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Soft Ricotta Gnudi Recipe (Tuscan-style Ricotta Dumplings)
Ricotta gnudi are a simple yet hearty first course, typical of Tuscan cuisine. This traditional Italian dish is both rustic and refined at the same time.Gnudi are large, soft dumplings made with ricotta cheese, flour, Parmigiano cheese, and nutmeg. They are perfect for a cozy family lunch but also elegant enough for a festive gathering or dinner with friends.
Ingredients
For the Gnudi
- 300 g ricotta cheese - ~10 oz
- 70 g flour - ½ cup
- 80 g Parmigiano Reggiano - ¾ cup, grated
- nutmeg - a pinch, grated
- salt - to taste
- ground black pepper - to taste
For the Seasoning
- 90 g unsalted butter - ~¼ stick
- 6 sage leaves
- Parmigiano Reggiano - grated, to taste
Instructions
Making the Dough
- To prepare ricotta gnudi, start by draining the ricotta. Place it in a fine-mesh colander over a bowl and let any excess whey drain out. If the ricotta is already firm and dry, you can skip this step. However, if it’s too moist, press it lightly with a spoon or let it sit for about 15–30 minutes to remove extra liquid. This step is essential for achieving the right dough consistency.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the ricotta and about ¼ cup (50 g) of the flour (reserving the rest for later).
- Next, add Parmigiano Reggiano. Season with a pinch of salt, ground black pepper, and a touch of grated nutmeg. Mix everything together with a spoon or spatula until you get a smooth, soft dough.
Shaping the Ricotta Gnudi
- Lightly flour your hands and start shaping the gnudi. Take small portions of the dough and make them into balls about 1.5 to 2 inches (4–5 cm) in diameter. With these quantities, you should get 12 to 15 gnudi.
- Arrange the ricotta balls on a tray lined with parchment paper or a lightly floured surface. Then, place the tray in the refrigerator for about 1 hour. This resting time helps the gnudi firm up, making them easier to handle and preventing them from breaking apart while cooking.
- Once the gnudi have rested, sprinkle a clean surface (such as a pastry board or countertop) with the remaining flour. Roll each gnudo gently in the flour until it is evenly coated. This extra flour helps seal the outside and keeps them from sticking together when boiling.
Cooking the Ricotta Gnudi
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Carefully drop the gnudi into the water a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Let them cook for a few minutes, until they rise to the surface—this means they are done. Be gentle when stirring to avoid breaking them.
- While the ricotta gnudi are cooking, melt the butter in a small pan over low heat. Add the sage leaves and let them infuse the butter for a few minutes until fragrant. The sage should become slightly crispy but not burnt.
- Once the gnudi float to the surface, use a slotted spoon to carefully lift them out of the water and transfer them directly to serving plates.
- Drizzle the sage-infused butter over them and sprinkle generously with grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy their soft, delicate texture!
Nutrition
Serving: 100gCalories: 434kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 18gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 21gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 386mgPotassium: 122mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 0.4gVitamin A: 1052IUCalcium: 400mgIron: 1mg
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