Why You’ll Love this Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi

You’re going to absolutely love this homemade ricotta gnocchi! It’s super easy, fun to make, and oh-so-delicious!

Just imagine soft, pillowy bites of goodness topped with your favorite sauce. When you mix ricotta, flour, and an egg, it all comes together beautifully.

Plus, they cook quickly in boiling salted water. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked!

What Ingredients are in Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi?

Alright, let’s plunge into the delicious world of gnocchi! You know, it may sound fancy or complicated, but making homemade ricotta gnocchi is surprisingly simple and super rewarding.

The combination of ricotta, flour, and an egg creates a creamy, tender dough that transforms into those delightful little dumplings we all love. Just picture them lightly sautéed in butter or tossed with your favorite pasta sauce; it’s pure comfort food bliss.

If you’re ready to impress your taste buds (and maybe some dinner guests), let’s get to the ingredients you’ll need to whip this up.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ricotta cheese
• 2 cups flour (plus more for rolling)
• 1 egg

Now, a couple of things to keep in mind about these ingredients. First off, choosing high-quality ricotta can make a world of difference.

Look for the creamy kind that feels fresh and fluffy, rather than the dry or grainy ones; trust me, your gnocchi will be grateful.

And when it comes to flour, don’t shy away from a little extra for dusting—nobody likes sticky hands or surfaces.

This is one time when a little extra flour can go a long way in keeping the gnocchi from turning into a gooey mess.

How to Make this Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi

Making your own ricotta gnocchi is like throwing a mini fiesta in your kitchen, and honestly, who doesn’t love a good party?

First off, gather your ingredients: you’ll need 1 pound of ricotta cheese, 2 cups of flour, and 1 egg. Start by beating that egg in a mixing bowl—that’s the glue that brings everything together. Once it’s nicely scrambled up, add the ricotta cheese. It’s creamy, delightful goodness that will transform your dish into something special.

Begin blending in the flour gradually to create a soft dough. No need to whip it into submission—just mix until it’s all combined, and you’ll be ready to roll, quite literally.

Now, once your dough is ready, flour your hands (trust me, this is essential). Divide the sticky goodness into four sections; this way, it won’t be overwhelming to work with. Roll each section into long “snake” shapes on a floured surface—think of long pasta worms, but much tastier.

Cut these snakes into 1-inch pieces. Here’s a fun twist: take your thumb and gently press each piece flat. This not only gives it that classic gnocchi shape but also makes it easier to soak up whatever delicious sauce you decide to drown them in later.

Fast freeze them for about 10 minutes on a cookie sheet. Why the freeze? It helps the gnocchi hold their shape during cooking.

Now, the moment of truth. Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil; it’s like preparing a hot tub for your little dumplings. Once the water is bubbling away, toss your gnocchi in. They’ll sink at first, but keep an eye on them, they’ll rise to the top when they’re ready—like they’re saying, “Hey! We’re done!”

Let them hang out in the boiling water for about 5 minutes. Then, strain and serve with your favorite spaghetti sauce.

And voilà, you’ve just created a homemade Italian feast that would make any Nonna proud. Having the right professional chef knife makes cutting the gnocchi into perfectly uniform pieces much easier and more efficient. Enjoy the flavors—and the accolades from your family or friends. Just be prepared for them to ask for seconds, or maybe even thirds.

Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi Substitutions and Variations

When it comes to homemade ricotta gnocchi, switching things up can be just as fun as making the original recipe!

You can swap out some flour for semolina for a different texture. Or, try adding spinach to the dough for a vibrant color and flavor!

Experimenting like this makes your gnocchi exciting! Just keep the ratios similar, and enjoy the process!

What to Serve with Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi

Serving homemade ricotta gnocchi can be just as exciting as making them!

I love pairing them with a simple marinara sauce—just heat store-bought tomato sauce in a pot! You can add fresh basil or grated Parmesan for that extra flavor.

Toss everything together for delightful bites.

Honestly, a side salad or garlic bread makes the meal even more luscious! Enjoy!

Final Thoughts

Even if you’ve never made homemade gnocchi before, I promise it’s a fun adventure you’ll love!

The fresh ricotta gives these little pillows a wonderful taste. Remember, it’s all about keeping that dough light and fluffy.

Don’t worry if your first batch isn’t perfect—your next will be even better! Immerse yourself, have fun, and enjoy these delicious gnocchi with your favorite sauce!