Hey there, food lover! Iโve got a real treat for you today: High-Protein Cottage Cheese Gnocchi. I know what youโre thinkingโgnocchi can be a bit intimidating to make, but trust me, this recipe is a total game-changer! With cottage cheese in the mix, you get a boost of protein and a wonderfully creamy texture. The best part? Itโs simple, comforting, and absolutely mouthwatering. Ready to give it a try?
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Why Youโll Love High-Protein Cottage Cheese Gnocchi
This recipe isnโt just about the ingredientsโitโs about creating moments. Whether youโre cooking for a cozy night in, impressing guests at a dinner party, or meal prepping for the week ahead, this dish is your new best friend. Hereโs why itโs a favorite:
- Versatile: Perfect for a busy weeknight or as a crowd-pleaser at a dinner gathering. Imagine pulling this out of the oven and seeing the smiles around the table. Itโs a guaranteed hit!
- Budget-Friendly: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a dish that feels indulgent without breaking the bank.
- Quick and Easy: You donโt need to be a pro in the kitchen to pull this off! These simple steps ensure youโll have a satisfying, homemade meal in no time.
- Customizable: You can tweak the flavors to your heartโs content. Spice it up with a bit of chili flakes, or keep it mildโeither way, youโll be craving more.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Gnocchi thatโs rich, hearty, and guaranteed to satisfy. Serve it up to kids and adults alike, and watch them go back for seconds!
Ingredients
Hereโs the magic of this gnocchiโitโs made with simple ingredients, yet the result is absolutely divine. Letโs break it down:
- Cottage Cheese: The creamy, protein-packed base for the gnocchi. It adds a smooth texture that melts in your mouth.
- Flour: For the perfect gnocchi texture. It brings everything together into little pillows of deliciousness.
- Eggs: The binding agent that keeps the gnocchi together while adding richness to each bite.
- Salt: Just the right amount to bring out all those flavors.
- Olive Oil: For a light drizzle to crisp up the gnocchi once itโs cooked.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Letโs dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
- Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 375ยฐF. This ensures even cooking and gives your gnocchi that perfect golden finish.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, flour, eggs, and salt. Mix until the dough comes together. It should be soft but not too sticky.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the dough into small logs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces to form your gnocchi. If youโre feeling fancy, press each piece with a fork to create the classic gnocchi grooves.
- Boil the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop the gnocchi in and cook until they float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Pan-fry the Gnocchi: Heat a bit of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the gnocchi and cook until golden and crispy on both sides.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the gnocchi hot, drizzled with your favorite sauce, or enjoy them as is. Either way, youโre in for a treat!
How to Serve High-Protein Cottage Cheese Gnocchi
This gnocchi is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to enhance your meal:
- Fresh Salads: Pair it with a light green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with a side of warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up all that gnocchi goodness.
- Vegetable Sides: Roasted veggies like zucchini or asparagus add a nice color and texture to balance the richness of the gnocchi.
- As a Standalone: Sometimes, itโs so delicious that it doesnโt need anything else. Simply garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy!
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Prep Ahead: Save time by making the gnocchi ahead of time and storing it in the fridge. When youโre ready, just boil and pan-fry for a quick meal.
- Spice It Up: Add some chili flakes or smoked paprika for a little heat and depth of flavor.
- Dietary Adjustments: If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently in a pan or oven to keep them crispy.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute cottage cheese with ricotta?
A1: You can! Ricotta will give a slightly different texture but still provide that creamy base. Itโs a great alternative if you donโt have cottage cheese.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the gnocchi in advance and refrigerate or freeze them for later. Just cook them when youโre ready.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat them gently on the stove or in the oven.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Absolutely! Freezing gnocchi is a great way to make a big batch ahead of time. Just freeze the uncooked gnocchi on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag.
Q5: Whatโs the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in a pan with a little olive oil to maintain that crispy texture, or gently warm in the oven.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes, definitely! If youโre feeding a crowd, just double the ingredients. You can freeze any extras for future meals.
Q7: Can I add spinach or other vegetables to the gnocchi dough?
A7: Yes, you can! Adding finely chopped spinach or herbs will not only enhance the flavor but also add a beautiful green color.
Q8: How do I know when the gnocchi are done boiling?
A8: The gnocchi will float to the top when theyโre done. This means theyโre cooked and ready to be removed.
Q9: Can I use this recipe for a low-carb version?
A9: You can experiment with almond flour or another low-carb flour for a lighter option, though it will change the texture.
Q10: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A10: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a little cayenne pepper to the dough or sauce for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
And there you have itโyour new go-to recipe for High-Protein Cottage Cheese Gnocchi! Whether youโre meal prepping or enjoying a cozy dinner with loved ones, this dish will quickly become a favorite. The best part? Itโs simple, hearty, and full of flavorโperfect for any night of the week. So, what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the deliciousness thatโs about to unfold!
PrintHigh-Protein Cottage Cheese Gnocchi
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This High Protein Cottage Cheese Gnocchi recipe is a game-changer for busy nights and protein-packed meals. With only 4 ingredients, you get pillowy soft gnocchi boasting over 35g of protein per servingโno need to boil potatoes! This simple yet satisfying dish is perfect for vegetarians, healthy recipes fans, and anyone looking for quick and easy dinner recipes with a protein boost. Pair it with your favorite sauce, like a vibrant green goddess, for a next-level experience
Ingredients
For the Gnocchi:
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1 cup (9 oz / 250g) cottage cheese
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1 cup (150g) plain flour
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1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
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1 teaspoon salt
For the Green Goddess Sauce (optional):
ย
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A big handful of basil leaves
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20g (about 1/4 cup) parmesan cheese, grated
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2 garlic cloves
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2 teaspoons white miso paste
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1 teaspoon fish sauce
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1 tablespoon pickled jalapeรฑo slices (optional)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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200g spinach leaves
Instructions
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Blend Cottage Cheese: Add cottage cheese to a blender or food processor and blitz until smooth.
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Make Dough: In a bowl, combine whipped cottage cheese, flour, parmesan, and salt. Mix to form a sticky dough.
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Shape Gnocchi: On a floured surface, roll dough into long logs and cut into ยฝโ (1.5cm) pieces. Place on a parchment-lined tray.
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Make Sauce: Blend basil, parmesan, garlic, miso, fish sauce, jalapeรฑo (if using), olive oil, lemon juice, and blanched spinach until smooth.
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Boil Gnocchi: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add gnocchi and stir gently to prevent sticking. When they float, theyโre done.
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Pan-Fry (Optional): Heat olive oil in a pan. Transfer gnocchi with a slotted spoon and sautรฉ for 2โ3 minutes until edges are golden.
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Combine & Serve: Toss gnocchi with green goddess sauce and a ladle of cooking water. Stir to coat, then serve hot with extra parmesan.
Notes
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For gluten-free gnocchi, try using almond flour or oat flour alternatives.
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Cottage cheese can be low-fat or full-fatโboth work well.
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Skip the pan-frying step for a softer gnocchi texture.
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You can freeze uncooked gnocchi for later; boil straight from frozen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 30mg