Cheesy Italian Gnudi
Cheesy Italian Gnudi are soft, pillowy dumplings made primarily from ricotta and Parmesan cheeses, offering a creamy texture and rich flavor. Unlike traditional pasta, this comforting dish provides a unique melt-in-your-mouth experience, perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions. Simple to make yet elegant, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sauces and garnishes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Can be gluten-free (with gluten-free flour), vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese (preferably full-fat)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- Salt, to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
To Bind
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, grated Parmesan, egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix gently until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth, forming the base dough for the gnudi.
- Add the Flour: Gradually fold in the flour a little at a time, taking care not to overmix. The dough should remain soft but firm enough to hold together when shaped into balls.
- Shape the Gnudi: Lightly flour your hands and form the dough into small, egg-sized balls, making sure they are evenly sized to ensure consistent cooking.
- Cook the Gnudi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Carefully drop the gnudi in batches into the water. When they float to the surface, cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Remove them gently with a slotted spoon.
- Serve Warm: Plate the gnudi immediately with your preferred sauce, such as sage brown butter or a fresh tomato marinara, for a warm and cheesy Italian delicacy.
Notes
- Use full-fat ricotta for the best creamy texture.
- Mix the dough gently to avoid making the gnudi tough.
- Use a small ice cream scoop or spoon to create uniform gnudi sizes.
- Maintain a gentle simmer during cooking to prevent the gnudi from falling apart.
- Serve gnudi immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 4-5 gnudi)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: gnudi, italian dumplings, ricotta gnudi, cheesy gnudi, italian pasta alternative, gluten-free gnudi, comfort food
Find it online: https://marybaking.com/cheesy-italian-gnudi/