Ingredients:
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1 cup of ricotta cheese
– 1 cup of chopped spinach
– 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
1. Begin by washing and chopping the spinach. Make sure to remove any stems and veins, and then drain the spinach of any excess water.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, and egg. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste, and if you prefer, grate a pinch of nutmeg over the mixture.
3. Stir the ingredients until they’re well-combined, and then add the flour. Mix the dough until it comes together, but be careful not to overwork it. The mixture should be sticky and thick, but still pliable.
4. Next, lightly dust a sheet of parchment paper with flour and turn the dough out onto it. Sprinkle a little more flour on top of the dough, and then gently knead it to bring it together.
5. Once your dough is formed, use a sharp knife or bench scraper to divide the dough into four to six pieces. Roll each piece into a long and thin log about an inch in diameter and then cut it into pieces around an inch long.
6. Boil a pot of salted water, and once it’s ready, gently drop in the gnocchi pieces, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. It’s best to cook the gnocchi all at once in batches, so each piece of gnocchi has enough space to cook evenly.
7. Cook the gnocchi until they float to the surface, which should take around three to five minutes. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to remove them from the water and place them on a plate.
8. For a simple but delicious serving suggestion, you can add a touch of olive oil or melted butter and some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the cooked gnocchi.
In conclusion, making Tuscan gnocchi from scratch takes a little bit of time and patience, but the end result is well worth it. The combination of ricotta cheese and spinach makes this dish flavorful, light, and satisfying, and with a little bit of practice, you too can create this delicious Italian-inspired dish in your own kitchen.