Instructions
1. Preheat
the oven to 400°F. Remove the stem, if present, from the squash or
pumpkin, then slice between the vertical grooves to produce thick,
half-moon slices. Scrape out and discard the seeds and strings. Place
the squash on their sides in one layer on a large baking sheet. Roast
until a knife easily pierces the flesh, about 25 minutes. Let cool
slightly. When cool enough to handle, scrape the flesh from the skin
into a sieve. Using a rubber scraper or spatula, work the squash
through the sieve into a bowl. Measure 1 1/2 cups of squash puree.
2. Transfer
the puree to a medium saucepan and add the water, salt, and nutmeg.
When it begins to boil, add a cup of the flour, a little at a time,
stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring
constantly, until the mixture pulls together as a smooth, bright orange
ball, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and beat in the egg, then
1 1/2 cups of the cheese. Turn out onto a clean work surface and let
cool slightly. When cool enough to handle, knead the remaining 1/2, cup
flour into the dough to form a smooth ball. Divide the dough into eight
pieces and roll each into a 1/2-inch-thick log, dusting the work
surface with flour as necessary to prevent sticking. Cut the logs into
1-inch-long segments. Spread some flour on a baking sheet, add the
gnocchi, and shake to lightly coat. Set aside until ready to cook. The
gnocchi can be stored, covered, and refrigerated, for up to a day.
3. To
prepare the sauce, in a large skillet, pour extra virgin olive oil into pan on very low heat. Add the sage and cook until it starts to crisp, 3 to 5 minutes.
Set aside.
4. Bring
a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water and cook the gnocchi in
four to five batches until they rise to the surface, about 2 minutes.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with
the sauce. When all of the gnocchi are cooked, place the pan over high
heat for 1 to 2 minutes and toss the gnocchi with the sauce. Remove
from the heat, add the remaining 1/4 cup Parmigiano, and toss again.
Divide the gnocchi among serving plates and shave the white truffles,
if using, over the top.