freshly-grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
- 1/4 cup chestnut flour -- plus
- 1/2 cup freshly-grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese -- plus
- 1 cup finely-chopped roasted chestnuts -- spread out on a flat plate
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 garlic cloves -- finely chopped
- Bread crumbs
- 1 can anchovy filets - -- (4 oz), with their
- -- juices
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Possible health benefits
General information, not medical advice.
-
Chestnut flour
High in potassium · 1030 mg per 100 g, 52% of the reference intake per 100 g
- Potassium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
- Potassium contributes to normal muscle function.
- Potassium contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure.
Potassium is a mineral found in many foods. Your body needs potassium for almost everything it does, including proper kidney and heart function, muscle contraction, and nerve transmission. NIH fact sheet
High in copper · 0.6 mg per 100 g, 58% of the reference intake per 100 g
- Copper contributes to maintenance of normal connective tissues.
- Copper contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
- Copper contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
5 more authorised claims
- Copper contributes to normal hair pigmentation.
- Copper contributes to normal iron transport in the body.
- Copper contributes to normal skin pigmentation.
- Copper contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
- Copper contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
Copper is a mineral that you need to stay healthy. Your body uses copper to carry out many important functions, including making energy, connective tissues, and blood vessels. NIH fact sheet
High in manganese · 2.9 mg per 100 g, 145% of the reference intake per 100 g
- Manganese contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
- Manganese contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
- Manganese contributes to the normal formation of connective tissue.
1 more authorised claims
- Manganese contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
Manganese is a mineral that your body needs to stay healthy. Your body uses manganese to make energy and protect your cells from damage. NIH fact sheet
Source of phosphorus · 134 mg per 100 g, 19% of the reference intake per 100 g
- Phosphorus contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
- Phosphorus contributes to normal function of cell membranes.
- Phosphorus contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
1 more authorised claims
- Phosphorus contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth.
Phosphorus is a mineral contained in each cell in our body. Most phosphorus is in the bones and teeth, and some is in your genes. NIH fact sheet
Source of magnesium · 69 mg per 100 g, 18% of the reference intake per 100 g
- Magnesium contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
- Magnesium contributes to electrolyte balance.
- Magnesium contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
7 more authorised claims
- Magnesium contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
- Magnesium contributes to normal muscle function.
- Magnesium contributes to normal protein synthesis.
- Magnesium contributes to normal psychological function.
- Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
- Magnesium contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth.
- Magnesium has a role in the process of cell division.
Magnesium is a nutrient that the body needs to stay healthy. Magnesium is important for many processes in the body, including regulating muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure and making protein, bone, and DNA. NIH fact sheet
Nutrients per 100 g of “Flour, chestnut”, USDA FoodData Central.
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Chicken egg
High in vitamin D · 2.0 µg per 100 g, 40% of the reference intake per 100 g
- Vitamin D contributes to normal absorption/utilisation of calcium and phosphorus.
- Vitamin D contributes to normal blood calcium levels.
- Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
4 more authorised claims
- Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal muscle function.
- Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth.
- Vitamin D contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
- Vitamin D has a role in the process of cell division.
Vitamin D is a nutrient you need for good health. It helps your body absorb calcium, one of the main building blocks for strong bones. NIH fact sheet
High in riboflavin · 0.5 mg per 100 g, 33% of the reference intake per 100 g
- Riboflavin contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
- Riboflavin contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
- Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes.
6 more authorised claims
- Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal red blood cells.
- Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.
- Riboflavin contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.
- Riboflavin contributes to the normal metabolism of iron.
- Riboflavin contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
- Riboflavin contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Riboflavin (also called vitamin B2) is important for the growth, development, and function of the cells in your body. It also helps turn the food you eat into the energy you need. NIH fact sheet
High in vitamin B12 · 0.9 µg per 100 g, 36% of the reference intake per 100 g
- Vitamin B12 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
- Vitamin B12 contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system.
- Vitamin B12 contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism.
5 more authorised claims
- Vitamin B12 contributes to normal psychological function.
- Vitamin B12 contributes to normal red blood cell formation.
- Vitamin B12 contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
- Vitamin B12 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
- Vitamin B12 has a role in the process of cell division.
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep your body’s blood and nerve cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all of your cells. NIH fact sheet
High in selenium · 31 µg per 100 g, 56% of the reference intake per 100 g
- Selenium contributes to normal spermatogenesis.
- Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal hair.
- Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal nails.
3 more authorised claims
- Selenium contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
- Selenium contributes to the normal thyroid function.
- Selenium contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
Selenium is a nutrient that the body needs to stay healthy. Your thyroid gland needs selenium to produce hormones and function properly. NIH fact sheet
High in protein · 13 g per 100 g, 35% of the energy from protein
- Protein contributes to a growth in muscle mass.
- Protein contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.
- Protein contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
Source of vitamin A · 160 µg per 100 g, 20% of the reference intake per 100 g
- Vitamin A contributes to normal iron metabolism.
- Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal mucous membranes.
- Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal skin.
3 more authorised claims
- Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.
- Vitamin A contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
- Vitamin A has a role in the process of cell specialisation.
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in many foods. Vitamin A is important for normal vision, the immune system, reproduction, and growth and development. NIH fact sheet
Source of folate · 47 µg per 100 g, 24% of the reference intake per 100 g
- Folate contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy.
