Recipe courtesy of Elena Besser
Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi with Fresh Herbs
- Level: Easy
- Yield: 6 servings
-
- Nutritional Analysis
- Per Serving
- Serving Size
- 1 of 6 servings
- Calories
- 379
- Total Fat
- 21
- Saturated Fat
- 11
- Carbohydrates
- 24
- Dietary Fiber
- 3
- Sugar
- 3
- Protein
- 23
- Cholesterol
- 117
- Sodium
- 702
- Total: 50 min (includes resting time)
- Active: 40 min
Ingredients
2 cups whole-milk ricotta (about 16 ounces)
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1 cup fresh mint leaves
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
2 large eggs
1/2 cup finely chopped chives
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting and shaping
1 1/2 cups tomato sauce (half a 24-ounce jar)
Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Directions
- Line a plate with a clean kitchen towel or a layer of 2 to 3 paper towels. Spread the the ricotta on the towel in a thin, even layer with a rubber spatula; this will help remove any excess moisture from the ricotta. Fold the edges of the towel over the ricotta, lightly press down and set aside to drain, about 15 minutes.
- Finely chop 1/2 cup of the basil leaves and 1/2 cup of the mint leaves, reserving the remaining leaves for garnish.
- In a large bowl, mix the chopped basil and mint, drained ricotta, Parmesan, eggs, 1/4 cup of the chives, 2 teaspoons salt and a healthy crack of black pepper with a rubber spatula until smooth and well-combined. Add the flour in 4 parts (1/4 cup at a time), delicately folding with the spatula between each addition to make sure the gnocchi dough remains light and fluffy.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and dust with flour. Set aside.
- Dust a clean counter or cutting board with flour. Scoop the dough out of the bowl and onto the floured surface, dust with more flour and use your hands to form into a thick ball. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 12-inch-long and 1/2-inch-thick snake. Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces and place on the prepared baking sheet until ready to cook.
- In a large skillet, bring the tomato sauce to a simmer over medium heat, 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low to keep warm.
- Season the boiling water heavily with salt. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the top, 1 to 3 minutes. Transfer the gnocchi directly to the sauce using a slotted spoon or spider, add 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and delicately toss together until warmed through, taking care to not break the gnocchi.
- To plate, divide the gnocchi and sauce among 6 shallow bowls and top with Parmesan, the reserved basil and mint, the remaining 1/4 cup chives and a drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy!