Ricotta-Green Onion Gnocchi

Ricotta-Green Onion Gnocchi Recipe - Vegetarian Italian Dish

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 5-7 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Ricotta-Green Onion Gnocchi is a delicious and flavorful Italian dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. These pillowy soft dumplings are made with ricotta cheese, green onions, and a touch of parmesan cheese for added richness. They are easy to make and can be served with your favorite sauce for a satisfying meal.

History

Gnocchi is a traditional Italian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Northern Italy and has since become a popular dish all over the world. Ricotta-Green Onion Gnocchi is a modern twist on the classic recipe, adding a unique flavor and texture to the dish.

Ingredients

15 oz (425 g) of part-skim ricotta cheese
1 large beaten egg
1 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of freshly ground black pepper
0.5 cup of finely chopped green onions
0.5 cup of grated asiago or parmesan cheese
1 cup of unbleached all-purpose flour

How to prepare

Place the ricotta in a colander to drain. Transfer it to a medium bowl and add the remaining ingredients except for the flour. Mix everything well. Gradually add the flour, working it in until a soft yet firm ball is formed, which should take about 3 minutes.
Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. On a generously floured surface, roll each section into a log that is about 1 inch in diameter and 9 inches long. Cut the logs into 1 inch segments and slightly indent each one with a fork. Thoroughly cover them with flour and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until you are ready to use them.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi to the pot and stir gently to prevent sticking. When the gnocchi float to the top, they are cooked, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. If using frozen gnocchi, they will take a little longer to cook. Drain them well and serve with your favorite sauce.

Variations

Add cooked spinach or kale to the dough for added nutrition.
Use different herbs such as basil or parsley for a different flavor profile.
Top the gnocchi with crispy pancetta or bacon for a savory twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the ricotta cheese well before using it in the recipe to prevent the gnocchi from becoming too wet.

- Use a light hand when mixing the dough to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Dust the gnocchi with flour before storing them to prevent sticking.

- Cook the gnocchi in small batches to prevent overcrowding in the pot.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Ricotta-Green Onion Gnocchi with a simple tomato sauce, pesto, or browned butter and sage for a delicious meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be gentle when mixing the dough to avoid tough gnocchi.

- Cook the gnocchi in small batches to ensure even cooking.

- Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi from the water to prevent them from breaking apart.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use whole milk ricotta cheese for a richer flavor.

- Substitute chives or scallions for green onions if desired.

- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the gnocchi dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, you can freeze the gnocchi for up to 1 month before cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Ricotta-Green Onion Gnocchi in a shallow bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top. Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Ricotta-Green Onion Gnocchi with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply sauté the gnocchi in a pan with a little olive oil until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ricotta-Green Onion Gnocchi contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Ricotta-Green Onion Gnocchi contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Ricotta-Green Onion Gnocchi contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Ricotta-Green Onion Gnocchi contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Ricotta cheese is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D, while green onions provide vitamin C and vitamin K.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (ricotta and parmesan cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Ricotta-Green Onion Gnocchi is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Ricotta-Green Onion Gnocchi is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to impress. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Ricotta-Green Onion Gnocchi. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my friend Maria, who was an incredible cook. She had invited me over for lunch and as soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most wonderful aroma.

Maria was busy at the stove, stirring a pot of creamy ricotta mixture. She smiled at me and said, "I'm making my special Ricotta-Green Onion Gnocchi today. Would you like to help me?"

I eagerly agreed and she handed me a bowl of ricotta cheese, green onions, flour, and eggs. As we worked together to form the gnocchi dough and shape them into little dumplings, Maria shared with me the story of how she learned this recipe.

She told me that many years ago, she had traveled to Italy with her husband and they had the opportunity to stay with a local family in Tuscany. The grandmother of the family, Nonna Isabella, was a master in the kitchen and she had generously shared her recipes with Maria.

One day, Nonna Isabella had taught Maria how to make her famous Ricotta-Green Onion Gnocchi. It was a simple yet delicious dish that had been passed down through generations in their family. Maria had been so captivated by the flavors and textures of the gnocchi that she had made it her own and added her own twist to the recipe.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, Maria served the Ricotta-Green Onion Gnocchi with a light tomato sauce and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The gnocchi were light and pillowy, with a subtle sweetness from the ricotta and a hint of freshness from the green onions.

I was blown away by how delicious the dish was and I knew that I had to learn how to make it for myself. Maria graciously shared the recipe with me and over the years, I have made it countless times for my own family and friends.

Every time I make the Ricotta-Green Onion Gnocchi, I am reminded of that sunny day in Maria's kitchen and the joy of cooking together with a dear friend. I have added my own touch to the recipe, incorporating fresh herbs and spices to enhance the flavors even more.

As I continue to pass down this recipe to my own children and grandchildren, I am filled with gratitude for the friendships and experiences that have shaped my love for cooking. The Ricotta-Green Onion Gnocchi will always hold a special place in my heart, as a reminder of the power of good food to bring people together and create lasting memories.