For the love of food… this is what I definitely call for the love of food. Recently I decided to step up my game in the kitchen; hardcore step it up. I’ve always been the “master chef”… of my kitchen so I thought; hey I am bored of the things I cook so why not cook something that I’d generally order off of a menu.

After quite a few attempts, and discovering that not everything has to be this overly difficult recipe to be absolutely amazing I taught myself how to make homemade Ricotta Gnocchi. There are so many different ways to make gnocchi and so many ways to top it but with this recipe I am keeping it simple while still over stimulating my taste buds!

Ricotta Gnocchi Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 (8 ounce) container of ricotta cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or store bought if you are like me and dislike grating cheese)
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of pepper
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 cup all purpose flour (or as needed)

What We Be Doing With Them!

1. Stir together the ricotta, eggs, Parmesan Cheese, salt, pepper and garlic powder in a large bowl (I used mixer… once again. Lazy!)
2. Mix in flour
3. Add additional flour until a soft dough forms

Now that we have some dough it is time to turn that dough into the magically gnocchi!

1. Divide dough into 3 to 4 pieces
2. Roll into 1/2 inch thick ropes on floured surface
3. Cut rope into 1 inch pieces
4. Place on floured baking sheet until ready to use

Of course we couldn’t leave you with just the gnocchi and are ready to share you a delicious sauce!

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 (15.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 dash crushed red pepper flakes
• 6 basil leaves, finely shredded
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese cut into small chunks

The Fancy Things You Can Do With Them!

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat
2. Stir in garlic and cook until softened and fragrant
3. Pour in diced tomatoes and red pepper flakes
4. Bring to simmer over medium high heat
5. Cook for 10-15 minutes
6. Stir in shredded basil and season with s & p.

*Note: I left my sauce to simmer for several hours so all the flavours could mend together nicely. This is a preference for sauce for myself.
*Note Note: When I was done cooking the sauce, I used my hand blender and blended everything together to make it a thicker sauce.

Now it is time to cook up that gorgeous gnocchi!

1. While sauce is simmering (final stages of simmering if you listen to me and let it cook for hours on the lowest heat setting possible) bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat.
2. Boil gnocchi until the float to surface
3. Drain

Alright, we’ve prepped, cooked and drooled long enough. Time to eat! Pull out those fancy dishes and serve it up. Put the sauce over top the gnocchi and top with mozzarella. Such a delicious meal that is not only the best tasting thing I’ve had in my own kitchen but on actual menus of high end restaurants!

Enjoy 🙂