Ricotta Gnudi with Black Pig Amatriciana
For the Amatriciana Sauce
Ingredients
- 5 ounces quality bacon, such as Black Pig Meat Co.
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced thin
- 2 teaspoons to 1 tablespoon Calabrian chili paste
- 1 ½ cups puréed tomatoes
- Salt
Method
- In a medium sauté pan, render the bacon on medium heat until it starts to brown, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, another minute. Add the chili paste and tomato purée and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer gently until the sauce has darkened to a red-brick color, about 20 minutes. Season to taste with salt. Add a little pasta water if necessary to bring sauce to desired thickness.
For the Gnudi
Ingredients
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 3 large farm eggs
- ¾ cup flour
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 2 cups blanched, shocked and chopped kale, chard or spinach
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, eggs, flour, Parmesan cheese, kale, salt and pepper and, using a wooden spoon, beat well until the mixture is combined. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Using two spoons or a small ice-cream scoop, shape and drop the gnudi into the water. As they cook, they will float to the surface. Once they come to the surface, let them cook another minute or so until they are cooked through and feel slightly firm to the touch. Using a spider or slotted spoon, gently remove the gnudi from the water and into warm serving bowls.
For the Garnish
Ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Pecorino or Parmesan cheese
- Arugula
Method
- Spoon the sauce over the gnudi and top with arugula, a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of Pecorino or Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Gnudi are light and airy—they are ethereal pillows or free-form gnocchi using very little flour. I like to serve them with a Calabrian chili-spiked tomato sauce that can be as spicy as you want. Make sure to seek out the very best ingredients for this dish. So fast, so easy and so perfect with a glass of red wine.