Sweet-Potato Gnocchi With Mushrooms and Spinach

This spectacular main dish will impress discerning vegetarians and omnivores alike.

Ingredients:

• Gnocchi
• 1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
• 3 pounds orange-flesh sweet potatoes (often labeled
• 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• About 3 cups flour
• Assembly
• 1/4 cup olive oil, divided 
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/4 cup sliced shallots
• 1 pound mixed mushrooms such as chanterelle, cremini, king trumpet, matsutake, and oyster* 
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 12 ounces baby spinach leaves 
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided

Directions:

1. Make gnocchi: Drain ricotta in a strainer over sink, stirring occasionally, 1 hour.

2. In a large bowl, combine 3 cups sweet- potato purée (save extra for another use), strained ricotta, sugar, cheese, salt, and nutmeg. Gently stir in flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms.

3. Working on a floured surface, divide dough into 8 portions. Roll each portion with your hands into a 15-in. rope, then cut into 1-in. pieces, sprinkling dough with flour if it gets sticky. Transfer gnocchi to a rimmed tray lightly dusted with flour.

4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Working in batches of 15 to 20, drop gnocchi into water, stirring to prevent sticking, and cook until gnocchi are firm and float to top of water, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer gnocchi to a strainer and then to a lightly oiled rimmed pan to cool.

5. Assemble gnocchi: Heat 2 tbsp. oil in a large nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add gnocchi to pan and cook, stirring often, until browned, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a large serving dish.

6. Meanwhile, heat remaining 2 tbsp. oil in a second large frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook garlic and shallots until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add mushrooms and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add broth, butter, spinach, salt, and pepper; cover and cook until spinach wilts, about 3 minutes.

7. Spoon vegetables over gnocchi and pour in broth. Sprinkle with thyme and half of parmesan. Serve with remaining cheese.

*Leave whole any soft mushrooms such as oysters and slice or quarter large, dense mushrooms like the cremini and king trumpets.

Make ahead: Prepare through step 3. Cover and chill up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 weeks.

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.

Sunset
NOVEMBER 2009