Siena Tavern Gnoochi Recipe

Servings

1. Toss with a Simple Salad

Pair your gnocchi with a light, fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, shaved Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil works wonderfully. The peppery arugula and the tangy dressing will cut through the creamy gnocchi.

2. Serve with Grilled Vegetables

Roasted or grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus, would complement the soft gnocchi and brown butter sage sauce. The smokiness from grilling adds a wonderful contrast to the buttery gnocchi. You can even toss the veggies with a little of the same sage butter sauce for consistency.

3. Pair with a Protein

If you're looking to make it a more substantial meal, pair the gnocchi with a protein. Grilled chicken, seared steak, or even pan-seared fish (like salmon) would work great. A light, herb-infused chicken breast or a flavorful pork tenderloin would both be fantastic choices.

4. Add Fresh Herbs or Microgreens

For a fresh and visually appealing garnish, top your gnocchi with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley. Microgreens add a pop of color and a mild peppery flavor that would pair perfectly with the rich butter sauce.

5. Serve with Garlic Bread

Garlic bread or crusty, warm baguette slices are a perfect accompaniment to soak up any leftover brown butter sauce. The crunchy texture of the bread contrasts nicely with the soft gnocchi.

6. Pair with Wine

For a drink pairing, serve your gnocchi with a light, crisp white wine like a Pinot Grigio or a Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer red wine, a light Pinot Noir would complement the flavors without overpowering the dish.

7. Top with Toasted Pine Nuts or Walnuts

To add texture and a bit of extra flavor, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or crushed walnuts on top of the gnocchi before serving. Their slight crunch adds a nice contrast to the soft gnocchi and the richness of the butter sauce.

8. Sprinkle with Truffle Oil

For a more indulgent take, finish the dish with a drizzle of truffle oil. The earthy, luxurious flavor of truffle oil complements the buttery richness of the gnocchi beautifully.

9. Serve as an Appetizer

For a more casual or smaller meal, serve the gnocchi as an appetizer to a larger Italian meal. It pairs wonderfully with other Italian classics like bruschetta, antipasti platters, or a bowl of minestrone soup.

10. Add Grated Lemon Zest

For a refreshing twist, a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest over the gnocchi adds a bright, citrusy note that contrasts perfectly with the richness of the butter sauce. It’s a simple touch that can bring a new layer of flavor to the dish.

Each of these suggestions complements the delicate, rich flavor of the ricotta gnocchi and can help you tailor the meal to your taste preferences or occasion.

Tips

1. Use Fresh Ricotta

For the best texture, use fresh ricotta cheese if possible. Store-bought ricotta can sometimes be a bit too watery, so draining it well is crucial. If you can, opt for whole-milk ricotta for a creamier and richer flavor.

2. Don’t Overmix the Dough

Gnocchi dough should be mixed just enough to bring everything together. Overmixing can make the gnocchi dense and tough. The dough should feel soft, slightly sticky, and easy to work with. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a little extra flour, but don’t go overboard.

3. Rest the Dough

Once the gnocchi dough is ready, let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before shaping. This will help the flour fully hydrate and make the dough easier to work with.

4. Shape the Gnocchi Carefully

If you're aiming for that perfect, restaurant-style appearance, make sure the gnocchi are uniform in size. You can also give them the traditional ridges by rolling each piece over the back of a fork or gnocchi board—this helps the sauce cling to them better.

5. Boil the Gnocchi in Batches

To prevent overcrowding, cook the gnocchi in small batches. This ensures that they cook evenly and don't stick together. Once they float to the top of the boiling water, they're ready to come out.

6. Brown the Butter Gently

When making the brown butter sage sauce, keep the heat low to avoid burning the butter. You want to achieve a nutty flavor, not a burnt taste. Stir the butter frequently to keep it from browning too quickly.

7. Use High-Quality Parmesan

A good-quality Parmesan cheese will elevate the dish. Freshly grated Parmesan has more flavor and a better texture than pre-grated versions. If you can, opt for Parmigiano-Reggiano for the most authentic taste.

