Springy Ricotta Gnocchi With Peas and Herbs

Step 1

Cut6 Tbsp. unsalted butterinto small pieces. Place in a small bowl and chill in the fridge until ready to use. (It's important that the butter is cold because that will help it to emulsify into the sauce later on.)

Step 2

Thinly slice1 large bunch of chivescrosswise into rings. You should have about ½ cup. (If you're using another herb—like mint, basil, or dill—roughly chop.) Peel1 garlic clove. Set both aside separately.

Step 3

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cover with a lid and keep hot over low heat while you make the gnocchi.

Step 4

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and dust lightly with flour.

Step 5

To make the gnocchi dough, scrape16 oz. whole-milk fresh ricottaonto a clean flatweave towel or a double layer of paper towels; wrap up to enclose cheese or place more paper towels on top and forcefully press down on ricotta to draw out excess moisture. If you don't draw out moisture now, you'll have to add more flour later, which can make for tough dumplings. (You should now have 14–15 oz. if you’re weighing.)

Step 6

Transfer ricotta to a medium bowl. Add1 large egg,2 large egg yolks,2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1 tsp. Morton kosher salt, and several generous grinds ofblack pepperand mix well with a heatproof rubber spatula to combine. Then mix in½ cup pre-grated Parmesanfollowed by1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour. If dough is sticky, add more flour by the tablespoonful until dough is workable—it should still feel very light and pillowy (the amount of flour you need will vary depending on the moisture level of your ricotta—it could be 1–4 Tbsp. more).

Step 7

Transfer dough to a floured work surface and knead a couple of times to bring together. Cut into 6 pieces. Roll out each piece to make a ¾"-diameter strand, dusting with more flour as needed if dough is too sticky to work with.

Step 8

Using a chef’s knife or a bench scraper, cut strands into ¾" pieces (flour your knife or scraper to make the process easier). Transfer gnocchi to prepared baking sheet as you go.

Step 9

Now it’s time to cook your gnocchi. Bring the reserved water back to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat, then use parchment paper underneath gnocchi to gently, delicately, and carefully (did we mention to be gentle?) add gnocchi to boiling water (it’s okay if some flour gets added too).

Step 10

Stir gnocchi gently with a slotted spoon to make sure they aren’t sticking to the pot or one another. Shake out parchment paper and save it for the next time you bake. Place clean baking sheet near your pot. Cook until gnocchi rise to the surface, about 45 seconds, then cook 1 minute more. Using a slotted spoon, scoop out gnocchi and place on baking sheet—it’s okay if you transfer some cooking water as well. (If you want gnocchi that are still quite soft in the center, you can fish them out as soon as they float. Try one to see what you prefer!)

Step 11

To make your sauce, pour out pasta cooking liquid, reserving 2 cups, and wipe pot clean.

Step 12

Set pot over medium heat and pour in ½ cup reserved pasta cooking liquid; add10 oz. frozen peasand a big pinch ofkosher salt. Cover pan and cook until peas are bright green and warmed through, about 3 minutes.

Step 13

Remove lid and bring water to a simmer over medium-high heat. Using spatula, vigorously stir in reserved chilled butter a piece at a time, adding the next piece only after the previous piece is melted. You should have a smooth buttery sauce when you are done.

Step 14

Finely grate reserved garlic into sauce. Slice1 lemonin half. Cut 1 half into wedges and set aside for serving. Finely grate zest from remaining half into sauce, then squeeze in its juice. Add1½ tsp. freshly ground black pepperor¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakesand mix well to incorporate. Add gnocchi and toss, adding up to ½ cup pasta cooking liquid as needed, until sauce clings to and coats gnocchi. Toss in most of the reserved chives or herbs and cook 20 seconds.

Step 15

Divide gnocchi and sauce among shallow bowls and top with remaining chives or herbs and moreParmesanandpepperor碎红辣椒粉. Serve with reserved lemon wedges for squeezing over.

Step 16

Do ahead:Gnocchi can be formed 1 month ahead. Freeze on baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe airtight container. Cook from frozen.