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 Gnocchi di Patate con Pesto Gnocchi di Patate con Pesto: A Delicious Italian Comfort Food

 Gnocchi di Patate con Pesto

Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian

Equipment

  • Equipment Needed
  • Large pot for boiling
  • Mixing bowl
  • Potato masher or ricer
  • Fork or gnocchi board (optional)
  • Baking sheet or plate
  • Saucepan for pesto

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients
  • For the Gnocchi:
  • 2 pounds 900g of potatoes (preferably Russet or Yukon Gold)
  • 1 ½ to 2 cups 180g to 240g of all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ teaspoon of salt
  • For the Pesto:
  • 2 cups 60g fresh basil leaves
  • ½ cup 120ml extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup 30g pine nuts (can substitute with walnuts)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • ½ cup 50g grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Making the Gnocchi
  • Prepare the Potatoes:
  • Place the potatoes (unpeeled) in a large pot of cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork-tender, about 20-30 minutes.
  • Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, peel the potatoes while still warm.
  • Mash the Potatoes:
  • Pass the peeled potatoes through a potato ricer or mash them thoroughly in a mixing bowl. Allow the mashed potatoes to cool to room temperature.
  • Make the Dough:
  • Once the potatoes have cooled, add 1 ½ cups of flour, the egg, and salt to the bowl. Mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough is sticky, gradually add more flour until it is manageable but still soft.
  • Shape the Gnocchi:
  • Divide the dough into smaller portions. On a floured surface, roll each portion into a rope about ½ inch (1.25cm) thick. Cut the rope into 1-inch (2.5cm) pieces.
  • Use a fork or gnocchi board to create ridges on each piece (this helps hold the sauce later).
  • Prepare for Cooking:
  • Place the shaped gnocchi on a floured baking sheet or plate, ensuring they don’t touch.
  • Cooking the Gnocchi
  • Boil the Gnocchi:
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Add the gnocchi in batches; do not overcrowd the pot. They are done when they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Drain and Toss:
  • Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked gnocchi and transfer them to a large serving bowl.