Easy Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi: A Quick and Delicious Italian Dish

Gnocchi, the classic Italian dish made from soft, pillowy dough, is beloved by many for its rich and comforting texture. While traditional potato gnocchi can be a bit time-consuming to make, ricotta gnocchi offers a faster, equally delicious alternative. If you’re craving homemade gnocchi but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, easy homemade ricotta gnocchi is your answer! This recipe delivers the same light, airy bite, all while being incredibly simple to prepare with just a few basic ingredients.

In this post, we’ll take you step by step through how to make perfect ricotta gnocchi at home. You’ll learn the best techniques, ingredient tips, and how to serve your gnocchi for a meal that will impress any dinner guest. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal or preparing a special dish for a dinner party, homemade ricotta gnocchi will always be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients for Easy Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi:

• 1 tub (16 oz) whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 cup grated pecorino cheese
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions to Make Easy Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi

Step 1: Drain the Ricotta

The first step in making homemade ricotta gnocchi is to properly drain the ricotta. This is a crucial step to ensure the dough isn’t too wet, which can make the gnocchi sticky and difficult to shape.

1. Line a sheet pan with paper towels: Lay down a layer of paper towels on the sheet pan to help absorb the moisture from the ricotta.
2. Spread the ricotta: Spread the ricotta cheese evenly over the towels, covering the entire surface.
3. Press the ricotta: Top with another layer of paper towels and gently press down to remove excess moisture.
4. Let it sit: Allow the ricotta to sit for 20 to 30 minutes, giving the paper towels enough time to soak up the liquid.

This process will ensure that your ricotta isn’t overly wet, allowing the gnocchi to have the perfect texture once cooked.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

Once the ricotta is drained, it’s time to prepare the dough. This step involves combining all the ingredients to form a smooth, sticky dough.

1. Transfer ricotta to a mixing bowl: Take your drained ricotta and place it in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the eggs and egg yolk: Crack in the whole egg and add the egg yolk. These will help bind the dough together and provide richness.
3. Incorporate the pecorino: Add the grated pecorino cheese to the ricotta mixture. Pecorino adds a sharp, salty flavor that complements the mildness of the ricotta.
4. Add flour, salt, and pepper: Stir in the all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, and black pepper to taste. Continue mixing until a sticky dough forms. Don’t worry if it’s a little sticky at this point; it will come together when you knead it.

Step 3: Shape the Gnocchi

Now that you’ve made the dough, it’s time to shape the gnocchi. While traditional gnocchi is made with potato, ricotta gnocchi is lighter and quicker to form. Here’s how to shape them:

1. Flour your work surface: Lightly flour your countertop or work surface to prevent the dough from sticking.
2. Divide and roll the dough: Divide the dough into four equal portions. Take one portion at a time and roll it into a log, about 12 to 15 inches long.
3. Cut into pieces: Once you have the logs, cut them into small pieces, about 1-inch long, to form your gnocchi.
4. Optional: Use a fork to shape the gnocchi: Traditional gnocchi often have ridges. You can use a fork to gently press down on each piece to create these ridges, which help sauces cling to the gnocchi.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

Once your gnocchi are shaped, it’s time to cook them! Cooking ricotta gnocchi is quick and easy, but it’s important to get the timing just right for that perfect texture.

1. Boil salted water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Salted water enhances the flavor of the gnocchi as it cooks.
2. Add the gnocchi: Carefully drop the gnocchi into the boiling water in small batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot.
3. Wait for them to float: Cook the gnocchi for about 30 seconds or until they float to the surface of the water. This is a sign that they’re done!
4. Drain and dry: Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi from the water and place them on a towel-lined plate to drain.

Step 5: Serve Your Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi

Now that your ricotta gnocchi are cooked, it’s time to serve them! You can toss the gnocchi with your favorite sauce, like a rich tomato sauce with fresh basil and parmesan, or a brown butter sauce with sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, savory flavor.

1. Toss with sauce: Once drained, immediately toss the gnocchi with the sauce of your choice. The sauce will cling to the ridges of the gnocchi, creating a satisfying bite with every forkful.
2. Serve hot: Serve the gnocchi while they’re hot for the best texture and flavor.

Tips for Perfect Ricotta Gnocchi

• Use whole milk ricotta: The richness of whole milk ricotta creates a softer, more flavorful gnocchi. Avoid using low-fat or part-skim ricotta, as it can make the gnocchi too dry.
• Drain the ricotta well: Ensure you properly drain the ricotta to avoid a soggy dough. Excess moisture can lead to sticky gnocchi that’s difficult to work with.
• Work quickly: Once your dough is prepared, try to shape and cook the gnocchi promptly. The dough can become harder to work with if it sits too long.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot: When cooking the gnocchi, make sure you add them in small batches to avoid overcrowding. This will ensure they cook evenly and float to the surface properly.

FAQs About Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi

1. Can I freeze ricotta gnocchi?
Yes, you can freeze ricotta gnocchi! To do so, place the uncooked gnocchi in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook them, you can drop them straight into boiling water without thawing.

2. Can I make ricotta gnocchi without eggs?
While eggs help bind the dough and provide richness, you can try an egg-free version by using a little extra flour and water to help form the dough. However, the texture may be slightly different.

3. What sauces pair best with ricotta gnocchi?
Ricotta gnocchi pairs wonderfully with a variety of sauces. Tomato-based sauces with basil, brown butter sauce with sage, or creamy parmesan sauces are all great options.

4. Can I use a different cheese besides pecorino?
Yes! While pecorino adds a sharp flavor, you can substitute it with parmesan or another hard cheese of your choice. Just make sure to use a good-quality cheese for the best taste.

5. How can I make ricotta gnocchi gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You may need to experiment a bit with the amount, as gluten-free flours can vary in absorbency.

Conclusion

Making easy homemade ricotta gnocchi is a straightforward and enjoyable process that yields delicious results. The soft, pillowy gnocchi combined with your favorite sauce is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family meal or a special occasion, this recipe will not disappoint. By following these simple steps and tips, you can create perfect ricotta gnocchi every time. So, why not give it a try today and indulge in the comforting, rich flavors of this homemade Italian classic?

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