As soon as I even heard of ricotta gnocchi I knew they would be amazing. They’re soft and light, and do away with the tedious and more time consuming process involved in making regular potato gnocchi. You can have these ready for the pot in under half an hour, less the more you make them. Do take care not to overwork the dough though so they end up nice and soft. I also swear by my little wooden gnocchi roller that I picked up for just $5, but a fork will do the job just as well.
I usually serve these with a classic tomato sauce and some Parmesan cheese, but a creamy boscaiola or burnt butter and sage would also be delicious.
what you need
- 500 g ricotta
- approx 220 g strong or “00” flour
- 2 egg yolks
- approx 50 g grated Parmesan
- a good pinch of salt
what to do
1. To make the gnocchi bring all the ingredients together in a large bowl until just combined. Knead very gently for a couple of minutes only, on a floured surface. If the dough is very wet and sticky add a little more flour just until it’s a bit more smooth. It doesn’t have to look like pasta or bread dough, it’s a bit “rougher” looking. The less you work the dough the better it will be.
2. Divide the dough into four pieces, and taking one piece at a time, roll it out into a long sausage shaped log, about the thickness of your thumb. Cut the logs into small lengths of about 3-4 cm. Using a gnocchi roller, slide each gnocchi along the ridges using two fingers until they look like proper little gnocchi.
3. Place them on a tea towel or tray dusted with some flour as you go. When you’re ready to cook them heat a large pot of water, add some salt and bring to the boil. Add the gnocchi to the boiling water, and cook it in two or three batches. They are ready when they come to the surface, this should take about five minutes. Scoop them out with a large slotted spoon and add to the sauce.
what ana cooks 
Gnocchi is probably one of my favorite dishes but I never make it myself because the recipes always sound too time consuming. I love the idea of replacing the potato with ricotta – it sounds so much easier to make that way!
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It’s definitely a whole lot quicker, and I’m not joking when I say that after a couple of goes I can get them done in under half an hour. And the taste is a bit lighter an fluffier which I also prefer.
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I went to an Italian cooking class recently and we learnt to make gnocchi. It’s so yummy and delicious! Yours looks gorgeous! I love your gnocchi roller too. Thank you so much for linking up with our Fabulous Foodie Fridays party! xx
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I would love to do some cooking classes, definitely macarons! And I LOVE my little roller, and love the link up!
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Wow! my hubby will love this! he loves ricotta and these look so light!
I grew up with an italian family friend since I was 5, her dad made gnocchi every sunday, it was pure heaven. I’d order at restaurants but just not like his.
Its been YEARS since I’ve made, probably be good fun with the kids too. But loving the ricotta idea… fabulous! and maybe a test on the Italian MIL hey???
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Hi Kim, I am a total convert to the ricotta version. Quicker, easier, and as they’re lighter that makes them that much better. I think I love these more than the kids do. You should definitely give them a go!
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I adore gnocchi but haven’t got round to making them the traditional way, as you say very fiddly and time consuming but this version looks fabulous. I’ll keep my eye out for a gnocchi roller as that would make them look really good (like yours)!
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This version is quicker, and I’ve seen a fork used just as well as the roller. Thanks for stopping by.
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