Crispy Lemon-Ricotta Gnocchi Delight
Indulge in the delightful taste of Crispy Lemon-Ricotta Gnocchi, where creamy ricotta meets the zesty brightness of lemon. These mouthwatering gnocchi are pan-fried to golden perfection, creating a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender, flavorful inside. Enhanced with fresh herbs and a touch of spice, this dish offers a simple yet elegant way to enjoy a taste of European comfort food. Perfect as a delightful main course or an impressive side dish, this gnocchi recipe is not only easy to prepare but also an absolute crowd-pleaser to share with family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole milk ricotta cheese
1 cup (N/A)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (Plus extra for garnishing)
Large egg yolk
1 (N/A)
Lemon zest
1 teaspoon (Use a microplane grater; plus extra for garnishing)
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon (Or 1/2 teaspoon table salt)
All-purpose flour
3/4 cup (Sifted)
Chopped parsley
1 tablespoon (Plus extra for garnishing)
Finely minced fresh chili pepper
1/2 teaspoon (Or red pepper flakes)
Clarified butter
2 tablespoons (Or regular butter)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (N/A)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, egg yolk, lemon zest, and kosher salt. Stir the mixture until well blended.
2
Gradually sprinkle half of the all-purpose flour over the ricotta mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold the flour in until just incorporated. Pour the mixture onto a clean, lightly floured countertop.
3
Dust the remaining flour over the mixture and gently knead it using your fingertips for about 1-2 minutes, until the flour is fully incorporated. Careful not to over-knead, or the gnocchi may become tough.
4
If using skim milk ricotta, you may need to add additional flour due to higher water content. Adjust accordingly.
5
Divide the gnocchi dough into four equal pieces. Roll one piece into a log about 1 inch in diameter and cut it into 1-inch pieces. Optionally, use a fork to create grooves on the gnocchi to help hold the sauce, although these features may flatten during cooking.
6
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the clarified butter and olive oil. Once the butter is lightly browned, add the gnocchi in a single layer. Fry the gnocchi for about 2 minutes on one side until golden brown.
7
Carefully flip the gnocchi and sprinkle in the finely minced chili pepper or red pepper flakes. Fry for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your gnocchi; it’s essential to taste a piece to ensure there's no raw flour flavor.
8
Once done, remove from the skillet and serve immediately. Garnish with additional lemon zest, reserved Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley for an added touch of flavor and presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Lemon-Ricotta Gnocchi Delight?
It is a dish where creamy ricotta gnocchi are pan-fried to golden perfection, featuring zesty lemon and fresh herbs.
What makes these gnocchi crispy?
The gnocchi are pan-fried in a combination of clarified butter and olive oil over medium-high heat until golden brown.
What type of cheese is used in the dough?
The dough is made using whole milk ricotta cheese and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
How do I prevent the gnocchi from becoming tough?
You should avoid over-kneading the dough; knead only for about 1-2 minutes until the flour is just incorporated.
Can I use skim milk ricotta instead of whole milk?
Yes, but you may need to add additional flour to the dough due to the higher water content in skim milk ricotta.
How should the flour be incorporated?
Sprinkle half the flour over the ricotta mixture and fold it in gently, then add the remaining flour while kneading on a counter.
What is the recommended size for the gnocchi logs?
Divide the dough into four pieces and roll each into a log approximately 1 inch in diameter.
How long should each individual gnocchi piece be?
The logs should be cut into pieces that are about 1 inch long.
Why should I use a fork to create grooves on the gnocchi?
Using a fork to create grooves helps the gnocchi hold onto sauce more effectively.
What is the first step in cooking the gnocchi?
Heat clarified butter and olive oil in a skillet and fry the gnocchi in a single layer for about 2 minutes until golden brown.
When should I add the chili pepper or red pepper flakes?
Add the minced chili or red pepper flakes after flipping the gnocchi for the second side of frying.
How long do the gnocchi fry on the second side?
They should be fried for an additional 1-2 minutes after being flipped.
How do I check if the gnocchi are fully cooked?
It is essential to taste a piece to ensure there is no raw flour flavor remaining inside.
What are the suggested garnishes for this dish?
Garnish with additional lemon zest, reserved Parmesan cheese, and fresh chopped parsley.
Can I use table salt instead of kosher salt?
Yes, if using table salt, use 1/2 teaspoon instead of the 1 teaspoon of kosher salt called for in the recipe.
What type of flour is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies 3/4 cup of sifted all-purpose flour.
Is the egg yolk necessary for the recipe?
Yes, one large egg yolk is used as a binder for the ricotta and flour mixture.
What tool is recommended for the lemon zest?
A microplane grater is recommended for getting a fine lemon zest.
What can be used if clarified butter is unavailable?
You can use regular butter as a substitute for clarified butter.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly pasta dish.
How much lemon zest goes into the dough?
One teaspoon of lemon zest is mixed directly into the gnocchi dough.
What kind of oil should I use for frying?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used in combination with butter for frying.
Should the gnocchi be boiled before frying?
No, these ricotta gnocchi are pan-fried directly without a prior boiling step.
What category of food does this recipe fall under?
It is described as European comfort food, specifically within Italian cuisine.
How many ingredients are required?
There are 10 main ingredients required for this recipe.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a touch of spice from 1/2 teaspoon of finely minced fresh chili pepper or red pepper flakes.
How should the gnocchi be served?
They should be served immediately after frying for the best texture and flavor.
What type of parsley is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, it is perfect as either a delightful main course or an impressive side dish.
What is the primary flavor of the dish?
The primary flavors are creamy ricotta, zesty lemon, and savory Parmesan with fresh herbs.