Irresistible Pumpkin Ricotta Gnocchi Recipe to Savor

The aroma of roasted pumpkin fills the air, mingling with the creamy richness of ricotta cheese as it dances together in a bowl. You can almost hear a triumphant fanfare as these two ingredients unite to create a dish that hugs your taste buds and makes them sing. Welcome to the world of Pumpkin Ricotta Gnocchi, where every bite is like a warm embrace on a chilly autumn day.

Imagine gathering around the dinner table with loved ones, laughter echoing off the walls while you serve up this delightful dish. It’s not just food; it’s nostalgia wrapped in pillowy gnocchi that transports you to cozy kitchen moments from years gone by. Whether it’s a festive feast or an intimate weeknight dinner, this dish promises to steal the show and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Ricotta Gnocchi

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Pumpkin: Choose a small sugar or pie pumpkin for sweetness and smooth texture, perfect for roasting.
• Ricotta Cheese: Opt for whole milk ricotta for creaminess; it binds the gnocchi beautifully.
• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that helps shape the gnocchi and gives them that perfect texture.
• Egg Yolk: Adds richness and helps bind everything together; make sure it’s fresh!
• Salt: Essential for enhancing flavors; don’t be shy about seasoning!
• Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds warmth and depth to the dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Pumpkin Ricotta Gnocchi

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Roast the Pumpkin

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds (which can be roasted later), and place it cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for about 30-40 minutes until tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Once cooled, scoop out the flesh of the pumpkin into a mixing bowl. Add ricotta cheese, egg yolk, salt, and pepper. Mix until combined into a smooth consistency that resembles something you’d want to dive into headfirst.

Step 3: Form the Dough

Gradually add all-purpose flour into your pumpkin mixture until you form a soft dough that’s not too sticky. Dust your work surface with flour because nobody wants their gnocchi glued together like old friends at a reunion.

Step 4: Shape the Gnocchi

Divide your dough into smaller portions, rolling each piece into long ropes about an inch thick. Cut them into bite-sized pieces—think tiny pillows of joy! Use a fork to gently press down on each piece, creating those signature gnocchi ridges that hold onto sauce like they’re best friends.

Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Carefully drop in your gnocchi; they’re ready when they float to the surface—like little boats sailing away! This should take roughly two minutes.

Step 6: Serve it Up

Transfer your cooked gnocchi onto plates or into bowls and top with your favorite sauce—perhaps a brown butter sage sauce? Drizzle generously for that extra touch of love!

Enjoy every bite as you share this culinary masterpiece with family and friends!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve perfect pumpkin ricotta gnocchi, start by roasting the pumpkin while boiling water for the gnocchi. This way, you maximize flavor and efficiency. After making the dough, cook the gnocchi in batches for even results and a delightful finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your pumpkin ricotta gnocchi! Swap out ricotta for cottage cheese or add spices like nutmeg or sage for a unique twist. You can also mix in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover pumpkin ricotta gnocchi, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of olive oil or steam them to maintain their fluffy texture.

My friend once told me that serving pumpkin ricotta gnocchi at her dinner party transformed her kitchen into a Michelin-star restaurant. Who knew that a little pumpkin could bring so much joy?

FAQs:

What is Pumpkin Ricotta Gnocchi?

Pumpkin ricotta gnocchi is a delightful variation of traditional gnocchi, combining the rich flavors of pumpkin and creamy ricotta cheese. This dish is perfect for fall, as it highlights seasonal ingredients. The pumpkin adds a slight sweetness and vibrant color, while the ricotta contributes a soft texture. Together, they create pillowy dumplings that can be paired with various sauces or simply tossed in butter and herbs for a delicious meal.

How do I store leftover Pumpkin Ricotta Gnocchi?

To store leftover pumpkin ricotta gnocchi, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They should remain fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Spread the uncooked gnocchi on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, cook the frozen gnocchi directly from the freezer without thawing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pumpkin Ricotta Gnocchi?

Yes, you can easily substitute ingredients in pumpkin ricotta gnocchi. For instance, if you don’t have ricotta cheese, cottage cheese works well as an alternative. You can also use sweet potato instead of pumpkin for a different flavor profile. Additionally, feel free to adjust the flour type; using whole wheat flour will add more nutrition while changing the texture slightly.

What sauce pairs best with Pumpkin Ricotta Gnocchi?

The best sauces for pumpkin ricotta gnocchi are often light and herb-based. A sage brown butter sauce complements the flavors beautifully, enhancing the pumpkin’s sweetness. Alternatively, a simple olive oil and garlic mixture works well. You can even try marinara or Alfredo sauces if you prefer something richer; however, these might overshadow the delicate flavor of the gnocchi.

Conclusion for Pumpkin Ricotta Gnocchi:

In summary, pumpkin ricotta gnocchi is a delightful dish that combines seasonal flavors with creamy richness. Its versatility allows it to pair well with various sauces or be served simply with butter and herbs. Storing leftovers is easy, whether in the fridge or freezer. Feel free to experiment with substitutions to fit your taste preferences. This recipe not only highlights autumn produce but also brings comfort to any mealtime!

Print

Pumpkin Ricotta Gnocchi

• Author: Sarah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Delight in the warm embrace of Pumpkin Ricotta Gnocchi, a comforting dish that marries sweet pumpkin and creamy ricotta into tender dumplings, perfect for any gathering.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups fresh pumpkin (cooked and mashed)
• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice pumpkin in half, scoop out seeds, and place cut side down on a lined baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes until tender. Let cool, then scoop out flesh into a mixing bowl.
2. Add ricotta cheese, egg yolk, salt, and pepper to the pumpkin. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Gradually incorporate flour into the mixture until a soft dough forms. Dust your work surface with flour to prevent sticking.
4. Divide dough into smaller portions, roll each into ropes about an inch thick, and cut into bite-sized pieces. Use a fork to press down on each piece to create ridges.
5. Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add gnocchi; they are ready when they float (about 2 minutes).
6. Transfer cooked gnocchi to plates or bowls and top with your favorite sauce—try a brown butter sage sauce for extra flavor!

---

---

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 pieces (95g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, consider mixing in spices like nutmeg or fresh herbs. - Leftover gnocchi can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.