- Folate contributes to normal amino acid synthesis.
- Folate contributes to normal blood formation.
5 more authorised claims
- Folate contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism.
- Folate contributes to normal psychological function.
- Folate contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
- Folate contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
- Folate has a role in the process of cell division.
Folate is a B-vitamin that is naturally present in many foods. Your body needs folate to make DNA and other genetic material. NIH fact sheet
Source of pantothenic acid · 1.5 mg per 100 g, 26% of the reference intake per 100 g
- Pantothenic acid contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
- Pantothenic acid contributes to normal mental performance.
- Pantothenic acid contributes to normal synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, vitamin D and some neurotransmitters.
1 more authorised claims
- Pantothenic acid contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Pantothenic acid (also called vitamin B5) helps turn the food you eat into the energy you need. It’s important for many functions in the body, especially making and breaking down fats. NIH fact sheet
Source of phosphorus · 198 mg per 100 g, 28% of the reference intake per 100 g
- Phosphorus contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism.
- Phosphorus contributes to normal function of cell membranes.
- Phosphorus contributes to the maintenance of normal bones.
1 more authorised claims
- Phosphorus contributes to the maintenance of normal teeth.
Phosphorus is a mineral contained in each cell in our body. Most phosphorus is in the bones and teeth, and some is in your genes. NIH fact sheet
Source of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) · 58 mg per 100 g, at least 40 mg per 100 g and per 100 kcal
- EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of EPA and DHA.
The three main omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA is found mainly in plant oils such as flaxseed, soybean, and canola oils. NIH fact sheet
Contains DHA · 58 mg per 100 g, at least 40 mg per 100 g and per 100 kcal
- DHA contributes to maintenance of normal brain function. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of DHA.
- DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision. The beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of DHA.
The three main omega-3 fatty acids are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA is found mainly in plant oils such as flaxseed, soybean, and canola oils. NIH fact sheet
Contains choline · 294 mg per 100 g, at least 82.5 mg per 100 g
- Choline contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism.
- Choline contributes to normal lipid metabolism.
- Choline contributes to the maintenance of normal liver function.
Choline is a nutrient that is found in many foods. Your brain and nervous system need it to regulate memory, mood, muscle control, and other functions. NIH fact sheet
Nutrients per 100 g of “Egg, whole, raw, fresh”, USDA FoodData Central.
Claims: EU Register of health claims (Regulation (EU) No 432/2012, © European Union, CC BY 4.0), shown only where the ingredient meets the claim's conditions (Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006). Nutrients: USDA FoodData Central (CC0). Facts: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (public domain).
Cook safely
Keep children and pets away from the hob and the oven, and keep oven gloves and a lid within reach.
- Hot oil. Never put water on an oil fire: turn off the heat and cover the pan with a lid or a damp tea towel. Pat food dry before it goes into hot oil, and lower it in gently, away from you.
- Oven and hot trays. Use dry oven gloves for trays and dishes: a hot tray looks just like a cold one. Open the oven door away from your face and let the first rush of heat out.
- Blending hot liquid. Let it cool a little first, fill the blender no more than a third, and hold the lid down with a folded towel. Start on the lowest speed. A stick blender in the pan is safer.
- Sharp knives. Cut on a board that doesn't slip (a damp cloth under it helps), and curl the fingers of the hand that holds the food.
Method
Chef Wood
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- In New York City you can find roasted chestnuts readily. If you cannot find roasted chestnuts, here is what to do. Take 10 chestnuts and score a cross on the pointed end of each chestnut and roast in the oven at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes. Peel the nuts and chop them until the texture is of bread crumbs. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl place the ricotta cheese, 2 eggs and 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano and blend well. With your hands mix in the chestnut flour until a smooth cookie-like dough forms. If the dough is too soft add slightly more chestnut flour until you reach the desired consistency. To test the dough, form a small ball and set aside. The dough ball should be able to hold its shape.
- In a small bowl beat the remaining egg. Take a small amount of the ricotta mixture and make a 2-inch ball. Carefully cover the ball with the beaten egg and while still wet, dredge in chopped chestnuts. Gently press the nuts so that they adhere. Continue this process until all the cheese mixture is finished. Allow the balls to rest for 20 minutes on a plate in your refrigerator to dry.
- Pour the 1 quart olive oil into a large 4-quart sauce pan, one with sides at least 6 inches high. Heat the oil over medium heat until just smoking.
- Meanwhile combine the anchovies with their juices, garlic and 1/2 cup olive oil in a small sauce pan and stir over medium heat. Mash the anchovies to a paste and cook until just warm but not hot -- about 10 minutes. Stir in the butter 1 tablespoon at a time until melted and smooth. Set aside.
- Fry the ricotta balls in hot oil until golden brown, turning with tongs about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove ricotta balls with tongs to a plate covered with paper towels. Place in a warm oven (180 degrees) while frying the remainder of the balls. Pour bagna cauda into individual ramekins and serve as a dipping sauce.
Plating
Cookware for this recipe
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Frying pan
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Saucepan
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Baking dish
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Mixing bowl
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Blender
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Chef's knife
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Cutting board
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Grater
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Vegetable peeler
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Wooden spoon
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Tongs