Step 1

In a medium bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, olive oil, egg, salt, and freshly cracked pepper.

Step 2

Add the flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until it forms a soft sticky dough (about 1.5 cups)

Step 3

Begin boiling a large pot of water. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead in about another 1/2 cup of flour or until the dough no longer sticks to your hands. The dough should still be very soft in texture.

Step 4

Divide the dough into six pieces. Roll each piece out into a rope about 1 inch thick. Cut the rope into 1 inch sections. If desired, roll each piece of dough on the back of a fork to give it a ridged texture.

Step 5

When the water is boiling vigorously, drop the dough pieces into the water. As the gnocchi boil they will begin to rise to the surface. Once all of them are floating on top, let them boil for about 30 seconds to one minute more to ensure thorough cooking. Drain in a colander.

Step 6

Top drained gnocchi with your favorite sauce or garlic butter, salt, and pepper. Enjoy!