Ricotta Gnocchi with Spring Vegetables

(from castro15’s recipe box)

Categories: Pasta

Ingredients

  • Ricotta Gnocchi:
  • Semolina flour for dusting
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan plus 1/2 cup shaved, divided
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided
  • 3/4-1 1/4 cups flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • Spring Vegetable Sauce:
  • 1 cup shelled fresh fava beans
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 4 cups halved and thinly sliced leeks
  • 1 1/2 cups sliced asparagus
  • 1 cup peas, fresh
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 4 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp. chopped fresh basil
  • 1 tbsp. chopped parsley

Directions

  1. To prepare gnocchi: Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and generously dust with semolina flour.

  2. Drain ricotta and pat dry with paper towels. Combine the ricotta, grated Parmesan and 1/2 tsp salt in a large bowl; add 3/4 cup flour and stir until just combined. Whisk egg and egg yolk in a small bowl and stir into the ricotta mixture until loosely combined. Generously dust a work surface with flour and turn the dough with floured hands. Form it into a 3×6-inch log.

  3. With a floured knife, cut the log crosswise into 4 equal pieces. Starting at the center of the dough and pressing lightly with your fingers, roll each portion into a 3/4-x-15-inch rope, gently pulling and stretching the dough as you roll. Cut into 1/2-inch pieces and place on the prepared baking sheet. Place in the freeze until the gnocchi are frozen, about 30 minutes.

  4. To prepare sauce: Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Add the shelled fava beans and cook for 30 seconds. Drain well. Remove the cap at the top and slip each bean out of its waxy coating.

  5. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until very soft, 6-8 minutes. Stir in asparagus, peas and the favas. Add broth, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cook, stirring often, until the asparagus is almost tender, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

  6. To cook gnocchi: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tsp salt and drop in the frozen gnocchi. Cook, stirring gently, for 4-5 minutes. As the gnocchi float to the top, scoop them into a large bowl with a slotted spoon.

  7. Reheat the sauce, if necessary, and stir in butter, basil and parsley. Pour the sauce over the gnocchi; gently stir to combine. Serve topped with shaved Parmesan.

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