Homemade Potato Gnocchi Recipe
Potato Gnocchi
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- Potato ricer or potato masher
- Large pot for boiling
- Fork or gnocchi board (optional)
- Bench scraper or sharp knife for cutting the dough
- Clean surface for working with the dough
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- 2.2 pounds of russet potatoes around 1 kg
- 9 ounces of all-purpose flour about 2 cups
- 1 large egg
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Method:
- Cook the Potatoes:
- Start by peeling and quartering the russet potatoes. Place them in a large pot of water, bring to a boil, and cook until they’re fork-tender (around 15-20 minutes). Once cooked, drain and let them cool slightly.
- Rice the Potatoes:
- After they have cooled enough to handle, use a potato ricer or masher to mash the potatoes. Ensure they are smooth with no lumps. Avoid using a regular masher if possible, as it can leave chunks that will make the gnocchi dough uneven.
- Make the Dough:
- On a clean work surface, place the riced potatoes and make a well in the center. Crack the egg into the well, add a pinch of salt, and slowly mix in the flour until the dough starts coming together. You want the dough to be soft and slightly tacky but not too sticky.
- Shape the Gnocchi:
- Once the dough is ready, divide it into sections and roll each section into a long, thick rope. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into small, bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length. If you have a gnocchi board, use it to create the traditional ridges by rolling each piece over the board with your thumb.
- Boil the Gnocchi:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop the gnocchi into the water in small batches. When they float to the surface, wait an additional 15 seconds before removing them with a slotted spoon.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- You can serve gnocchi in a simple tomato sauce, a rich ragu, or even a butter-sage sauce. Grate fresh Parmigiano Reggiano over the top for an added touch of indulgence.
- Tips and Variations:
- Potato Type: Use starchy potatoes like russets for the best texture. Avoid waxy potatoes as they will make the dough too soft.
- Flour: Some recipes use 00 flour, but all-purpose flour works just fine and is often easier to find.
- Freezing: Gnocchi freezes well! If you make a large batch, freeze the uncooked gnocchi on a baking sheet and transfer them to an airtight container once frozen. Drop them straight into boiling water when you’re ready to cook.
- Vegan Version: If you want a vegan version, you can skip the egg, but keep in mind that the texture might change slightly. You may need to adjust the flour amount for consistency.
Gnocchi, those delightful soft, pillowy potato dumplings, are a classic Italian comfort food. While they might seem intimidating at first, making them from scratch can be incredibly rewarding. The process may take a little practice, but don’t worry, let me show you how I make this recipe, and I promise you’ll soon enjoy the fruits of your labor. Gnocchi is popular across Italy, with regional variations, but the version I’m sharing today comes from Northern Italy, where it is traditionally made with russet potatoes, a bit of flour, and egg.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients:
- 2.2 pounds of russet potatoes (around 1 kg)
- 9 ounces of all-purpose flour (about 2 cups)
- 1 large egg
- Salt, to taste
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Potato Gnocchi now.
Equipment Needed:
- Potato ricer or potato masher
- Large pot for boiling
- Fork or gnocchi board (optional)
- Bench scraper or sharp knife for cutting the dough
- Clean surface for working with the dough
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Potato Gnocchi now.
Method:
- Cook the Potatoes:
Start by peeling and quartering the russet potatoes. Place them in a large pot of water, bring to a boil, and cook until they’re fork-tender (around 15-20 minutes). Once cooked, drain and let them cool slightly. - Rice the Potatoes:
After they have cooled enough to handle, use a potato ricer or masher to mash the potatoes. Ensure they are smooth with no lumps. Avoid using a regular masher if possible, as it can leave chunks that will make the gnocchi dough uneven. - Make the Dough:
On a clean work surface, place the riced potatoes and make a well in the center. Crack the egg into the well, add a pinch of salt, and slowly mix in the flour until the dough starts coming together. You want the dough to be soft and slightly tacky but not too sticky. - Shape the Gnocchi:
Once the dough is ready, divide it into sections and roll each section into a long, thick rope. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into small, bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length. If you have a gnocchi board, use it to create the traditional ridges by rolling each piece over the board with your thumb. - Boil the Gnocchi:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop the gnocchi into the water in small batches. When they float to the surface, wait an additional 15 seconds before removing them with a slotted spoon. - Serve and Enjoy:
You can serve gnocchi in a simple tomato sauce, a rich ragu, or even a butter-sage sauce. Grate fresh Parmigiano Reggiano over the top for an added touch of indulgence.
Tips and Variations:
- Potato Type: Use starchy potatoes like russets for the best texture. Avoid waxy potatoes as they will make the dough too soft.
- Flour: Some recipes use 00 flour, but all-purpose flour works just fine and is often easier to find.
- Freezing: Gnocchi freezes well! If you make a large batch, freeze the uncooked gnocchi on a baking sheet and transfer them to an airtight container once frozen. Drop them straight into boiling water when you’re ready to cook.
- Vegan Version: If you want a vegan version, you can skip the egg, but keep in mind that the texture might change slightly. You may need to adjust the flour amount for consistency.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Potato Gnocchi now.
Substitutions for Dietary Needs:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour blends. You may need to adjust the quantities slightly as gluten-free flour can be more absorbent.
- Dairy-Free: Serve your gnocchi with a dairy-free sauce like pesto or olive oil and garlic.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: ~200-250 (varies depending on sauce and portion size)
- Carbs: 40g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 3g
Notes:
- The dough should not be too firm or too soft. If you add too much flour, your gnocchi will be dense. If too little flour is used, the gnocchi will be too sticky and won’t hold together properly.
- When you drop the gnocchi into boiling water, they will initially sink. Once they rise to the top, they’re done.
I hope this guide has made making homemade potato gnocchi seem a little less daunting. Have you tried making gnocchi before, or is this your first attempt? Please be honest and let me know in the comments below. I love hearing feedback from real people like you, so don’t hesitate to leave a 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! =>>