Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Basil-Garlic Butter Sauce

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Gnocchi:

2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cut into bite sizes

2 cups all purpose white flour

1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

8 ounces full cream ricotta cheese

1 egg

Salt and black pepper

Preheat oven to 400 F. Put butternut on a greased sheet pan. Season with salt and black pepper. Roast for 25 minutes or until butternut is soft. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Mash until smooth. Add egg, parmesan, and ricotta cheese. Mix well to combine. Season with salt and black pepper. Sift flour in. Add more flour if needed to form a soft dough (dough should not be sticky) Turn dough onto a floured surface. Divide dough into 4 pieces and roll into 1/2-inch thick sticks. Cut each stick into 1-inch pieces and place on a lightly floured baking sheet. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until ready to use.

Butter Sauce:

2 tablespoons lemon zest

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon good quality maple syrup

1/3 cup butter

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Handful fresh basil, finely chopped

Salt and Pepper

Heat oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat. Stir in garlic, and cook until softened. Add lemon zest, maple syrup and basil (leave some basil aside for garnish) a further two minutes to combine. Season with salt and black pepper. Set aside and keep warm.

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil over high heat. Boil gnocchi until they float to the top (about 2 minutes). Drain.

Return sauce to a medium heat. Add drained gnocchi and toss well to coat and brown (about 5 minutes). Place into a large serving bowl.  Garnish with extra grated parmesan cheese and basil on top.

Serve as a meal for 4 people with salad greens and fresh bread of choice or as a side dish for 6 people with grilled meat and vegetables. 

   

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