Ricotta Gnocchi with Summer Herbs

By joanmarie

Ingredients

• Kosher salt
• 2 cups fresh ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons
• extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest, plus more for sprinkling
• Freshly ground pepper
• Snipped chives, chopped parsley and small basil leaves, for garnish

Preparation

Step 1

Step 1
Tie a length of thin kitchen twine tightly across a large, two-handled saucepan. Fill the saucepan with water and bring to a simmer. Add a generous pinch of salt.

Step 2
Meanwhile, in a food processor, pulse the ricotta with the egg and cheese until smooth; scrape down the side of the bowl as necessary. Add the flour and 1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt and pulse until just incorporated.


Step 3
Scrape the gnocchi dough into a pastry bag fitted with a 1/2- to 3/4-inch round tip. Alternatively, use a large sturdy resealable plastic bag; press the dough into a corner of the bag to remove as much air as possible, then snip off the corner to make a 1/2- to 3/4-inch opening.

Step 4
Using steady pressure and working over the pot of simmering water, pipe out 1/3 of the gnocchi dough into 3/4-inch pieces, using the twine to cut them into the saucepan. Simmer until the gnocchi rise to the surface, then continue simmering until they’re plumped and just cooked through, about 5 minutes total. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the gnocchi to a lightly oiled rimmed baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough in 2 batches.


Step 5
Transfer the gnocchi to a platter. Add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the lemon zest and gently toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper and toss again. Serve in shallow bowls, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil, grated lemon zest, snipped chives, chopped parsley and small basil leaves. Serve right away.