Gnudi are Tuscan dumplings similar to gnocchi but made with ricotta instead of potato, which gives them a lighter texture than gnocchi. Here they are paired with a soup made with a wonderful benefit of the arrival of spring – wild garlic, or ramsons. You'll find them it woodlands or maybe even a shady part of your garden – get out with a trug and fill it before it's gone, remembering to give it a good wash under cold running water before cooking it.
Wild garlic soup and ricotta gnudi
Serves 4
250g ricotta
1 egg
50g parmesan
00 pasta flour
200g semolina
125g King Edward potatoes
2 garlic cloves
100g onion
100g unsalted butter
700ml vegetable stock
100g wild garlic
Place the ricotta in a large mixing bowl. Crack the egg and add the yolk to the bowl, discarding the white. Grate the parmesan finely and add it to the bowl along with the pasta flour and beat until smooth.
Place the semolina on a shallow tray. Working with slightly wet hands divide the ricotta mixture into 24 even pieces. Gently roll the mixture into balls then drop the balls into the semolina and shake the tray back and forth to coat them. Transfer the gnudi on a clean tray and place in the fridge for four hours to set.
Now make the soup. Peel the potatoes, garlic cloves and onions then slice them finely. Place a large pan on a medium heat and add the butter. Once melted add the potato, garlic and onion and season well with salt. Sweat the vegetables until soft and translucent.
Once the vegetables are soft add the stock and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes before adding the wild garlic and cooking for a further two minutes. Placing the soup in the liquidiser and blend until smooth, then reserve to one side and keep warm.
To cook the gnudi, place a large pan of salted water on a high heat and bring to the boil before reducing the heat to simmer. Place the gnudi in the water and cook for four to five minutes until they float to the surface. When the gnudi are cooked carefully lift them out with a slotted spoon.
Place the warm soup in bowls, divide the gnudi between them and serve.
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