SWEET POTATO GNOCCHI

My Cellar

Serves 6

SWEET POTATO GNOCCHI:

2 lbs (1 kg) unpeeled sweet potatoes

⅔ cup (175 ml) ricotta cheese

1 tsp (5 ml) salt

½ tsp (2 ml) ground cinnamon

¼ tsp (1 ml) ground nutmeg

¼ tsp (1 ml) ground cloves

¼ tsp (1 ml) freshly ground black pepper

1¼ cups (300 ml) all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface, about ⅓ cup (75 ml)

SAGE AND MAPLE BUTTER:

½ cup (125 ml) unsalted butter

18 to 24 fresh sage leaves

½ tsp (2 ml) ground cinnamon

2 tbsp (30 ml) maple syrup

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

To make SWEET POTATO GNOCCHI: Preheat oven to 425 F (210 C).
Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork. Bake in oven until tender and fully cooked, about 40 to 55 minutes, depending on size. Cool to touch. Cut in half lengthwise and scoop out flesh into a large bowl. Mash sweet potato flesh and measure out 2 cups (500 ml), discarding remainder or saving for another use. Add ricotta and spices. Mix until well blended.
Add flour, ½ cup (125 ml) at a time until a soft dough forms. Lightly flour a clean work surface. Divide dough into 6 equal balls. Roll out each ball into a 1-in (2.5 cm) thick rope. Cut each rope into 1-in (2.5 cm) pieces to make gnocchi. Roll the gnocchi with tines of a fork. Transfer gnocchi to a large baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add gnocchi in 3 to 4 batches and cook until tender but still al dente, or firm to the bite. Remove with a slotted spoon to a baking sheet. Loosely cover with foil to keep warm while cooking remaining gnocchi.
To make SAGE AND MAPLE BUTTER: In frying pan, melt butter over medium heat. When melted, add sage leaves and swirl occasionally until foam subsides and solids begin to brown. Remove from heat and stir in cinnamon and maple syrup. Season with salt and black pepper. Add Sweet Potato Gnocchi and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately.