Delicate Homemade Potato Gnocchi
Experience the authentic taste of Italy with these delicate homemade potato gnocchi. Made from simple ingredients, these soft and pillowy dumplings are perfect for a cozy dinner and are finished with a touch of elegance from melted butter and fresh sage leaves. For the ultimate indulgence, top them off with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper. These gnocchi are not only easy to prepare but also a memorable dish that will impress your family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
floury potatoes
2 lbs (cut into large chunks)
eggs
2 (beaten)
plain all-purpose flour
1 1/4-1 1/2 cups
salt
2 teaspoons
Instructions
1
Begin by filling a large pot with salted water and bringing it to a vigorous boil. Add the potato chunks and cook for about 15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Set the pot over low heat for 1-2 minutes to dry the excess moisture from the potatoes.
2
Once the potatoes are dry, mash them thoroughly until smooth. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with the beaten eggs and salt, mixing well. Gradually add 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups of flour to the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough to maintain the light texture of the gnocchi.
3
Flour your hands and divide the dough into smaller portions. Roll each portion into a long rope about 1/2 inch thick, then cut the rope into small pieces, about 1 inch long. Use a fork to gently press down on each piece to create classic gnocchi ridges that will help hold sauce later on. Leave the shaped gnocchi to rest on a floured surface for 15-20 minutes.
4
While the gnocchi is resting, bring a large pot of water to a gentle boil again. Once boiling, carefully drop in about 10 gnocchi at a time. Cook them for 3-4 minutes or until they float to the surface, which indicates they are cooked through. Using a slotted spoon, remove the gnocchi and drain thoroughly.
5
Serve the gnocchi immediately after cooking by tossing them in melted butter infused with fresh sage leaves. Finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a crack of black pepper.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Delicate Homemade Potato Gnocchi?
They are soft and pillowy Italian dumplings made from floury potatoes, eggs, flour, and salt, typically served with butter and sage.
What type of potatoes should I use for gnocchi?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of floury potatoes.
How should the potatoes be prepared before boiling?
The potatoes should be cut into large chunks before being added to the boiling water.
How long do I need to boil the potatoes?
Boil the potato chunks for about 15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
Why is it important to dry the potatoes after boiling?
Drying the potatoes over low heat for 1-2 minutes helps remove excess moisture, ensuring the dough has the right consistency.
What is the first step in making the dough?
Once the potatoes are dry, mash them thoroughly until smooth, then combine with beaten eggs and salt.
How much flour is needed for the gnocchi dough?
You will need gradually add 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups of plain all-purpose flour.
What should I avoid when mixing the dough?
Be careful not to overwork the dough to maintain the light and delicate texture of the gnocchi.
How do I shape the gnocchi dough?
Divide the dough into portions and roll each into a long rope about 1/2 inch thick.
What size should the individual gnocchi pieces be?
Cut the dough ropes into small pieces that are approximately 1 inch long.
How do I create the classic ridges on gnocchi?
Use a fork to gently press down on each piece of dough.
What is the benefit of adding ridges to gnocchi?
The ridges help the gnocchi hold onto the sauce better.
Do I need to let the gnocchi rest before cooking?
Yes, leave the shaped gnocchi to rest on a floured surface for 15-20 minutes.
How should I cook the gnocchi?
Drop them into a large pot of gently boiling water, about 10 pieces at a time.
How long does it take to cook gnocchi?
They usually take 3-4 minutes to cook.
How do I know when the gnocchi are finished cooking?
The gnocchi are cooked through once they float to the surface of the boiling water.
What is the best way to remove cooked gnocchi from the water?
Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi and drain them thoroughly.
What is the recommended sauce for this recipe?
The recipe suggests tossing the gnocchi in melted butter infused with fresh sage leaves.
What toppings go well with these gnocchi?
Top them with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper.
How many eggs are required for the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 beaten eggs.
How much salt is used in the dough?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of salt.
Is the boiling water salted?
Yes, begin by filling a large pot with salted water for boiling the potatoes.
Can I use any type of flour?
The recipe specifically recommends plain all-purpose flour.
Is this recipe considered difficult?
The description mentions these gnocchi are easy to prepare and use simple ingredients.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 4 main ingredients: floury potatoes, eggs, flour, and salt.
What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
You should flour your hands and ensure you are working on a floured surface.
Should the water for cooking the gnocchi be a vigorous boil?
No, the gnocchi should be cooked in a gentle boil.
Can I prepare the potatoes in advance?
The recipe suggests mashing them while still dry and warm to mix with the other ingredients immediately.
What categories does this dish fall into?
It is described as Italian comfort food, suitable for dinner.
What kind of texture can I expect?
The gnocchi have a soft, pillowy, and delicate texture.