Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to cook the gnudi. Choose a heatproof serving bowl that will fit inside the pot. Set the bowl aside for now. For the gnudi, combine the ricotta, eggs, lemon zest, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Mix well to combine. Stir in the grated cheese and parsley.
This classic gnudi recipe is served with a warming sage and brown butter sauce, the perfect accompaniment to these beautiful ricotta-based dumplings. If you fancy serving the gnudi with something else, simply pan-fry after boiling for a crispy, golden exterior, or leave them plain and serve with your choice of sauce.
Season eight of LIDIA'S KITCHEN: REFLECTING AND RECONNECTING features stories that shaped Lidia Bastianich as a person and as a chef. Throughout the 26-part series, Lidia shares anecdotes and recipes from her childhood, when times were sometimes challenging, but happy and fulfilling.
Drop the gnudi gently one by one into the boiling water and cook for about 2 or 3 minutes, until they rise to the top, and come to a rolling boil. To test for doneness, scoop out a ball and press it with your fingers: the dumpling dough when cooked should bounce back, leaving no indentation.