Ricotta Gnocchi with peas and herbed-lemon butter

Easy homemade Gnocchi recipe found on The Kitchn recipes from Naturally Ella

Recipe Review: I'm pretty chuffed that my first ever attempt to make gnocchi turned out as good as it did! Yes there was flour all over the bench (and me) and I had super doughy hands but I'm sure you get better at keeping it contained the more you make it. It was truly rewarding.

Cooking time: 55 – 65 minutes                                                   Serves: 2 - 4

Preheat oven: Stove top only

For the Gnocchi

• One 455 g container whole-milk ricotta
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan or pecorino cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 to 1 cup flour
  

For the topping

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 tblsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tbsp fresh minced chives
• 1 tbsp fresh minced parsley
• 1 tsp fresh minced thyme
• 1 1/2 cups shelled peas or thawed frozen peas if you cannot get fresh
• Parmesan cheese, to serve
  

To make the Gnocchi
1.       Set a strainer line with three coffee filters or paper towels over a bowl. Add the ricotta and let the cheese drain for about an hour. (This can be done several days in advance.)

2.       In a large bowl, mix the strained ricotta, egg, cheese, and 3/4 cup of the flour until all ingredients are incorporated. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes.

3.       Check the dough by rolling a bit in your hand. It should be a bit tacky. If it clings to your fingers like bubble gum, incorporate more flour one tablespoon at a time until you reach a tacky, workable consistency. Refrigerate for another 15 minutes.

4.       Before shaping, put a large pot of water on the stove to bring to a boil. Sprinkle a baking sheet with flour and set it close to your work space.

5.       Sprinkle your hands and work surface with a little flour. Break off a tennis-ball sized piece of the dough and roll it into a thick log about ¾” thick.

6.       Using a bench scraper or sharp knife, cut the log into ¾” pieces. You can leave them as little 'pillows' or shape them into the traditional grooved gnocchi by rolling them off the back of a fork with your thumb.

7.       Transfer this batch to the baking sheet and toss with flour to prevent sticking. Repeat rolling process with the remaining dough.

8.       Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water and half of the gnocchi. Gently stir the gnocchi to make sure they don't stick. Once they bob to the surface, let them cook an additional 2 minutes. Remove gnocchi with a slotted spoon and transfer to a colander set over a bowl to finish draining.

9.       Repeat with second batch of gnocchi.

To make the topping

1. While gnocchi are cooking, melt butter over low heat in a large skillet. Stir in the lemon juice, zest, and herbs. Cook for 30 to 60 seconds. Add the shelled peas and stir to coat peas with the butter. Continue cooking until the peas are warm, 3 to 4 minutes.
   
2. Drain the gnocchi and add them to the pea mixture. Serve hot with grated parmesan cheese.
   

Variations/Suggestions:
No changes required