Photography, Ashley van der Laan

Ricotta Gnocchi

Light, pillowy and surprisingly simple to make, these ricotta gnocchi deliver all the satisfaction of homemade pasta with much less fuss.

 

Ricotta Gnocchi

Soo Kim

Ingredients

  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta
  • 1 egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • ¾ cup finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano plus more for serving
  • ¾ tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper plus more for serving
  • ¼ tsp freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (approx)
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil plus more for serving
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • fried sage leaves for garnish (see tip)
  • balsamic vinegar

Instructions
 

  • In large bowl, stir together ricotta, egg and egg yolk until combined. Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Sift in flour, a little at a time, stirring until dough comes together.
  • Turn out onto generously floured work surface. Using your hands, roll into a smooth ball, adding as much flour as needed to achieve a smooth, slightly sticky dough.
  • Press and shape into a square; divide into 8 equal portions. Roll each piece into an 8-inch (20 cm) rope; cut each into 8 pieces. Transfer to lightly floured baking sheet, leaving space between each gnocchi.
  • Bring large pot of salted water to a boil. Add gnocchi in batches, gently stirring to prevent sticking to the bottom. Cook until gnocchi float to the top, 2½ to 3 minutes; remove with slotted spoon to another baking sheet.
  • Heat a drizzle of olive oil in skillet or pot over medium heat. Add cooked gnocchi and cook, flipping, until golden and excess water is absorbed.
  • Cook butter in pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until browned and nutty, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to heat-safe bowl, leaving dark bits in pot.
  • Add 2 tbsp of the brown butter to small skillet over medium heat. Add gnocchi and heat, stirring until well coated, about 1 minute.
  • To serve, spoon gnocchi onto plate, drizzle with more brown butter and sprinkle with fried sage leaves, more finely grated Parmsan, freshly ground black pepper and a few drops of balsamic vinegar.
  • Fried Sage Leaves: To make fried sage leaves, separate the leaves 1 bunch of fresh sage. Heat a shallow depth of olive oil in a small pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, fry the sage leaves until the sizzling has mostly subsided but the herbs are still green. Remove sage to a paper towel-lined bowl and season with a pinch of salt.
Keyword gnocchi, homemade gnocchi, homemade pasta, Italian recipes, pasta recipes, ricotta, ricotta gnocchi
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