Gnocchi di Patate al Pesto recipe
Gnocchi di Patate al Pesto
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Potato masher or ricer
- Mixing bowl
- Fork
- Large wooden spoon
- Knife
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Blender or food processor (for pesto)
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- For the Gnocchi
- 2 pounds of starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold
- 1 cup all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- For the Pesto
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts for a substitution
- 2 cloves garlic peeled
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Boil the Potatoes:
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 20-25 minutes.
- Test with a fork; if it goes in easily, they are done. Drain and let them cool slightly.
- Peel and Mash:
- Once cool enough to handle, peel the potatoes and mash them with a potato masher or ricer until smooth. Allow them to cool completely.
- Step 2: Make the Gnocchi Dough
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes, flour, egg, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but workable. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Knead the Dough:
- Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough for just a minute or two until smooth. Be careful not to over-knead, or the gnocchi will become tough.
- Step 3: Shape the Gnocchi
- Roll into Logs:
- Divide the dough into smaller sections. Roll each section into a log about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cut into Pieces:
- Cut the logs into 1-inch pieces. Dust them with a little flour to prevent sticking.
- Shape the Gnocchi:
- Using a fork, gently press down on each piece to create ridges. This helps the sauce cling to the gnocchi.
- Step 4: Prepare the Pesto
- Blend the Pesto:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until finely chopped.
- While the machine is running, gradually add the olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi
- Boil Water:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil.
- Cook the Gnocchi:
- Add the gnocchi in batches. They are done when they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Step 6: Combine and Serve
- Toss with Pesto:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked gnocchi with the pesto. Toss gently to coat each piece.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
- Variations
- Herbed Pesto: Add different herbs like parsley or mint to the pesto for a unique flavor.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the gnocchi.
- Tips
- Potato Choice: Use starchy potatoes for the best texture.
- Making Ahead: You can prepare the gnocchi ahead of time and freeze them. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag.
- Pesto Storage: Pesto can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to three months.
Gnocchi di Patate al Pesto is a classic Italian dish that perfectly combines fluffy potato gnocchi with a vibrant and fragrant basil pesto sauce. This dish is not only comforting but also bursting with flavor, making it a wonderful addition to your culinary repertoire. From my own personal experience, making gnocchi from scratch may seem a bit intimidating at first, but it’s actually quite simple and incredibly rewarding. Let me show you how I make this delicious meal.
Notes on What to Expect
When you make Gnocchi di Patate al Pesto, expect a delightful blend of textures, the softness of the gnocchi and the creamy, aromatic pesto come together beautifully. The freshness of the basil really shines through, making each bite a pleasure.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Time to Stand: 10 minutes (optional for the gnocchi)
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Moderate
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 500 calories per serving
- Cost of Ingredients: Around $10-15
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Main Dish
Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Potato masher or ricer
- Mixing bowl
- Fork
- Large wooden spoon
- Knife
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Blender or food processor (for pesto)
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Gnocchi di Patate al Pesto now.
Ingredients
For the Gnocchi
- 2 pounds of starchy potatoes (like Russet or Yukon Gold)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Pesto
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a substitution)
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Gnocchi di Patate al Pesto now.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Boil the Potatoes:
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 20-25 minutes.
- Test with a fork; if it goes in easily, they are done. Drain and let them cool slightly.
- Peel and Mash:
- Once cool enough to handle, peel the potatoes and mash them with a potato masher or ricer until smooth. Allow them to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Gnocchi Dough
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes, flour, egg, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. It should be slightly sticky but workable. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Knead the Dough:
- Lightly flour a clean surface and knead the dough for just a minute or two until smooth. Be careful not to over-knead, or the gnocchi will become tough.
Step 3: Shape the Gnocchi
- Roll into Logs:
- Divide the dough into smaller sections. Roll each section into a log about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cut into Pieces:
- Cut the logs into 1-inch pieces. Dust them with a little flour to prevent sticking.
- Shape the Gnocchi:
- Using a fork, gently press down on each piece to create ridges. This helps the sauce cling to the gnocchi.
Step 4: Prepare the Pesto
- Blend the Pesto:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until finely chopped.
- While the machine is running, gradually add the olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi
- Boil Water:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil.
- Cook the Gnocchi:
- Add the gnocchi in batches. They are done when they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
- Toss with Pesto:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked gnocchi with the pesto. Toss gently to coat each piece.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Variations
- Herbed Pesto: Add different herbs like parsley or mint to the pesto for a unique flavor.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the gnocchi.
Tips
- Potato Choice: Use starchy potatoes for the best texture.
- Making Ahead: You can prepare the gnocchi ahead of time and freeze them. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag.
- Pesto Storage: Pesto can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to three months.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Gnocchi di Patate al Pesto now.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
- Calories: 500
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
I hope this guide has made making Gnocchi di Patate al Pesto seem a little less daunting. Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I love hearing feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment.
Hello all,
Zio Leo here!
Cooking and sharing great food brings people together in the most authentic way, in my own personal experience, and with a lifelong passion for Italian cuisine, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and stories that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy. From classic dishes to modern twists, have my guides inspired you to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen? Please, be honest with me here. Leave your comments down below. I’d love to hear from real people like you. Read more about me here! =>>