Ricotta Gnudi with Tomato-Eggplant Jam
A gnudi (pronounced “nu-dee”) is a type of gnocchi typically made from ricotta cheese, eggs, and a little bit of flour. It is a bite-size dumpling that some describe as “nude” ravioli—the filling without the pasta. The texture should be light, fluffy, and creamy.
Ingredients
Tomato and Eggplant Jam
- 1 medium eggplant
- Oil for deep frying
- ½ bunch fresh marjoram
- ½ bunch fresh mint
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Pinch of chili flakes
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Gnudi
- 2 bunches Swiss chard
- 2 cups sheep’s milk ricotta
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmgiano Reggiano plus more to garnish
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Extra-virgin olive oil
Jam
Cut the eggplant into ½-inch dice. Deep-fry the pieces in oil heated to 350°F until browned. Set aside.
Pick the leaves off the marjoram and mint stems; chop finely. You should have about 1 tablespoon chopped marjoram and ¼ cup chopped mint. Set aside.
Peel and thinly slice the garlic cloves. In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and sauté the garlic and chili flakes for a few minutes, until fragrant. Add the tomatoes, and simmer about 10 minutes. Add the eggplant, marjoram, and mint. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Gnudi
Blanch the chard, drain it well, and chop. This should yield about 2 cups. In a bowl mix the ricotta, eggs, chard, 1 cup Parmesan, flour and salt and pepper to taste with a wooden spoon until all the ingredients are combined.
With two spoons or a small ice cream scoop, drop dollops of the ricotta mixture into a large pot of gently simmering salted water. When they float, let cook another minute or so until they feel slightly firm to the touch. With a skimmer gently remove from the water and place in a bowl. Top with the jam and garnish with a sprinkling of Parmesan and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.