Watercress Gnocchi With Roasted Radishes Lemon Food

RICOTTA GNOCCHI WITH DELTA ASPARAGUS AND MEYER LEMON

Steps:

• Line a colander with 4 layers of cheesecloth, then add the ricotta. Tie the corners shut. Let sit over a bowl so that the liquid can run out, refrigerated, 8 hours or overnight.
• Place a large pot of water on the stove; salt as you would for pasta and bring to a boil.
• Place the drained ricotta and 1/4 cup Parmesan in a large bowl. Add the eggs and whisk vigorously for a minute or two. Add a pinch of salt, a little pepper, and fold in the flour, a couple tablespoons at a time, just until incorporated.
• Turn the water down to a gentle boil, and with two spoons, form the batter into football shapes, then drop directly into the boiling water. (You will have to process the batter in two to three batches as you can cook about 12 gnocchi at a time.) Cook, stirring to flip them over, until the gnocchi float to the top and are firm to the touch, about 2 minutes. The gnocchi are delicate, so gently remove from the water and place on a sheet tray or baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and set aside.
• Peel the ends of the asparagus, then thinly slice. Place 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat and add the asparagus. Sweat until tender, about 2 minutes. Add the zest, chicken stock and butter, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Reheat the gnocchi by carefully adding to the asparagus mixture and let heat for a minute or 2.
• Place in a large serving bowl and top with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan.

SAUTEED RADISHES AND WATERCRESS

Steps:

• Heat butter with oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until foam subsides, then sauté radishes with salt and pepper, stirring occasionally, 6 minutes. Add water and cook, covered, until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes, then cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until liquid is evaporated, 1 to 4 minutes. Add watercress and sauté, stirring, until wilted, about 1 minute.

WATERCRESS SALAD WITH RAW BEETS AND RADISHES

Steps:

• Season the beets: Slice red beet as thinly as possible with a mandoline or sharp knife and place in a small bowl. Slice golden beet and place in a separate bowl. Season each bowl with salt and pepper, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest. Toss and leave to marinate for at least 10 minutes.
• Make the horseradish cream: Put crème fraîche in a small serving bowl. Add horseradish, 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 1 teaspoon lemon zest. Season to taste with salt and pepper and set aside.
• Make the salad: Place watercress in a low salad bowl or serving platter. Arrange seasoned beet slices over the cress and drizzle with any remaining lemon juice. Scatter radish slices over the salad and garnish with quartered or halved eggs. Sprinkle salad very lightly with salt. Serve the horseradish cream separately and add a spoonful to each serving.