When I describe to Italian friends and acquaintances my method for making gnocchi I’m met with either skepticism or derision, but once they taste them it it’s a different story.There is a trompe-oeil effects with three of the elements of the dish white and similar in size with the contrasting tartness of artichoke hearts.
GNOCCHI
2 large baking potatoes or 3 medium
|
2 heaping Tbs. of ricotta or cottage cheese |
1 whole egg+1 egg yolk (reserve egg white if too dry) |
salt !tsp, 1/2 tsp. pepper |
3/4 -1 cup flour |
1 Tbs. starch |
Bake potatoes until soft. Scoop up potato from the skin, and mash while still hot adding ricotta , salt , pepper, eggs, 1 tbsp. corn starch. Add 3/4 cup flour save the rest if you need it , keep in mind that the potato will vary in its starch content and how much flour it will absorb. Knead slightly, 4-5 turns, rest the dough for 5mins. If it seems too sticky add the rest of the flour if too dry add reserved egg white or even another egg yolk.. Dust surface with flour. Divide into four balls and roll these into long long sausage 1" or wider in width, indent top with fork for sauce to adhere. Cut sausage in 1" or 1 1/2” or so. Boil in large pot w/ salted water. Boil 2-3 minutes when Wthey float up, test one for doneness, they should be tender without any taste of " flouriness"
SCALLOPS, ARTICOKE HEARTS GNOCCHI SAUCE
1lb.scallops |
12onz. frozen artichoke hearts (thawed) or prepare fresh |
1/2lb button mushrooms |
1/2 a cup of white wine |
4Tbs. butter |
1/4 cup olive oil |
4 shallots |
6 garlic cloves minced |
1 bunch of Italian parsley
|
salt and pepper |
Saute shallots in olive oil, add artichoke hearts cut side down ,saute scallops on both sides in same skillet 2mins each add garlic, add lemon rind and button mushrooms and butter brown slightly, sprinkle with 1/2 cup white wine and cook5 mins. taking care not to overcook scallops squeeze juice of 1/2 lemon. Add Italian parsley chopped stir, adjust for seasoning. Serves 4
VARIATIONS : substitute boneless , skinless chicken breasts or prawns.scallops can be cooked in pancetta or bacon remove when crisp, and 1-2 chopped skinless tomatoes added to sauce with or without wine. Omit the lemon juice if adding tomatoes due to acidity. In Winter or cold weather you can add 1/2 cup cream with or without wine.
COMMENTARY; During degustation, we wondered with so many elements whether there is any need for the protein. In our house the gnocchi is only enough for three people! But it will depend on how many courses you serve. Italians don’t believe in grating cheese over seafood sauces. I have at times snuck in 2-3t Tbs. of parmesan into gnocchi dough.