Gnocchi

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Gnocchi offers the perfect combination of soft texture and subtle flavor, making it a versatile dish that pairs well with nearly any sauce. Homemade gnocchi are far superior to store-bought, and once you try making them from scratch, you’ll never want to go back. The process is surprisingly simple and requires only a few ingredients—potatoes, flour, eggs, and seasoning—so you can create fresh, homemade gnocchi right in your kitchen. Plus, the small, bite-sized dumplings make it easy to serve as part of a larger meal or on their own for a cozy night in.

Ingredients

• 2 large russet potatoes

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter (for cooking)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the potatoes: Start by boiling the potatoes in their skins in a large pot of salted water. Cook them for 20-25 minutes, or until they are easily pierced with a fork. Drain and allow them to cool slightly, then peel them while they’re still warm.

2. Mash the potatoes: Pass the peeled potatoes through a potato ricer or mash them well with a fork until smooth. Let them cool completely before proceeding to avoid making a dough that’s too sticky.

3. Make the dough: On a clean surface, spread out the mashed potatoes and create a well in the center. Crack the egg into the well and add the salt and nutmeg (if using). Begin incorporating the flour, starting with 1 1/2 cups, and mix everything together gently until a soft dough forms. You may need to add more flour (a tablespoon at a time) if the dough is too sticky. Knead the dough gently for a few minutes until smooth.

4. Roll the dough: Divide the dough into 4 pieces. Roll each piece into a long log about 1/2 inch in diameter. Use a knife to cut the logs into 1-inch pieces.

5. Shape the gnocchi: To shape the gnocchi, use a fork. Gently roll each piece of dough down the tines of the fork to create ridges, or use your thumb to press into the center of each dumpling, forming a small indentation. This helps the sauce adhere to the gnocchi.

6. Cook the gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Working in batches, drop the gnocchi into the boiling water. When they float to the top, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes before removing them with a slotted spoon. Transfer the cooked gnocchi to a plate or bowl.

7. Serve: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the cooked gnocchi for 2-3 minutes until golden and slightly crispy. Serve with your favorite sauce or toppings, such as pesto, tomato sauce, brown butter and sage, or grated Parmesan cheese.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Preparation time: 15 minutes

• Cooking time: 30 minutes

• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Sweet potato gnocchi: Replace the russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly different flavor and a hint of sweetness.

• Spinach gnocchi: Add 1 cup of cooked and finely chopped spinach to the dough for a vibrant, green version of gnocchi.

• Ricotta gnocchi: Use ricotta cheese instead of potatoes for a lighter version of gnocchi that is still soft and pillowy.

• Herb-infused gnocchi: Add finely chopped fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or basil to the dough for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: You can store uncooked gnocchi in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. To store for longer, freeze them. Arrange the gnocchi in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: To reheat frozen gnocchi, cook them directly from frozen in boiling water. Fresh gnocchi can be reheated by sautéing them in butter or olive oil until warmed through and golden.

FAQs

1. Can I make gnocchi ahead of time?

Yes, you can make gnocchi ahead of time. Either refrigerate uncooked gnocchi for up to 1 day or freeze them for longer storage.

2. Can I use a potato masher instead of a ricer?

Yes, you can use a potato masher if you don’t have a ricer, but the texture of the gnocchi may be a bit denser compared to using a ricer.

3. How do I know when the gnocchi is cooked?

Gnocchi is ready when it floats to the top of the boiling water. Allow it to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes once it rises to the surface.

4. Can I freeze gnocchi after cooking them?

While it’s best to freeze gnocchi before cooking them, you can freeze cooked gnocchi. Store them in an airtight container or freezer bag and reheat by sautéing or adding them to your sauce.

5. How do I make sure my gnocchi isn’t too sticky?

To prevent sticky dough, be sure to let the mashed potatoes cool completely before mixing them with the flour. If the dough feels sticky, add more flour a tablespoon at a time until it becomes smooth and manageable.

6. Can I make gnocchi without an egg?

Yes, you can make egg-free gnocchi. Replace the egg with a bit of extra flour or use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) as a binding agent.

7. What sauce is best for gnocchi?

Gnocchi pairs wonderfully with a variety of sauces, including pesto, marinara, brown butter and sage, or even a creamy Alfredo sauce.

8. Can I use different types of potatoes for gnocchi?

Yes, you can use other types of potatoes, such as Yukon gold, but russet potatoes are preferred for their starchy texture, which helps keep the gnocchi light and fluffy.

9. How do I avoid making gummy gnocchi?

To avoid gummy gnocchi, handle the dough gently and don’t overwork it. Use as little flour as possible to form the dough and ensure that the gnocchi are light and fluffy.

10. Can I add cheese to the gnocchi dough?

Yes, adding grated Parmesan or ricotta cheese to the dough can enhance the flavor and add a rich texture to the gnocchi.

Conclusion

Gnocchi is a comforting and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With a simple yet delicious combination of potatoes, flour, and egg, these little dumplings are light, fluffy, and can be served with a variety of sauces. Whether you’re making them for a special dinner or as part of a casual weeknight meal, homemade gnocchi is an unforgettable treat. Plus, they’re easy to customize with different flavors and ingredients, making them a dish you can make your own.