Description
Italian Ricotta Gnudi in Cheese Sauce is a delightful comfort food featuring pillowy gnudi enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce. This dish is simple to prepare yet offers a luxurious blend of flavors, making it perfect for cozy nights in or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Gnudi Ingredients
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 Eggs
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Cheese Sauce Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons Butter
- 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Milk
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Additional Parmesan Cheese to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Gnudi Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until smooth. Gradually add the flour and a pinch of salt, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Form the Gnudi: Dust your work surface with flour. Take small portions of the dough and roll them into balls, about the size of a walnut. Place the gnudi on a floured tray, ensuring they do not touch each other.
- Cook the Gnudi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Carefully add the gnudi and cook them until they float to the surface, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Remove them with a slotted spoon and set them aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about a minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring until the sauce thickens. Add salt, pepper, and additional Parmesan cheese to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Gently fold the cooked gnudi into the cheese sauce, ensuring they are well coated. Allow them to simmer together for a minute or two, then serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ricotta and quality cheeses will elevate the flavors significantly.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix just until combined to keep the gnudi light and fluffy.
- Salt the Water Generously: The cooking water should taste like the sea to season the gnudi properly.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Try different cheese combinations in the sauce for unique flavors.
- Serve Immediately: Gnudi are best enjoyed fresh; they tend to lose their texture if left too long.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: Ricotta, Gnudi, Cheese Sauce, Italian, Comfort Food