Basil gnudi | Pasta recipes | Jamie magazine (2024)

DifficultyNot too tricky

1. In a pan over a low heat, add a splash of water, pick in two-thirds of the basil leaves and heat until wilted. Take it off the hob, leave to cool, then carefully squeeze out the excess water.
2. Pop the leaves in a blender with 75g of the ricotta and blitz to a purée. Transfer it to a large bowl along with the remaining ricotta and eggs, grate in the Parmesan and whisk vigorously, until light and airy.
3. Using a large metal spoon, fold the flour into the ricotta mixture, adding a little more if it’s too sticky – it needs to be soft and moist.
4. Sprinkle a 5mm layer of semolina flour over a baking tray, and fill a piping bag with the ricotta mixture, cutting a 1.5cm opening. Pipe long strips of the gnudi mixture down the tray, about 1.5cm apart.
5. Sprinkle the strips with another thick layer of semolina flour, then cut them into 2-3cm pieces, making sure the gnudi are well coated in the flour. Cover the tray with clingfilm and pop it in the fridge overnight.
6. To cook your gnudi, remove the tray from the fridge and let it to come up to room temperature.
7. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a pan over a low heat and pick in most of the reserved basil leaves. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until the butter starts to bubble and the leaves have crisped up. Finely grate in the zest of the lemon and season well with sea salt and black pepper. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
8. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil over a medium heat and gently lower the gnudi into the pan with a slotted spoon. Once they float to the surface, they’re cooked – this should take about 1 minute.
9. Remove them with a slotted spoon and gently toss them in the lemon butter. Divide between 6 bowls and grate over the pecorino and serve with the rest of the basil leaves on top. Halve the zested lemon and serve on the side for squeezing over.

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