Homemade Potato Gnocchi
Dive into the delightful world of homemade potato gnocchi with this easy-to-follow recipe! This Italian classic features fluffy, tender dumplings that can be paired with a variety of sauces, from a simple olive oil and garlic to rich marinara or creamy white sauces. Ideal for a cozy dinner or a special gathering, these gnocchi are sure to impress your family and friends. Made with just a few simple ingredients, you can customize your dough by adding herbs or spices for an extra twist. Enjoy the satisfaction of making these delicious dumplings from scratch!
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Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
bake potatoes
2 (medium-sized, baked until fork-tender)
egg yolks
2 (fresh)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups (divided as needed)
Instructions
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Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the medium-sized baking potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for about 90 minutes or until they are fork-tender. This process helps to dry out the potatoes, making for a fluffier gnocchi.
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Step 2: Once the potatoes are baked, allow them to cool slightly. Peel the skins and use a potato masher to mash the potatoes until smooth and free of lumps. This will ensure a light and airy gnocchi texture.
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Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, add the mashed potatoes. Gently fold in the egg yolks until fully combined, ensuring the mixture is smooth.
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Step 4: Sprinkle in the salt and 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Start combining the mixture with a fork or your hands until it begins to come together into a dough.
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Step 5: Lightly flour a clean surface, and transfer the dough onto it. Knead gently, adding the remaining flour as needed, until you have a soft and pliable dough (about 2-3 minutes). Be careful not to over-knead.
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Step 6: Roll the dough into a log about one foot long. Cut the log into 1-inch pieces to form your gnocchi. Optionally, you can use a fork to create ridges on each piece for better sauce adherence.
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Step 7: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop the gnocchi into the water in batches. They are ready to be removed when they float to the top, usually within 2-3 minutes.
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Step 8: Use a slotted spoon to carefully transfer the cooked gnocchi to a serving platter or directly onto a plate. Serve hot with your choice of sauce, garnished with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Homemade Potato Gnocchi?
It is an Italian classic featuring fluffy, tender dumplings made from potatoes, flour, and eggs, which can be paired with various sauces.
What ingredients are needed for this gnocchi recipe?
You will need 2 medium-sized baking potatoes, 2 egg yolks, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
At what temperature should I bake the potatoes?
The potatoes should be baked at 375°F (190°C).
How long do the potatoes need to bake?
They should bake for about 90 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
Why are the potatoes baked instead of boiled?
Baking helps to dry out the potatoes, which results in a fluffier gnocchi texture.
How should I prepare the potatoes after baking?
Allow them to cool slightly, peel the skins, and mash them until smooth and free of lumps.
How do I ensure a light and airy gnocchi texture?
By mashing the potatoes until perfectly smooth and being careful not to over-knead the dough.
When should I add the egg yolks?
Gently fold the egg yolks into the mashed potatoes in a large mixing bowl until fully combined.
How much flour should I add to the initial potato mixture?
Start by adding 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour along with the salt.
How long should I knead the gnocchi dough?
Knead the dough gently for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes soft and pliable.
What is the secret to a soft and pliable dough?
Knead gently on a lightly floured surface and add the remaining flour only as needed.
How do I shape the gnocchi?
Roll the dough into a log about one foot long and then cut it into 1-inch pieces.
Why should I use a fork on the cut dough pieces?
Using a fork to create ridges helps the gnocchi hold onto sauces better.
How do I cook the prepared gnocchi?
Drop them into a large pot of rolling salted water and boil them until they float.
How long does it take for gnocchi to boil?
They typically take 2-3 minutes to cook.
How do I know when the gnocchi are ready to be removed from the water?
They are ready when they float to the top of the boiling water.
Should I cook all the gnocchi at once?
It is recommended to drop the gnocchi into the water in batches for even cooking.
What tool should I use to remove cooked gnocchi?
A slotted spoon is best for carefully transferring the cooked dumplings.
What are some suggested sauces for serving?
Gnocchi pairs well with olive oil and garlic, rich marinara, or creamy white sauces.
What garnishes can I use?
You can garnish with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese.
Can I customize the flavor of the dough?
Yes, you can add various herbs or spices to the dough for an extra twist.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this potato gnocchi recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
What type of potatoes are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for medium-sized baking potatoes.
What is the total amount of flour used?
A total of 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour is used, with some reserved for kneading.
What happens if I over-knead the dough?
Over-kneading can lead to a tougher, denser gnocchi instead of a light texture.
What is the first step in making gnocchi?
The first step is to preheat your oven and bake the potatoes.
How many egg yolks are required?
The recipe requires 2 fresh egg yolks.
Do I need to salt the cooking water?
Yes, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for cooking the gnocchi.
Can I make these from scratch easily?
Yes, this recipe is designed to be easy-to-follow using just a few simple ingredients.
What category does this dish fall under?
It is categorized as Italian cuisine, pasta, and comfort food.