Are you craving a comforting yet sophisticated meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Asiago Stuffed Gnocchi recipe! This dish elevates the humble gnocchi into a gourmet experience, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Forget takeout – homemade cooking is just as easy and infinitely more rewarding. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this delicious and surprisingly simple recipe.
Ingredients:
This recipe yields about 4 servings of this delectable dish. Adjust quantities as needed for larger groups.
- For the Gnocchi:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup grated Asiago cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Asiago cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Making the Gnocchi:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Create the dough: Make a well in the center and add the eggs and ricotta. Gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs and ricotta, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
- Knead the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- Rest the dough: Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making the gnocchi easier to work with.
- Shape the gnocchi: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a long rope about 1 inch thick. Cut the rope into 1-inch pieces. Using a fork, gently roll each piece over the tines to create the characteristic ridges.
Preparing the Filling:
- Sauté garlic: In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine cheese and herbs: Remove from heat and stir in the Asiago, Parmesan, and parsley. Set aside to cool slightly.
Stuffing the Gnocchi:
- Make a well: Gently flatten each gnocchi piece using your fingers, creating a small indentation in the center.
- Add the filling: Place a small amount of the Asiago mixture into the indentation of each gnocchi.
- Seal the gnocchi: Fold the gnocchi over the filling, gently pinching the edges to seal.
Cooking the Gnocchi and Making the Sauce:
- Boil water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook gnocchi: Gently add the stuffed gnocchi to the boiling water. They are cooked when they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes.
- Make the sauce: While the gnocchi is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Asiago cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and serve: Add the cooked gnocchi to the creamy Asiago sauce and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk ricotta cheese.
- Feel free to experiment with other cheeses, such as Fontina or Pecorino Romano.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
- Roasted vegetables, such as butternut squash or Brussels sprouts, would make a delicious addition to this dish.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the butter in the filling and use olive oil instead.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 Fat: 25-30g Protein: 15-20g Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This Asiago Stuffed Gnocchi recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a perfect blend of comfort food and culinary elegance – the best of both worlds! Enjoy this easy, healthy, and delicious meal. It's a great example of how homemade cooking can be both quick and impressive, making it a perfect addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and best recipes.