1 ½ cups chickpea flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 cup ricotta cheese (full-fat or part-skim for added protein)
2 large eggs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor and protein)
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Fresh herbs (such as basil or parsley, for garnish)
Large mixing bowl
Fork or whisk
Knife or dough cutter
Large pot for boiling
Skillet for sautéing
Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and well-combined.
Add the chickpea flour: Gradually add the chickpea flour to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a fork or spoon. The dough should start to come together but remain slightly sticky.
Shape the gnocchi: Dust a clean surface with chickpea flour and place the dough on it. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, about ¾ inch thick. Use a knife to cut the rope into small pieces (about 1-inch gnocchi).
Optional: Shape with a fork by gently pressing each piece with the back of a fork to create ridges. This is traditional but not necessary.
Cook the gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the gnocchi into the boiling water in small batches. They will rise to the surface when cooked, usually in about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate.
Sauté the gnocchi (optional but recommended): In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the boiled gnocchi and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and slightly crispy.
Serve:
Variations:
Vegan version: Substitute the ricotta and eggs with mashed sweet potato or pumpkin puree for a vegan, protein-rich version. You may need extra chickpea flour to bind.
Additional protein: Add cooked shredded chicken, ground turkey, or crispy chickpeas to the finished dish for an extra protein boost.
Nutritional Information (per serving, 4 servings):
Calories: 300
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 5g