Easy Gnocchi Recipe - brigitte marie foret (2024)

When it comes to Italian cuisine, one cannot deny the allure of homemade pasta. The satisfaction of crafting the soft dough of fluffy gnocchi morsels from scratch as either a main meal or a side dish is unparalleled. Among the myriad options, homemade gnocchi stands out as a beloved choice for many.

This is another one of my favorite recipes that I love making, but is very time-consuming. I’m new to gnocchi, but now that I see how easy it is to cook, I could eat it every day. There are so many different dishes to serve involving gnocchi, but first, let’s talk about how to make this little golden nugget of goodness!

What Is Homemade Gnocchi Made From?

Basically, gnocchi is made up of mashed potato, all-purpose flour, and egg. Some like to use the whole egg, like I do, and there are recipes that use only the egg yolk. If you use the whole egg, your dough may be more dense, but it will still be delicious! Try them both and see which one you prefer!

Why Make Homemade Gnocchi?

There’s something undeniably special about creating your own gnocchi. First and foremost, it allows you to tailor the flavors and textures to your liking. Whether you prefer them light and fluffy or slightly denser, you have the creative freedom to achieve your desired outcome. Homemade gnocchi is made with simple ingredients that allow you to experiment with different ingredients, such as russet potatoes, sweet potatoes, or spinach, to infuse unique flavors into your dish. Moreover, making gnocchi from scratch is a rewarding culinary experience that can be shared with family and friends, creating lasting memories in the kitchen.

Is this your first time making it and you don’t have a gnocchi board? No worries! You can easily slide the little dumplings of pasta dough down the back of a fork to get the same shape and texture.

If you’re searching for “The Best Gnocchi Recipe,” look no further than crafting it yourself. The freshness and authenticity of homemade gnocchi are unparalleled, making it a delightful addition to any Italian-inspired meal. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even for novice cooks. The sense of accomplishment you’ll feel after preparing your first batch of homemade gnocchi is truly gratifying.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs of russet potatoes
• About 4 medium potatoes
• 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour + a little extra for kneading
• 1 teaspoon of sea salt
• 1 large egg, beaten

Directions:

• Begin by washing and setting to boil potatoes After 30 min check if the potatoes are tender completely through and through
• Drain the potatoes and peel them – the skin should come right off with your hands
• Let the potatoes cool for about 20 minutes
• After potatoes are at room temperature, in a small bowl, mix the flour and salt together
• Add the egg to the potatoes
• Add the flour mixture to the potatoes
• Mix with your hands until the flour is moistened and the dough starts to clump together. The dough will still be a bit crumbly at this point. Gather the dough tighter and press it against the bottom of the bowl until you have a uniformed mass
• Take a little flour and sprinkle on your work surface. Then transfer the dough to the floured surface
• Wash your hands
• Add enough flour to cover your hands again and start kneading the ball of dough. Keep kneading till there are no more lumps. This takes about 15 min.
• Once kneaded completely, cut the ball of dough into 4 parts. Save the other 3 in the freezer if you like
• Roll the one piece of dough out until it is a long rope and place it on a large cutting board
• With a sharp knife, cut the log into 2-inch pieces. At this point, some people roll each 2-inch piece over for the design on the gnocchi, but I personally just leave them cut. Now the uncooked gnocchi are ready to boil.

​Boiling The Gnocchi

To cook gnocchi, you will want a large pot of water, set to boil. Once the water is in a rolling bowl, add the pasta, and cook for approximately 3-5 minutes, stirring often. Once they are al dente, drain and toss in your favorite sauce. Try a simple tomato sauce, or perhaps some brown butter with fresh herbs infused for a delicious dinner.

Best Way To Store Leftover Gnocchi

Now, you’ve mastered the art of creating easy homemade gnocchi and enjoyed a delicious meal. But what do you do with the leftovers? Properly storing gnocchi ensures that you can savor their goodness for another day.

1. Cool and Dry: Allow your cooked gnocchi to cool completely before storing them. You can lay them out on a baking sheet or plate, ensuring they don’t touch, to prevent sticking. This step is crucial to maintaining their individual shapes.
2. Freezing: For longer-term storage, fortunately, gnocchi freezes well. Place the cooled gnocchi in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Frozen gnocchi can be stored for up to three months.
3. Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover gnocchi, there’s no need to thaw them. Simply boil them directly from frozen until they float to the surface, then toss them in your favorite sauce.
4. Refrigeration: If you plan to consume the leftovers within a day or two, refrigeration is suitable. Store the gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat them by briefly boiling or sautéing them in a pan with a bit of olive oil.

Making Homemade Potato Gnocchi in Advance

Planning a dinner party or simply want to save time on a busy weeknight? You can easily prepare your gnocchi in advance and have them ready to cook when you need them.

1. Shape and Freeze: After forming the gnocchi, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll be ready to cook at your convenience.
2. Cooking from Frozen: When you’re ready to serve, you can cook the frozen gnocchi directly without thawing. This convenient method allows you to enjoy homemade gnocchi without the time-consuming prep on the day of your meal.

In conclusion, mastering the art of crafting homemade gnocchi is a culinary journey worth embarking on. With an easy homemade gnocchi recipe in your repertoire, you can enjoy the best gnocchi anytime you desire.

Properly storing leftovers and preparing in advance make it even more convenient, ensuring that the delectable taste of homemade pasta is never too far from your table. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the joy of making gnocchi from scratch, and savor the delicious rewards of your efforts. Buon appetito!