Homemade Gnocchi

A little taste of HEAVEN!

If you're looking for a fun weekend activity to do with your kids, making homemade gnocchi is always a good idea! Your kids will be entertained and you'll reap the benefits of a delicious dinner. While it may seem intimidating to make your own gnocchi, I can assure you this easy 4 ingredient dinner is fool-proof! 

Ingredients:

4 Medium or 6 Small Potatoes

2 1/2 Cups of Flour

1 egg

1 tsp. salt

You can use a variety of difference sauces for you gnocchis (see below for some ideas!) I made a traditional pomodoro sauce with San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, onion and fresh basil.

Directions:

1) Add potatoes (with skin ON) to a large pot and cover with water. Place on the stove and bring to a boil. Boil 15-20 minutes, until tender. (Boil with the skin on to prevent too much water absorption into the potato.)

2) Strain potatoes and let cool before peeling skin off. Make sure to remove all skin and any little brown areas on the potato.

3) If you have a potato ricer, you can use that to shred the potatoes. I used a cheese grater on the second to smallest grating side to shred the potatoes. Lay them flat on a paper towel to absorb and excess water. You want them as dry as possible.

4) Place potatoes on a clean dry surface or counter top and spread/flatten them into a round disc. Add 2 1/2 cups of flour on top then sprinkle salt onto flour. Make a crater in the middle using your hands.

5) Crack the egg into the center hole and beat it well.

6) Begin pulling flour/potato mixture into the center, eventually using your hands to combine and form a ball. Gently kneed until you have a smooth, formed ball of dough.

7) Once your dough is formed into a ball, shape it into an oval and slightly flatten it. Cut into 8-10 strips about 1 1/2 inches thick.

8) Roll each section of dough out until they are about 1 inch thick. Cut each rolled strip into 1- 1 1/2 inch pieces. You may need to sprinkle additional flour if you find the dough to be slightly sticky.

They should look similar to this! I rolled each gnocchi on the back of a fork to create small indentations to help the sauce stick!

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil to avoid sticking. Gently add gnocchi's and stir. You will know once they are done because they will float to the top. (about 4-5 minutes)

I made a pomodoro sauce but you can use any sauce that you like! Some ideas include vodka sauce, Gorgonzola cream sauce, Alfredo sauce and browned butter and sage! It's fun to mix it up and try different flavors and textures!

I added the gnocchi to a deep skillet and mixed them together with the pomodoro sauce. I topped it with fresh mozzarella balls and placed in a 400 degree oven until the cheese was melted and bubbly. Top with additional basil, grated parmesan and EVOO!

ENJOY!!

XOXO, Alyssa