Gnocchi is a type of Italian pasta, made from potatoes, flour, and egg. It is a great comfort food and can be served with a variety of sauces, ranging from tomato sauce to pesto. Gnocchi is relatively easy to make, but can be intimidating for beginners. In this article, we will go over how to make gnocchi, step-by-step.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds of potatoes
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon of salt
– 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Boil the potatoes
First, you need to boil the potatoes. Choose potatoes that are starchy, such as Russet or Yukon Gold. Scrub them clean, and place them in a pot of cold water. Add a tablespoon of salt to the water.
Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft and can be easily pierced with a fork.
Step 2: Peel the potatoes
Once the potatoes are cooked, strain them and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, use a potato masher or a fork to mash them until they are smooth. If you have a potato ricer, use it to make the potatoes even smoother.
Step 3: Add the flour and egg
Add the flour to the mashed potatoes, along with an egg, and mix everything together until the dough forms.
Step 4: Knead the dough
Lightly flour a clean surface, and dump the dough onto it. Knead the dough for several minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
Step 5: Roll the dough
Once the dough is ready, divide it into four equal parts. Roll each part into a long, thin log, about 1 inch thick. Cut each log into small pieces, about 1 inch in length.
Step 6: Shape the gnocchi
Using a fork, press down on each piece of dough to make ridges. This helps the sauce to cling to the gnocchi. You can also use a gnocchi board or a gnocchi paddle to shape the gnocchi.
Step 7: Cook the gnocchi
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add a tablespoon of salt to the water. Then, gently drop the gnocchi into the water, a few pieces at a time. Cook the gnocchi until they float to the surface, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 8: Drain the gnocchi
Once the gnocchi float to the surface, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and place them in a colander to drain.
Step 9: Serve the gnocchi
You can serve the gnocchi immediately, with your favorite sauce. Some popular sauces include tomato sauce, butter and sage, or pesto. You can also sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on top, if desired.
FAQs:
1. Can I make gnocchi without eggs?
Yes, you can make gnocchi without eggs. Instead, use extra flour to bind the dough together.
2. How do I know if the potatoes are cooked?
You can test if the potatoes are cooked by piercing them with a fork. If the fork goes in easily, then the potatoes are cooked.
3. Can I freeze gnocchi?
Yes, you can freeze gnocchi. After shaping the gnocchi, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag and store them in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, cook them from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.
4. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, you can use sweet potatoes to make gnocchi. However, keep in mind that sweet potatoes are more moist than regular potatoes, so you will need to use more flour to form the dough.
5. Can I make gnocchi ahead of time?
Yes, you can make gnocchi ahead of time. After shaping the gnocchi, place them on a baking sheet and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Then, cook them as usual.