Ricotta-lemon gnocchi

 

Sometimes a simple ingredient makes you crave a dish in which it can enjoy it's prime spotlight. 

The lemons looked sooo inviting in the fruit basket that it got my thoughts swirling around a best use for them, but let's face it.. Cooking is relaxing, as long as it is not a chore, and today I wanted something quick, new, tasty, and light, ready in less than 10 minutes.

With ricotta and gnocchi in the fridge/pantry, this was meant to happen :).

Ingredients (serves 3)

1 package of gnocchi (1 pound)

3 tbsp butter

5 tbsp ricotta

2-3 cloves of garlic

1 lemon (zest, and 1/2 of the juice)

handful of fresh Swiss chard  (about a cup chopped)

 

In a small pot bring water to boil. 

In a larger skillet heat the butter, add the smashed garlic cloves, toss until gets a light cream-golden color. Add the lemon zest, stir, add the ricotta, and 1/2 of the lemon juice. Mix until the texture is smooth and creamy and the flavors blend, 2 minutes.

Meanwhile cook the gnocchi according to the instructions, but cut the cooking time short. Mine asked for 3 minutes, I barely cooked them for 2.

Scoop the gnocchi from the boiling water and add them to the ricotta-lemon sauce, let it simmer on very low for another 2-3 minutes.

Remove from heat.

Wash and chop the Swiss chard, add to the top of the gnocchi, and serve with extra lemon veggies.

Bon appetit!