Potato Gnocchi Recipes: Classic, Sweet Potato, and Spinach Gnocchi
Potato Gnocchi Recipes: Classic, Sweet Potato, and Spinach Gnocchi
Potato gnocchi is a versatile and comforting dish with origins in Italian cuisine. These small, pillowy dumplings are made primarily from potatoes, flour, and eggs, creating a delicate texture that pairs well with various sauces and flavors. In this guide, we’ll explore three delicious variations: **Classic Potato Gnocchi**, **Sweet Potato Gnocchi**, and **Spinach Potato Gnocchi**. Each recipe brings a unique taste and texture, making it easy to find your favorite way to enjoy gnocchi at home.
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## **1. Classic Potato Gnocchi with Butter and Sage**
This traditional recipe creates light and fluffy gnocchi, perfect with a simple butter and sage sauce. The key to making classic gnocchi is using the right type of potatoes—starchy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold work best.
### **Ingredients:**
- 2 large Russet potatoes (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ teaspoon salt
**For the Butter and Sage Sauce:**
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6–8 fresh sage leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
### **Instructions:**
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes**
1. Boil the whole potatoes with their skins on until fork-tender (about 30–40 minutes).
2. Drain and let them cool slightly, then peel and mash while still warm using a potato ricer or fork. Avoid over-mashing to prevent gummy gnocchi.
#### **Step 2: Make the Dough**
3. On a clean surface, form a mound with the mashed potatoes and sprinkle with salt.
4. Add the flour over the potatoes, make a well in the center, and pour in the beaten egg.
5. Gently mix the ingredients with a fork or your hands until a soft dough forms. Avoid over-kneading.
#### **Step 3: Shape and Cut the Gnocchi**
6. Divide the dough into 4 sections. Roll each section into a rope about ½-inch thick.
7. Cut the ropes into ¾-inch pieces and press each piece lightly with a fork to create ridges.
#### **Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi**
8. Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Drop in the gnocchi and cook until they float (about 2 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon.
#### **Step 5: Prepare the Butter and Sage Sauce**
9. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sage leaves and cook until the butter turns golden brown.
10. Toss the cooked gnocchi in the butter sauce, season with salt and pepper, and top with Parmesan cheese before serving.
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## **2. Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Brown Butter and Walnuts**
This version of gnocchi replaces regular potatoes with sweet potatoes, giving the dumplings a slightly sweeter and earthier flavor. It pairs wonderfully with brown butter and toasted walnuts for a rich and nutty finish.
### **Ingredients:**
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ teaspoon salt
**For the Brown Butter Walnut Sauce:**
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup chopped walnuts
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
### **Instructions:**
#### **Step 1: Cook and Mash the Sweet Potatoes**
1. Roast the sweet potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 45 minutes or until fork-tender. Let them cool slightly, then peel and mash.
#### **Step 2: Make the Dough**
2. On a clean surface, form a mound with the mashed sweet potatoes and sprinkle with salt.
3. Gradually add the flour and mix in the beaten egg until a dough forms. The dough will be softer than regular potato gnocchi.
#### **Step 3: Shape and Cut the Gnocchi**
4. Divide the dough into 4 sections. Roll each into a ½-inch thick rope.
5. Cut into small pieces and press with a fork to create ridges.
#### **Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi**
6. Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Drop in the gnocchi and cook until they float (about 2 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon.
#### **Step 5: Prepare the Brown Butter Walnut Sauce**
7. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat until golden brown. Add walnuts and nutmeg, stirring for 2 minutes.
8. Toss the cooked gnocchi in the sauce and top with Parmesan cheese before serving.
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## **3. Spinach Potato Gnocchi with Garlic Cream Sauce**
This variation incorporates spinach for added color, nutrients, and a slightly earthy taste. It’s delicious when paired with a rich garlic cream sauce.
### **Ingredients:**
- 2 large Russet potatoes (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1 cup cooked and drained spinach (finely chopped)
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- ½ teaspoon salt
**For the Garlic Cream Sauce:**
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
### **Instructions:**
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes and Spinach**
1. Boil the potatoes with their skins on until fork-tender. Peel and mash while warm.
2. Cook the spinach in boiling water for 1 minute, then drain and squeeze out excess moisture. Finely chop.
#### **Step 2: Make the Dough**
3. On a clean surface, mix mashed potatoes with salt and chopped spinach.
4. Gradually add flour and mix in the beaten egg until a soft dough forms.
#### **Step 3: Shape and Cut the Gnocchi**
5. Divide the dough into 4 sections. Roll each into a ½-inch thick rope.
6. Cut into small pieces and press with a fork to create ridges.
#### **Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi**
7. Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Drop in the gnocchi and cook until they float (about 2 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon.
#### **Step 5: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce**
8. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
9. Pour in heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2 minutes.
10. Stir in Parmesan cheese and toss the cooked gnocchi in the sauce before serving.
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## **Final Thoughts**
These three gnocchi recipes—Classic Potato, Sweet Potato, and Spinach Potato—each bring their own unique flavor and texture to the table. Whether you prefer the traditional buttery sage pairing, the nutty sweetness of brown butter and walnuts, or the creamy richness of garlic sauce, there’s a gnocchi dish for everyone. Once you master the basic technique, you can experiment with other ingredients and sauces to create your perfect gnocchi meal. Enjoy!
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