Czech Fruit Gnocchi (Knedliky)
Category: First Courses
Servings: 10
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Plums | 10 |
| All-purpose flour | 200g |
| Fresh ricotta cheese | 125g |
| Butter | 25g |
| Egg yolk | 1 |
| Fine salt | A pinch |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Butter (for serving) | To taste |
| Ricotta cheese (for serving) | To taste |
| Powdered sugar | To taste |
| Poppy seeds | To taste |
Instructions
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Prepare the dough: Begin by melting the butter in a small saucepan. Allow it to cool before proceeding. In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with the egg yolk. Add a pinch of fine salt to the mixture and stir. If the dough feels too runny, gradually add a bit more flour to achieve the right consistency. If it’s too thick, a small splash of milk can be added to adjust.
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Form the gnocchi: Once your dough is ready, lightly flour your work surface. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a long, even log shape, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Slice each log into five equal pieces, creating small portions of dough.
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Prepare the plums: Wash the plums thoroughly and make a small slit on one side of each fruit. Carefully remove the pit, creating a hollow space in the center of each plum. Fill each cavity with a small teaspoon of sugar. Then, close the fruit around the sugar and set aside.
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Shape the gnocchi: Take each piece of dough and gently flatten it with your fingers to form a round disk. Place a sugar-filled plum in the center of each disk and carefully fold the dough around the fruit, sealing it to form a smooth ball. Gently roll the dough ball on the surface to ensure it’s smooth and uniform in shape.
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Cook the gnocchi: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Using a slotted spoon, carefully lower each fruit-filled gnocchi into the water. Allow them to cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until they float to the surface. This indicates they are cooked through.
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Serve the gnocchi: Once cooked, remove the gnocchi from the water and set them aside. For the final touch, melt some butter and drizzle it over the gnocchi. Sprinkle crumbled ricotta cheese on top, followed by a dusting of powdered sugar. Finally, finish with a generous sprinkle of ground poppy seeds for added texture and flavor.
Tips
- These Czech fruit gnocchi, or knedliky, are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed as a sweet first course or dessert. The plums’ juicy sweetness pairs perfectly with the soft, pillowy dough.
- You can substitute plums with other stone fruits like apricots or peaches for a delicious variation.
- For a richer flavor, you can serve these gnocchi with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla sauce.
