Ricotta Cheese Gnocchi

Heavy Pinch of Salt

One 15-ounce container ricotta cheese, preferably whole milk

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 1/4 cups freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving

Freshly ground black pepper

3/4 to 1 cup flour

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

10 or more sage leaves.

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it. Combine the ricotta, eggs and Parmesan in a large bowl, along with some salt and pepper. Add about 1/2 cup flour and stir; add more flour until the mixture forms a very sticky dough. Scoop up a spoonful of dough and boil it to make sure it will hold its shape; if it does not, stir in a bit more flour.

2. Put the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When it melts and turns a nutty brown color, add the sage. While it fries, drop the ricotta mixture by the rounded tablespoon into the boiling water, working in batches of six or so at a time so as not to overload the pot.

3. When the gnocchi rise to the surface, remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to the skillet. When all the gnocchi are done, toss, taste and adjust the seasoning, and serve immediately.

Yield: 4 servings

Recipe from the NY Times