Gnocchi di Patate con Salsa di Porcini: A Step-by-Step Guide
Gnocchi di Patate con Salsa di Porcini
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Potato masher or ricer
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or gnocchi board (optional)
- Knife or pastry cutter
- Large skillet
- Ladle
- Slotted spoon
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- For the Gnocchi:
- 2 pounds 900g potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
- 1 to 1.5 cups 125-190g all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- For the Porcini Sauce:
- 1 cup 150g dried porcini mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup 120ml vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup 120ml heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
- Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for serving optional
Instructions
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the potatoes (unpeeled) in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 30-40 minutes until tender. You can test by poking them with a fork; they should slide off easily.
- Drain and Cool: Once cooked, drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, peel the potatoes while still warm.
- Step 2: Make the Gnocchi Dough
- Mash the Potatoes: Using a potato masher or ricer, mash the potatoes into a smooth consistency without lumps. Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes with the egg, salt, and 1 cup of flour. Mix gently with your hands until the dough comes together. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Knead the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and knead the dough gently for about 2-3 minutes until smooth but not overworked.
- Step 3: Shape the Gnocchi
- Divide and Roll: Divide the dough into 4 pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick. Cut the rope into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces.
- Form Gnocchi: Use a fork or gnocchi board to shape each piece by pressing down gently to create ridges (this helps the sauce cling better).
- Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
- Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
- Cook Gnocchi: Drop the gnocchi into the boiling water in batches. They are ready when they float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes). Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a plate.
- Step 5: Make the Porcini Sauce
- Rehydrate Porcini Mushrooms: In a bowl, soak the dried porcini mushrooms in warm water for 20-30 minutes. Drain, reserving the soaking liquid, and chop the mushrooms.
- Sauté: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Mushrooms: Add the chopped porcini mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Add Liquid: Pour in the broth and the reserved mushroom soaking liquid (strained to remove any grit). Simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes until thickened.
- Step 6: Combine and Serve
- Toss Gnocchi with Sauce: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss gently to coat them in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese if desired.
- Variations
- Herbed Gnocchi: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the gnocchi dough for extra flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
Gnocchi di Patate con Salsa di Porcini is a classic Italian dish that combines pillowy potato gnocchi with a rich porcini mushroom sauce. This dish is a true celebration of flavors and textures, making it a favorite for many Italian food lovers. From my own personal experience, making gnocchi can seem a bit daunting at first, but I assure you that with this guide, you’ll be able to create a delicious dish that impresses both family and friends. So let me show you how I make Gnocchi di Patate con Salsa di Porcini.
Notes on What to Expect
When making Gnocchi di Patate con Salsa di Porcini, expect a wonderful balance of soft, fluffy gnocchi enveloped in a creamy, earthy sauce that highlights the flavor of the porcini mushrooms. The process may take some time, but the result is well worth it.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Time to Stand: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Ease of Cooking: Medium
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
- Cost of Ingredients: $15 – $20
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Main Course
Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Potato masher or ricer
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or gnocchi board (optional)
- Knife or pastry cutter
- Large skillet
- Ladle
- Slotted spoon
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Gnocchi di Patate con Salsa di Porcini now.
Ingredients
For the Gnocchi:
- 2 pounds (900g) potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
- 1 to 1.5 cups (125-190g) all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Porcini Sauce:
- 1 cup (150g) dried porcini mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for serving (optional)
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Gnocchi di Patate con Salsa di Porcini now.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the potatoes (unpeeled) in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 30-40 minutes until tender. You can test by poking them with a fork; they should slide off easily.
- Drain and Cool: Once cooked, drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, peel the potatoes while still warm.
Step 2: Make the Gnocchi Dough
- Mash the Potatoes: Using a potato masher or ricer, mash the potatoes into a smooth consistency without lumps. Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes with the egg, salt, and 1 cup of flour. Mix gently with your hands until the dough comes together. Add more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Knead the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and knead the dough gently for about 2-3 minutes until smooth but not overworked.
Step 3: Shape the Gnocchi
- Divide and Roll: Divide the dough into 4 pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick. Cut the rope into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces.
- Form Gnocchi: Use a fork or gnocchi board to shape each piece by pressing down gently to create ridges (this helps the sauce cling better).
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
- Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
- Cook Gnocchi: Drop the gnocchi into the boiling water in batches. They are ready when they float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes). Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a plate.
Step 5: Make the Porcini Sauce
- Rehydrate Porcini Mushrooms: In a bowl, soak the dried porcini mushrooms in warm water for 20-30 minutes. Drain, reserving the soaking liquid, and chop the mushrooms.
- Sauté: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Mushrooms: Add the chopped porcini mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Add Liquid: Pour in the broth and the reserved mushroom soaking liquid (strained to remove any grit). Simmer for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Allow it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes until thickened.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
- Toss Gnocchi with Sauce: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss gently to coat them in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese if desired.
Variations
- Herbed Gnocchi: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the gnocchi dough for extra flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
Tips
- Flour Amount: The amount of flour needed may vary depending on the moisture content of the potatoes. Start with less and add more as needed.
- Freezing Gnocchi: You can freeze uncooked gnocchi by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer, then transferring them to a bag once frozen. Cook from frozen without thawing.
Substitutions for Dietary Needs
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or a potato-based flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative such as almond milk or coconut cream.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Gnocchi di Patate con Salsa di Porcini now.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
- Calories: Approximately 450
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
I hope this guide has made making Gnocchi di Patate con Salsa di Porcini seem a little less daunting! Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I like to hear 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! =>>