Creamy Spinach Ricotta Gnocchi
Experience the delightful taste of our Creamy Spinach Ricotta Gnocchi. This Italian classic is made using fresh spinach and creamy ricotta cheese, creating a light and flavorful dish. With hints of nutmeg and a toasted finish with Parmesan, these gnocchi are perfect for any occasion, from a cozy family dinner to a special gathering. Made with simple ingredients and easy to follow steps, this recipe allows you to create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen. Serve them warm, topped with a buttery Parmesan sauce, for a delicious meal that everyone will love!
50
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spinach
2 cups (fresh, washed and chopped)
Ricotta Cheese
1 cup (fresh)
Fresh Parmesan Cheese
3/4 cup (grated)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Potato Starch
3 tablespoons (for binding)
Nutmeg
1 pinch (freshly grated if possible)
Salt
to taste
Black Pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Water
3 quarts (for boiling)
Butter
3 tablespoons (for drizzling)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, potato starch, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated and form a smooth dough.
2
Bring 3 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
3
Moisten your hands slightly to prevent sticking, and scoop a small amount of the spinach mixture. Roll it into a ball the size of a walnut, and drop it gently into the boiling water. Repeat this step until the pot is filled, ensuring not to overcrowd.
4
Allow the gnocchi to cook. They will sink to the bottom initially; once they rise to the surface, they are properly cooked. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Remove them with a slotted spoon and set aside.
5
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cooked gnocchi in a baking dish. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and slightly golden. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious homemade gnocchi!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Spinach Ricotta Gnocchi?
It is a light and flavorful Italian classic made with fresh spinach, creamy ricotta cheese, and a hint of nutmeg, typically finished with a toasted Parmesan topping.
Is this gnocchi recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses spinach, cheese, eggs, and starch without any meat products.
What are the primary ingredients for the dough?
The dough consists of chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, a beaten egg, potato starch, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Why is potato starch used in this recipe?
Potato starch acts as a binding agent to help the spinach and ricotta mixture hold its shape while boiling.
How should the spinach be prepared?
The spinach should be fresh, thoroughly washed, and finely chopped before being mixed into the dough.
How long do the gnocchi need to boil?
The gnocchi generally take about 2-3 minutes to cook in boiling water.
How do I know when the gnocchi are finished cooking in the water?
The gnocchi are properly cooked once they rise from the bottom of the pot to the surface of the boiling water.
What is the recommended size for the gnocchi balls?
You should roll the spinach mixture into small balls roughly the size of a walnut.
How do I prevent the dough from sticking to my hands?
Moisten your hands slightly with water before scooping and rolling the spinach mixture to prevent sticking.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) for the final baking step.
How long should the gnocchi be baked?
Bake the gnocchi for approximately 10 minutes until they are heated through and slightly golden.
What kind of sauce is served with these gnocchi?
The recipe features a simple yet delicious buttery Parmesan sauce created by drizzling melted butter and extra cheese over the gnocchi before baking.
Can I use freshly grated nutmeg?
Yes, freshly grated nutmeg is recommended for the best flavor profile in the gnocchi dough.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is calculated to produce approximately 50 small gnocchi servings.
What type of Parmesan is best for this recipe?
Fresh Parmesan cheese that is finely grated provides the best texture and flavor for both the dough and the topping.
Is the water salted before boiling?
Yes, you should add a pinch of salt to the 3 quarts of boiling water before adding the gnocchi.
Should the egg be beaten before adding it to the mix?
Yes, the recipe specifies using one beaten egg to ensure even distribution throughout the dough.
What is the role of ricotta in this dish?
Ricotta cheese provides the creamy, light texture that distinguishes these gnocchi from the traditional potato-based version.
How should I remove the gnocchi from the boiling water?
Use a slotted spoon to gently lift the gnocchi out of the water once they float to the top.
Can I use black pepper in the recipe?
Yes, freshly ground black pepper is added to the dough mixture to taste.
Should I overcrowd the pot when boiling?
No, you should drop the gnocchi in gently and ensure not to overcrowd the pot so they cook evenly without sticking together.
What baking dish should I use?
Any standard oven-safe baking dish that fits the cooked gnocchi in a single or near-single layer is suitable.
Can I serve this for a special occasion?
Absolutely, the recipe is described as restaurant-quality and suitable for both family dinners and special gatherings.
Does this recipe use flour?
This specific recipe uses potato starch as the primary binder rather than traditional wheat flour.
How much butter is needed for the topping?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of butter, melted and drizzled over the gnocchi before baking.
What is the final texture of the gnocchi after baking?
The baking process makes them heated through with a slightly golden, toasted finish from the Parmesan cheese.
How much water is needed for boiling?
You will need 3 quarts of water to boil the gnocchi.
Can I use salt to taste?
Yes, salt is added to the dough according to your personal preference.
What category of food does this fall under?
This dish is categorized under Spinach dishes and falls into the Italian pasta and comfort food tags.
Is the dough supposed to be smooth?
Yes, you should mix the ingredients until they are well incorporated and form a smooth dough before rolling.