Gnocchi
Ingredients: -500 g cottage cheese -1 teaspoon salt -1 large egg -130 g semolina -3-4 tablespoons flour -melted butter or olive oil -1 tablespoon salt + 2 tablespoons oil for boiling gnocchi
To prepare a delicious cottage cheese gnocchi recipe, start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the cottage cheese is well-drained to avoid a too-wet dough. In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, a pinch of salt, a fresh egg, semolina, and flour. Mix the ingredients using a wooden spoon or your hands until you achieve a smooth, non-sticky dough that easily pulls away from the sides of the bowl. It is important not to add too much flour, as this could alter the final texture of the gnocchi.
Once the dough is ready, wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for 30 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to shape the gnocchi later. After the resting time, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and break off small pieces of dough. Roll each piece into ropes about 1.5 cm in diameter. It is important to ensure that the ropes are uniform to achieve evenly cooked gnocchi.
When you finish shaping the ropes, cut them into thick slices of about 1 cm. These pieces are essential for achieving the soft and fluffy texture characteristic of gnocchi. To give them their characteristic shape, take each piece of dough and roll it over the tines of an inverted fork. This maneuver will imprint a beautiful pattern on the surface of the gnocchi, which will help hold the sauce when serving.
In a large pot, bring water to a boil, adding a generous amount of salt and a little oil. When the water is boiling, carefully add the gnocchi, stirring gently to prevent them from sticking. It is normal for the gnocchi to rise to the surface; this is a sign that they are cooked. When this happens, remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain.
As soon as you have drained the gnocchi, drizzle them with melted butter or olive oil to give them a delicious taste and keep them moist. Serve them hot, preferably with a tomato sauce, pesto, or a creamy white sauce that will enhance the flavor of the cottage cheese. This dish is perfect for a family meal or a dinner with friends, bringing a touch of flavor and authenticity to every serving. Cottage cheese gnocchi are not only a simple recipe, but also one that will surely impress any foodie!
