Description
Indulge in tender, soft, and savory homemade gnocchi, a must-make recipe that pairs beautifully with almost any pasta sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
3 medium russet potatoes (about 1 pound/450g)
2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon kosher salt (divided)
Instructions
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Prepare the Potatoes
- Peel 3 medium russet potatoes (about 1 pound or 450g) and chop them into roughly 1-inch pieces. Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, ensuring there’s about an inch of water above the potatoes.
- Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat slightly and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Avoid overcooking, as this can make them watery.
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool for 10 minutes. To speed up cooling, spread the riced potatoes on a plate or baking sheet and lightly drape with plastic wrap before refrigerating briefly.
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Rice the Potatoes
- Once cooled, pass the potatoes through a ricer or sieve into a large mixing bowl. Make sure there are no lumps left; the mixture should be finely mashed and smooth.
- Allow the riced potatoes to cool completely at room temperature before proceeding. Cooling ensures the dough doesn’t become sticky or difficult to handle.
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Make the Dough
- Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting), 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to the cooled potatoes. Mix everything together using a fork until a shaggy dough starts to form.
- Transfer the mixture to a lightly floured surface and knead gently by hand until it forms a smooth ball that no longer sticks to your hands. Be careful not to overwork the dough or add too much flour, as this can make the gnocchi dense.
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Divide and Shape the Dough
- Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and shape each portion into a ball. Cover the balls with plastic wrap to prevent drying out while you work.
- Working with one ball at a time, roll it into a log about ½ inch thick. Cut the log into ¾-inch pieces.
- To create ridges, which help sauces cling better, press each piece gently against the back of a fork with your thumb, rolling it forward to form a ridged shell shape. Alternatively, use a gnocchi board for a more professional finish.
- Place the shaped gnocchi onto a parchment-lined baking sheet sprinkled lightly with flour, ensuring they don’t stick together.
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Cook the Gnocchi
- Bring a large pot of salted water, about 2 teaspoons of salt per quart of water, to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Working in small batches, drop the shaped gnocchi into the boiling water. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the gnocchi float to the surface. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and transfer to a heatproof bowl.
- Repeat the process with the remaining gnocchi, allowing the water to return to a boil between batches.
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Serve Your Gnocchi
- Toss the cooked gnocchi with your favorite sauce, such as brown butter sage, marinara, pesto, or Alfredo, or pair with roasted vegetables for added flavor.
- Finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or fried sage leaves for a finishing touch.
Notes
- Cooling Tip: If the potatoes are still warm when making the dough, the moisture content may cause the dough to become sticky. Always ensure the potatoes are completely cooled.
- Kneading Tip: Knead the dough just enough to bring it together smoothly. Overworking can lead to tough gnocchi.
- Flour Adjustment: Only use as much flour as needed to prevent sticking. Too much flour will result in dense dumplings.
- Freezing Option: Lay shaped gnocchi on a baking sheet, freeze individually, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When cooking frozen gnocchi, add an extra minute of boiling time.
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–6
- Calories: 389 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 1789 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 77 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 13 g