Welcome to the delectable world of Chef John's Basil Ricotta Gnocchi! Embark on a culinary journey as we discover the secrets behind creating these light, fluffy, and flavorful dumplings. With a perfect balance of herbs, cheese, and pasta, this dish tantalizes taste buds and leaves you craving more. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook seeking to elevate your cooking skills, this article will guide you through the steps of making Basil Ricotta Gnocchi like a pro. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful dish that combines the essence of Italian cuisine with a modern twist.
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CHEF JOHN'S BASIL RICOTTA GNOCCHI
This technique turns out beautifully light, tender gnocchi every time and are just as good, if not better, than the classic potato-based gnocchi. And much easier. Plus you can make them ahead of time and brown them in butter before serving.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Dumplings
Time 1h20m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Briefly blanch basil leaves in simmering water, about 20 seconds. Transfer immediately to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking. Drain on towels. Place basil in bowl of a blender. Add eggs. Blend until basil is blended in and mixture achieves an even green color with flecks of basil.
- Place ricotta in a mixing bowl. Add basil/egg mixture, salt, cayenne, Parmesan cheese, and flour. Thoroughly mix together using a spatula; whisk mixture to ensure ingredient are evenly blended. Cover and refrigerate until chilled and firm, about 2 hours.
- Scoop out a small portion of dough using a teaspoon. Using a second spoon, shape into a rounded oval. Repeat until you have enough gnocchi for a batch, about 6 or so.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a simmer. Drop shaped gnocchi in batches into pot as you form them. After a minute or so they will rise to the surface. Continue simmering until they spring back to the touch when you remove one from the water to test it, 2 to 3 more minutes. Transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon to cool. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Optional step: Melt butter in a skillet until bubbling. Add cooked gnocchi and brown on each side. Serve with a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of the butter from the pan.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 323.5 calories, Carbohydrate 20.2 g, Cholesterol 144 mg, Fat 18.3 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 19.3 g, SaturatedFat 10.5 g, Sodium 905.5 mg, Sugar 0.6 g
CHEF JOHN'S BASIL RICOTTA GNOCCHI
This technique turns out beautifully light, tender gnocchi every time and are just as good, if not better, than the classic potato-based gnocchi. And much easier. Plus you can make them ahead of time and brown them in butter before serving.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Main Dish Recipes Dumpling Recipes
Time 1h20m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Briefly blanch basil leaves in simmering water, about 20 seconds. Transfer immediately to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking. Drain on towels. Place basil in bowl of a blender. Add eggs. Blend until basil is blended in and mixture achieves an even green color with flecks of basil.
- Place ricotta in a mixing bowl. Add basil/egg mixture, salt, cayenne, Parmesan cheese, and flour. Thoroughly mix together using a spatula; whisk mixture to ensure ingredient are evenly blended. Cover and refrigerate until chilled and firm, about 2 hours.
- Scoop out a small portion of dough using a teaspoon. Using a second spoon, shape into a rounded oval. Repeat until you have enough gnocchi for a batch, about 6 or so.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a simmer. Drop shaped gnocchi in batches into pot as you form them. After a minute or so they will rise to the surface. Continue simmering until they spring back to the touch when you remove one from the water to test it, 2 to 3 more minutes. Transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon to cool. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Optional step: Melt butter in a skillet until bubbling. Add cooked gnocchi and brown on each side. Serve with a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of the butter from the pan.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 323.5 calories, Carbohydrate 20.2 g, Cholesterol 144 mg, Fat 18.3 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Protein 19.3 g, SaturatedFat 10.5 g, Sodium 905.5 mg, Sugar 0.6 g
CHEF JOHN'S BASIL RICOTTA GNOCCHI
Steps:
- Briefly blanch basil leaves in simmering water, about 20 seconds. Transfer immediately to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking. Drain on towels.
- Place basil in bowl of a blender. Add eggs. Blend until basil is blended in and mixture achieves an even green color with flecks of basil.
- Place ricotta in a mixing bowl. Add basil/egg mixture, salt, cayenne, Parmesan cheese, and flour. Thoroughly mix together using a spatula; whisk mixture to ensure ingredient are evenly blended.
- Cover and refrigerate until chilled and firm, about 2 hours.
- Scoop out a small portion of dough using a teaspoon. Using a second spoon, shape into a rounded oval. Repeat until you have enough gnocchi for a batch, about 6 or so.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a simmer. To check seasoning, cook a test piece of dough in salted water. Add more salt if needed.
- Drop shaped gnocchi in batches into pot as you form them. After a minute or so they will rise to the surface. Continue simmering until they spring back to the touch when you remove one from the water to test it, 2 to 3 more minutes. Transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon to cool. Repeat with the remaining dough.
- Optional step: Melt butter in a skillet until bubbling. Add cooked gnocchi and brown on each side.
- Serve with a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of the butter from the pan.
- Note: My fancy basket ricotta tends to be low-moisture, so if you're using the much wetter supermarket brands, be sure to drain in a strainer in the fridge for a few hours to allow the excess water to drip out.
- Note: You can serve those with any of your favorite pasta sauces for a main dish, or served "as is," they make a stellar side dish or first course.
Tips:
- Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Be careful not to overmix the gnocchi dough, or it will become tough.
- Gnocchi can be cooked in a variety of ways, including boiling, baking, and frying. Experiment to find your favorite method.
- Serve gnocchi with a variety of sauces, such as pesto, tomato sauce, or Alfredo sauce.
- Gnocchi can also be used in soups and stews.
Conclusion:
Basil ricotta gnocchi is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to use up fresh basil and ricotta cheese, and it can be served with a variety of sauces and toppings. Whether you are a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to please. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, give basil ricotta gnocchi a try.
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