8. Add a Personal Touch to the Sauce

While brown butter and sage is the classic choice, you can experiment with different sauces. A simple garlic and herb butter, a light tomato sauce, or even a cream-based sauce can work well with these delicate gnocchi.

9. Serve Immediately

Gnocchi is best served fresh, as it can become a bit dense if left to sit too long. Once it’s ready, plate it immediately to enjoy the pillowy texture while it's at its best.

10. Leftover Gnocchi

If you have leftover gnocchi, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a bit of butter or olive oil to keep them soft. You can also freeze uncooked gnocchi by spreading them out on a baking sheet, freezing them solid, and then transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, just drop them straight into boiling water—no need to thaw!

Ingredient Substitutes

1. Ricotta Cheese Substitutes

• Cottage Cheese: If you're looking for a lower-fat option, cottage cheese works well. Drain it well and blend it until smooth to mimic ricotta’s creamy texture.
• Mascarpone: For a richer, creamier alternative, mascarpone adds a luxurious feel to the gnocchi, though it’s a bit heavier in flavor.
• Greek Yogurt: If you want to lighten it up and add some tang, Greek yogurt can be a substitute. Opt for full-fat to maintain the creamy texture.
• Tofu (for a vegan option): Silken tofu can be blended to a smooth consistency and substituted for ricotta if you’re making a dairy-free version.

2. Flour Substitutes

• Gluten-Free Flour: If you're going for a gluten-free version, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum to help bind the dough.
• Semolina Flour: If you prefer a slightly different texture, semolina flour will give the gnocchi a bit more bite and a firmer texture.
• Almond Flour: For a low-carb option, almond flour can work, but it will change the texture a bit, making the gnocchi more delicate. You'll likely need more of it and some binding agents.

3. Egg Substitutes

• Flaxseed Meal or Chia Seeds: For a vegan version, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to form a gel-like consistency. This works well as an egg replacer.
• Aquafaba: The liquid from canned chickpeas (about 3 tablespoons per egg) can also work as a substitute for eggs and will help bind the dough together.

4. Butter Substitutes

• Olive Oil: If you're looking for a healthier fat, olive oil is a great substitute for butter. It will give the sauce a slightly different flavor but still be rich and satisfying.
• Vegan Butter or Margarine: For a dairy-free alternative, vegan butter or margarine works well in the brown butter sage sauce, keeping it creamy without the dairy.
• Coconut Oil: For a slightly tropical flavor, coconut oil is a great alternative to butter, though it will give a subtle flavor change.

5. Parmesan Cheese Substitutes

• Pecorino Romano: If you want a more pungent, tangy flavor, Pecorino Romano is an excellent substitute. It’s sharper than Parmesan but adds a delicious flavor.
• Nutritional Yeast: For a vegan version, nutritional yeast can be used in place of Parmesan. It has a cheesy, umami flavor that works really well as a topping.
• Vegan Parmesan: There are various vegan Parmesan cheeses available, made from nuts and seasonings. These can be grated over the gnocchi for a similar finish.

6. Sage Substitutes

• Thyme: If you're not a fan of sage, thyme is a great substitute with its earthy, aromatic flavor. You can use it fresh or dried.
• Rosemary: For a more piney, fragrant flavor, rosemary is a good alternative. It pairs wonderfully with the rich butter sauce.

7. Salt and Pepper Substitutes

• Herbal Salt: You can use a mixed herb salt to add depth and flavor. This can be particularly useful if you want to keep the flavor profile exciting without just using plain salt.
• Lemon Zest: For a burst of freshness, try adding lemon zest as a substitute for salt in some parts of the dish. It won’t provide saltiness but will bring brightness and balance.

Remarks

This ricotta gnocchi recipe is a perfect balance of simplicity and flavor, offering a delightful homemade Italian dish that’s sure to impress. The soft, pillowy gnocchi, paired with the rich brown butter sage sauce, creates a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and elegant. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and customizable with ingredient substitutions to suit your taste. Serve it up with a fresh salad, grilled veggies, or your favorite protein for a complete and memorable dining experience!