Ep 9. The Secret to Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi

In Secrets of a Restaurant Chef season 6 episode 9 titled “The Secret to Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi,” Anne Burrell unlocks the mystery of making homemade gnocchi that's fluffy, light, and packed with delicious flavor. In this episode, Anne demonstrates step by step instructions for creating a creamy ricotta and lightly wilted spinach filling that's stuffed inside these soft and pillowy potato dumplings.

Anne begins by stressing the importance of using the right kind of potato when making gnocchi. She explains that starchy potatoes like russets or Yukon golds are ideal because they create a delicate, fluffy texture when mixed with the other ingredients. Anne also shares a few tips for creating the perfect potato puree, including mashing the potatoes while they're still hot and passing them through a potato ricer to ensure they're smooth and clump-free.

Next, Anne moves on to the filling, which consists of sautéed spinach, homemade ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese. She highlights the importance of squeezing all the moisture out of the cooked spinach to prevent the gnocchi from becoming watery. She then blends together the ricotta and Parmesan cheese and adds it to the spinach.

With the puree and filling ready, Anne shows how to shape the gnocchi by rolling the dough into long ropes, cutting them into small pieces, and then pressing them with a fork to create ridges that will hold onto sauces. She emphasizes being gentle and not overworking the dough as it can make the gnocchi tough and rubbery. Lastly, Anne cooks the gnocchi in batches by boiling them in salted water until they float, then transferring them to a pan to sauté with a butter and sage sauce.

Throughout the episode, Anne provides plenty of tips and tricks for achieving the perfect texture and flavor with every step. Viewers will come away from this episode with a newfound appreciation for homemade gnocchi and the confidence to try making them at home. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, Anne Burrell's Secrets of a Restaurant Chef season 6 episode 9 is a must-watch for anyone looking to master the perfect spinach and ricotta gnocchi.