Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This delightful Pumpkin Ricotta Gnocchi brings a burst of seasonal flavors right to your table. It’s a stunning twist on the classic Italian dish, merging the creamy richness of ricotta with the naturally sweet notes of pumpkin. These gnocchi are pillowy soft and incredibly easy to prepare, making them an excellent choice for a cozy gathering or a comforting weeknight dinner. When kissed by a simple sage butter sauce, the dish radiates warmth and sophistication, inspiring everyone to celebrate the flavors of fall. Plus, with only a few ingredients, you can dive into the world of homemade pasta without feeling overwhelmed!

The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup butter
• 6 sage leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough:

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree and ricotta cheese, blending them thoroughly. Gradually stir in the flour, a little at a time, until the mixture forms a soft yet cohesive dough. Be careful not to overmix—your dough should feel soft and pliable, but not sticky.

2. Shape the gnocchi:

   Sprinkle a clean surface with flour. Divide the dough into manageable portions, rolling each piece into a rope approximately 1/2 inch thick. Cut the rope into 1-inch pieces. For an authentic finish, roll each piece gently over the back of a fork, creating small ridges that will hold onto the sauce beautifully.

3. Boil the gnocchi:

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Carefully drop the gnocchi into the bubbling water, cooking them until they rise to the surface—this should take about 2-3 minutes. Once they float, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate.

4. Make the sage butter sauce:

   In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until it begins to bubble. Add the sage leaves to the butter and let them fry for about 3 minutes, cooking until the butter turns a lovely golden brown and the sage leaves become crispy.

5. Toss the gnocchi:

   Once the gnocchi are cooked, add them to the skillet with the sage butter. Gently toss them to coat in the buttery sauce. Allow the mixture to cook together for an additional 2 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.

6. Serve:

   Serve the gnocchi hot, garnishing them with extra grated Parmesan cheese and an additional few crispy sage leaves for a touch of elegance.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: For the best texture and taste, enjoy the gnocchi immediately. They pair wonderfully with a fresh, simple green salad or a plate of roasted seasonal vegetables for a hearty meal.
• Storage: If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, sauté them gently in a bit of butter or oil to restore their lovely crispness.

Helpful Notes

• If your dough is too sticky, sprinkle in a little extra flour. But be cautious—not too much flour, or your gnocchi could turn out dense.
• You can prepare the gnocchi in advance! Just freeze the uncooked pieces laid out on a baking sheet. Once they’re firm, transfer them to a freezer bag and cook from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy.
• For additional depth of flavor, consider adding a dash of nutmeg to the dough.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! You can use freshly made pumpkin puree. Just make sure it’s well-drained so you don’t add excess moisture to the dough.

2. Can I freeze the gnocchi?

Yes! Uncooked gnocchi freeze beautifully. Spread them out on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. You can cook them directly from frozen.

3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Adjust the dough texture as needed, as gluten-free flours can vary in absorbency.

4. How do I know when the gnocchi is cooked?

The gnocchi are ready when they float to the top of the boiling water, which typically takes around 2-3 minutes.

5. Can I use a different sauce?

While sage butter sauce is a traditional choice, feel free to pair your gnocchi with a classic tomato sauce or a luxuriously creamy sauce for a heartier dish!