Spinach and Ricotta Gnudi with Butter and Sage
Why this recipe works
- Tender ricotta texture: Ricotta and Parmesan give the gnudi a soft, creamy centre, while a restrained amount of flour helps them hold their shape without becoming heavy.
- Simple, savoury finish: Butter, sage and nutmeg bring warmth and depth without overpowering the spinach and cheese.
- Gentle cooking: Simmering rather than boiling protects the delicate dumplings and keeps their texture light.
Get the most out of this recipe
Texture tips
- Dry the spinach well: Press out as much water as possible after wilting; excess moisture makes the mixture loose and the gnudi more likely to break.
- Chill if needed: If the shaped dumplings feel very soft, a short chill helps them firm up before they go into the water.
- Cook only until set: Lift the gnudi out once they float and feel slightly firm, as prolonged cooking can make them fragile.
Ingredient notes
- Use well-drained ricotta: A drier ricotta gives the mixture better structure and reduces the need for extra flour.
- Fresh sage matters here: Fresh sage crisps in the butter and gives a clean herbal aroma; dried sage will not give the same texture.
- Season with care: Parmesan adds saltiness, so taste and adjust the final seasoning rather than making the mixture overly salty.
Make-ahead tips
- Shape ahead: The gnudi can be shaped in advance and kept chilled until cooking, which also helps them hold together.
- Freeze cooked gnudi: Freeze the cooked dumplings in a single layer before transferring them to a container, then reheat gently from frozen in simmering water.
- Reheat gently: Warm leftovers in a frying pan with a little butter and a splash of water until piping hot, turning carefully to avoid breaking them.
Authenticity notes
- A Tuscan-style dumpling: Gnudi are closely associated with Tuscan cooking and are often described as ravioli filling served without the pasta wrapper.
- Butter and sage: The butter-sage finish is a classic partner for delicate ricotta dumplings, adding richness without masking their mild flavour.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Gnudi
Butter and sage
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to the boil and season it with 1 tsp of the fine sea salt. Add the spinach and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fully wilted. Drain in a colander, then press out as much water as you can and finely chop.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, 80 g parmesan, egg, ground nutmeg, black pepper and the remaining 1 tsp fine sea salt. Stir in the chopped spinach until evenly mixed. Add the plain flour and fold just until you have a soft, slightly sticky mixture.
- Lightly flour a tray or plate with a little of the plain flour from the measured amount. With floured hands, shape the mixture into small dumplings, about the size of a walnut, and set them on the floured surface. If the mixture feels very soft, chill the shaped gnudi for 15 minutes to help them hold their shape.
- Bring the same pot of water back to a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil. Lower in the gnudi in batches and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they float and feel slightly firm. Lift out with a slotted spoon and transfer to a warm plate while you cook the remaining gnudi.
- Melt the unsalted butter in a frying pan over a medium heat, then add the fresh sage leaves. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, swirling the pan, until the sage is crisp and the butter smells nutty but is not burnt. Add the gnudi to the pan and gently turn to coat.
- Divide the gnudi between plates and spoon over the butter and sage. Finish with the optional 20 g parmesan. Serve straight away while the gnudi are soft and hot.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Squeeze the spinach very dry before chopping; excess water makes the gnudi fragile and harder to shape.
- Keep the cooking water at a gentle simmer, as a rapid boil can break the dumplings apart.
- If serving anyone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, use eggs that are produced to be eaten lightly cooked and ensure the gnudi are cooked until piping hot throughout.
Substitutions
- Replace Parmesan with Grana padano cheese for a slightly milder, sweeter finish.
- Replace Fresh sage with Fresh thyme for a softer, more floral herb note in the butter.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Cool completely, then refrigerate in a sealed container. Reheat gently in a frying pan with a small knob of unsalted butter and a splash of water until piping hot. For freezing, freeze the cooked gnudi in a single layer, then transfer to a container; reheat from frozen in gently simmering water until they float and are hot throughout, then finish in the butter.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 55min (35min active)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: Italian
-
Allergens:
Eggs Gluten Milk Wheat
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