Hearty Homemade Gnocchi
Transport yourself to Italy with Nanna's hearty homemade gnocchi. This traditional Italian dish pays homage to the time-honored techniques of my beloved grandmother, who infused love into every stage of cooking. Crafted from simple yet wholesome ingredients, these delicate potato dumplings are satisfying and versatile—perfect for a family gathering or a cozy dinner for two. Feel free to customize the gnocchi by folding in ingredients such as sautéed spinach, roasted pumpkin, earthy mushrooms, or aromatic herbs for an added punch of flavor. Once cooked, serve your gnocchi with your choice of sauce, from a rich marinara to a fragrant sage-butter sauce, and don’t forget a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to elevate the experience!
N/A
Servings
260
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Old Potatoes
1 kg (Cooked and mashed)
All-Purpose Flour
2 cups (Unbleached, for dusting and mixing)
Egg
1 (Beaten)
Nutmeg
1 pinch (Freshly grated if possible)
Salt
to taste (For mixing and boiling)
Pepper
to taste (Freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Start by steaming or boiling the old potatoes until they're tender. Allow them to cool slightly before peeling and mashing them until smooth.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with all-purpose flour, beaten egg, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
3
Transfer the mixture onto a lightly floured surface and knead it lightly just until it forms a soft but firm dough. Avoid overworking the dough to ensure light and fluffy gnocchi.
4
Divide the dough into four equal portions. Roll each portion into long sausage shapes, about 1 inch in diameter.
5
Cut the rolled dough into small, 1-inch pieces. Using a fork, press each piece gently on the back to create ridges that help hold the sauce.
6
Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle simmer. When ready, drop 6 to 8 gnocchi into the water at a time. Cook them for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
7
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the cooked gnocchi from the pot and transfer them to a serving dish.
8
Serve your homemade gnocchi immediately, topped with your favorite sauce and a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
0.83g
Fat
53.33g
Carbs
4.5g
Protein
3.33g
Fiber
0.83g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Homemade Gnocchi?
Hearty Homemade Gnocchi are traditional Italian potato dumplings made using simple, wholesome ingredients and time-honored techniques passed down from family recipes.
What kind of potatoes should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 kg of old potatoes, which are ideal for mashing and creating the right dough consistency.
How do I prepare the potatoes for the gnocchi dough?
Steam or boil the potatoes until tender, then allow them to cool slightly before peeling and mashing them until they are completely smooth.
What ingredients are needed for the gnocchi dough?
The dough consists of mashed potatoes, all-purpose flour, a beaten egg, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
How much flour is required?
You will need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, which is used for both mixing into the dough and dusting your work surface.
Why is nutmeg added to the recipe?
A pinch of nutmeg is added to provide a subtle, aromatic flavor that complements the potato and cheese.
How should I mix the gnocchi ingredients?
Combine the mashed potatoes, flour, egg, and seasonings in a large bowl and mix gently until just combined.
What is the secret to making light and fluffy gnocchi?
The key is to avoid overworking the dough; knead it only until it forms a soft but firm dough.
How do I shape the gnocchi dough?
Divide the dough into four portions and roll each portion into a long sausage shape about 1 inch in diameter.
What size should the individual gnocchi pieces be?
The rolled dough should be cut into small pieces approximately 1 inch long.
How do I create the traditional ridges on gnocchi?
Using a fork, press each piece of dough gently on the back to create ridges.
What is the purpose of the ridges on gnocchi?
The ridges help the gnocchi hold onto the sauce more effectively, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
How do I cook the gnocchi?
Drop the gnocchi into a large pot of salted, gently simmering water and cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
How many gnocchi should I boil at one time?
It is best to cook them in small batches of 6 to 8 pieces at a time to prevent them from sticking together.
How can I tell when the gnocchi are fully cooked?
The gnocchi are ready when they float to the surface of the boiling water.
What is the best way to remove gnocchi from the water?
Use a slotted spoon to carefully lift the gnocchi out of the water and transfer them to a serving dish.
Can I add vegetables to the gnocchi?
Yes, you can customize the dish by folding in ingredients like sautéed spinach or roasted pumpkin.
Are there other flavor additions I can include?
You can add earthy mushrooms or aromatic herbs to the gnocchi for an extra punch of flavor.
What sauces are recommended for serving?
Gnocchi pairs well with a variety of sauces, including a rich marinara or a fragrant sage-butter sauce.
What garnish is suggested for the final dish?
A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended to elevate the flavor.
How many calories are in a serving of this gnocchi?
One serving of these gnocchi contains approximately 260 calories.
What is the nutritional fat content?
This recipe is quite low in fat, containing only 0.83g per serving.
Is this recipe high in carbohydrates?
Each serving contains 53.33g of carbohydrates, primarily from the potatoes and flour.
How much protein does this dish provide?
There are 4.5g of protein per serving in this gnocchi recipe.
Is there fiber in the gnocchi?
Yes, each serving provides 3.33g of dietary fiber.
Does this recipe contain much sugar?
No, the sugar content is very low at 0.83g per serving.
Is this gnocchi recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, the recipe uses vegetarian ingredients and is tagged as vegetarian friendly.
Is this recipe suitable for those monitoring cholesterol?
Yes, it is tagged as a low cholesterol meal option.
Can I prepare the gnocchi in advance?
While gnocchi is best served immediately, you can prepare the dough and shape them shortly before you plan to boil them.
What makes this recipe special?
This recipe is a traditional family favorite that pays homage to authentic Italian cooking techniques for a comforting, homemade meal.