How to Make Chef John's Basil Ricotta Gnocchi - A Step-by-Step Guide

Chef John's Basil Ricotta Gnocchi is a delightful and delicious dish that will elevate your cooking game to a whole new level. This recipe combines the light and pillowy texture of gnocchi with the fresh and fragrant flavor of basil, making for a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you are a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress and delight your family and friends.

Gnocchi is a traditional Italian pasta that is made from po...

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 (12 ounce) container whole-milk ricotta cheese, drained well
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • 1 ½ ounces freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
  • 10 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for browning (Optional)

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 5 mins
  • Additional Time: 1 hr
  • Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins
  • Servings: 4
  • Yield: 4 servings

  • 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

    324 cal.

    • Total Fat: 18g
    • Saturated Fat: 11g
    • Cholesterol: 144mg
    • Sodium: 906mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 20g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 1g
    • Protein: 19g
    • Vitamin C: 2mg
    • Calcium: 386mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 208mg