Ricotta and Herb Gnocchi with Mushrooms and Truffle Brie

, from Issue #110. July, 2023
Photography by Yuki Sato.
Ricotta and Herb Gnocchi with Mushrooms and Truffle Brie

Embrace the comfort with a bowl of this herb and lemon-flecked gnocchi topped with rich, creamy mushrooms – and if you’re feeling very indulgent, a slice or two of truffled brie.

Serves: 4

INGREDIENTS

GNOCCHI
400 grams firm ricotta
½ cup grated parmesan
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
3 tablespoons finely chopped herbs (I used a mix of basil and parsley)
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
2 cloves garlic, crushed
½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 cup gluten-free flour (I use Sabato)
sea salt and ground pepper

MUSHROOMS
2 tablespoons each olive oil and butter
750 grams mixed mushrooms, large ones sliced, smaller ones left whole, use any combination of Swiss browns, portobello and shiitake
sea salt and ground pepper
½ cup vegetable or chicken stock
½ cup cream
2 teaspoons lemon juice
100 grams enoki mushrooms, broken into small bunches
150 grams truffle brie, optional
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley

METHOD

Gnocchi: Combine the ricotta, parmesan, egg and the egg yolk, herbs, lemon zest, garlic and the nutmeg in a large bowl and season well with salt and pepper.

Stir in 1⁄2 cup of flour then add enough to make a dough that holds together but is still soft and silky.

Tip onto a lightly floured bench and divide into 4 portions. Roll each one out to a thick log about 20cm long. Cut into 2cm pieces then place on a lightly floured tray.

To Cook: In batches, add the gnocchi to a large pot of gently boiling salted water. Stir briefly to release any that may be stuck on the base and wait for them to rise to the surface, then simmer gently for 4 minutes. Lift out with a slotted spoon and place on a lightly oiled plate.

Mushrooms: Heat the oil and butter in a large frying pan and add the all the mushrooms except the enoki. Season with salt and pepper and cook over a medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until softened. Add the stock and cream and bring to the boil, then simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce. Stir in the lemon juice and add the enoki, turning gently to coat. Add the gnocchi and fold together.

Divide the gnocchi and mushrooms between warm plates and top with slices of truffle brie if using and a sprinkle of parsley.