Ricotta and Spinach Gnocchi Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cooked spinach, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Mixing bowl
- Fork
- Wooden spoon
- Rolling pin
- Knife
- Large skillet

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cooked spinach, egg, grated parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix well with a fork.

2. Add the all-purpose flour to the mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until a dough forms.

3. Dust a clean surface with flour and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough for 2-3 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.

4. Divide the dough into 4 equal parts and roll each part into a long rope about 1 inch thick.

5. Cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces and use a fork to press each piece lightly to create ridges.

6. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface.

7. While the gnocchi are cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped basil, parsley, and chives and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

8. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the herb butter. Toss to coat the gnocchi with the butter and herbs.

9. Serve hot and garnish with additional grated parmesan cheese and chopped herbs, if desired.


- Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
- Boiling water for cooking gnocchi
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 365
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 17g
- Fiber: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Fresh spinach can be substituted for cooked spinach
- Pecorino Romano cheese can be substituted for parmesan cheese
- Whole wheat flour can be substituted for all-purpose flour

Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or pancetta to the herb butter for a smoky flavor
- Substitute other herbs such as rosemary or thyme for the basil, parsley, and chives
- Add a splash of white wine to the herb butter for a tangy flavor

Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to squeeze as much water as possible out of the cooked spinach before adding it to the ricotta mixture to prevent the gnocchi from becoming too wet.
- Dust your hands with flour before rolling the gnocchi ropes to prevent the dough from sticking to your hands.
- Cook the gnocchi in small batches to prevent them from sticking together.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, simply place the gnocchi in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the gnocchi in individual bowls or on a large platter for sharing.
- Garnish with additional chopped herbs and grated parmesan cheese for added flavor and visual appeal.

Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, and chives
- Grated parmesan cheese

Pairings:
- A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- A light white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts
- Grilled chicken or shrimp
- A creamy tomato soup

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the gnocchi dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it becomes easier to work with.
- If the gnocchi are falling apart in the boiling water, try pressing them more firmly with the fork to create deeper ridges.

Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the gnocchi to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that they are safe to eat.

Food history:
- Gnocchi is a traditional Italian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is typically made with potatoes, but this recipe uses ricotta cheese and spinach for a lighter, healthier twist.

Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, cheesy, and herbaceous

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the gnocchi as a main course for a vegetarian meal or as a side dish for a meat-based meal.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Creamy, Herby, Cheesy, Earthy