Gnocchi Italian Potato Dumplings Recipe

Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes  

   Prep Time: 40 minutes

Gnocchi Italian Potato Dumplings Ingredients

Gnocchi Italian Potato Dumplings Instructions

  1. Scrub 2 lbs of russet potatoes and place them whole, unpeeled, in a large pot of cold, well-salted water.
  2. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, about 30-40 minutes.
  3. Drain the potatoes and let them cool just enough to handle, about 10 minutes; while still warm, peel off the skins using a paring knife or your fingers.
  4. Pass the peeled potatoes through a potato ricer or mash them thoroughly until smooth and lump-free; spread the mash out on a clean surface to allow steam to escape and cool for 5 minutes.
  5. Sprinkle 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, 1 tsp fine sea salt, 1/4 tsp white pepper, and 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg evenly over the cooled mashed potatoes.
  6. Drizzle 1 large lightly beaten egg over the mixture and gently mix everything together with your hands or a bench scraper until a shaggy dough forms.
  7. Knead the dough very gently, just until it comes together and is smooth, being careful not to overwork it; add a little extra flour if the dough is sticky, but use as little as possible.
  8. Divide the dough into 4 pieces; on a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a rope about 3/4-inch thick.
  9. Cut each rope into 1-inch pieces; if desired, roll each piece over the tines of a fork or a gnocchi board to create ridges.
  10. Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil; working in batches, drop the gnocchi into the water and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes.
  11. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked gnocchi to a paper towel-lined tray to drain briefly.
  12. In a large skillet, heat 4 tbsp unsalted butter and 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat; add 8 fresh sage leaves and 1 smashed garlic clove, cooking until the butter is foamy and the sage is crisp, about 2 minutes.
  13. Add the drained gnocchi to the skillet and sauté gently until lightly golden, about 2-3 minutes; if desired, add 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable stock to create a light sauce.
  14. Transfer the finished gnocchi to serving plates; sprinkle with flaky sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, microplaned lemon zest, and chopped fresh chives to garnish.

Estimated Calories: 250, Servings: 4

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Storage Tips

When considering storage, the best approach for gnocchi is to let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. The gentle aroma of potato and flour lingers, promising a delicious meal even after a night in the fridge. For a quick and easy solution, a light dusting of flour between layers prevents sticking, ensuring each piece retains its pillowy texture and does not become a dense mass. This method is great for keeping the gnocchi recipe ready for a fast weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch.Shelf life is a crucial factor for gnocchi, as their delicate nature means they are best enjoyed fresh but can last up to three days when properly stored. The subtle, earthy scent should remain inviting, and the gnocchi should feel soft yet resilient to the touch. If you are looking for a good way to extend their life, freezing is an option, but the texture may shift slightly, losing some of that signature tender bite that makes this dish so easy to love.Spoilage signs are important to watch for, as gnocchi can quickly go from a great meal to an unappetizing one. If you notice a sour aroma, slimy surface, or any discoloration, it is time to discard them, as these are clear indicators the gnocchi are no longer safe or healthy to eat. Trust your senses: the best gnocchi will always smell faintly of wheat and potato, with a clean, inviting appearance that promises a fast and delicious meal every time.

About Gnocchi Recipe

If you're looking for the best homemade gnocchi recipe, you've come to the right place! I've tried a lot of Italian recipes, but this one is my absolute favorite for how to make gnocchi that's both easy and delicious. The ingredients are simple-just potatoes, flour, and a little bit of love (and maybe a sprinkle of flour on your shirt). Trust me, even if you're not a pro chef, you can whip up this quick and tasty dish in no time. My friends always ask for my tips because they can't believe how authentic and perfect these little potato pillows turn out.
Let's be honest, the first time I tried making gnocchi, I ended up with something that looked more like potato pebbles than pasta. But with this easy recipe, you'll avoid all the rookie mistakes. The secret is in the ingredients and not overworking the dough-seriously, treat it like a delicate Italian grandmother. I always say, if you can mash potatoes, you can make this recipe! Plus, it's so quick that you'll have time to pour yourself a glass of wine while you wait for the water to boil. That's what I call multitasking.
If you want the best results, follow my tips for the perfect gnocchi every time: use starchy potatoes, don't add too much flour, and roll the dough gently. This recipe is so authentic, your nonna might just show up at your door to steal it. Whether you're making a simple butter and sage sauce or going all out with a rich tomato topping, these homemade gnocchi are always a hit. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to impress everyone with your tasty, easy, and delicious Italian creation!

Gnocchi Story

The first time I attempted this recipe, I was lured by the promise of a quick and easy meal, but haste led to a dough that was far too dense. The aroma was inviting, but the texture was heavy, lacking the lightness that makes a dish truly delicious. I realized that even the best intentions cannot compensate for rushing through the process. The lesson was clear: patience is essential, and a good result requires attention to detail, not just speed.
On another occasion, I tried to make the dish healthier by substituting some ingredients, thinking it would be a great way to enjoy comfort food without guilt. The flavors, however, became muddled, and the final product lacked the satisfying richness I remembered. The experience taught me that while it is important to strive for healthy options, balance is key. Sometimes, the best approach is to honor the original recipe and make small, thoughtful adjustments rather than sweeping changes.
After several attempts, I learned to appreciate the subtle cues of aroma and texture that signal when everything is just right. The process became less about following instructions and more about engaging my senses, resulting in a dish that was both fast to prepare and deeply satisfying. Each bite offered a delicious reminder that mistakes are not failures but opportunities to refine technique. Now, I approach every meal with a sense of curiosity, knowing that even a simple recipe can teach me something new about creating great food.

Gnocchi Tips

The aroma of freshly cooked gnocchi fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting scent, hinting at the comforting flavors to come. Achieving the best texture is all about balance-light, pillowy, and tender, never dense or chewy. For a truly authentic experience, use the right technique: handle the dough gently and avoid overworking it, which ensures your homemade gnocchi remain delicate. The moment they hit the boiling water, watch for that perfect sign-they float to the top, signaling they're ready for your favorite sauce.
To make this easy recipe truly shine, focus on the quality of your ingredients. Choose starchy potatoes for a fluffy result, and don't skip the step of ricing or mashing them while still warm. This quick tip helps prevent lumps and creates a smooth, cohesive dough. Dust your work surface lightly with flour to keep the dough from sticking, but use a gentle hand-too much flour can make the gnocchi heavy. For a simple yet delicious finish, toss the cooked gnocchi in browned butter and sage, or a classic tomato sauce, letting the flavors meld beautifully.
For the best homemade gnocchi, consistency is key. Roll the dough into even ropes and cut into uniform pieces for even cooking. If you want that signature look and a sauce-catching texture, use a fork or gnocchi board to create ridges. This not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the overall eating experience. Remember, the secret to a tasty, authentic Italian recipe lies in patience and attention to detail-small touches that transform a simple dish into something truly special.

Gnocchi History

The cultural origins of gnocchi are steeped in the rustic kitchens of Italy, where the best family gatherings often centered around a table dusted with flour and laughter. The aroma of freshly boiled gnocchi, pillowy and warm, evokes a sense of home and tradition that is both comforting and inviting. This dish, with its soft texture and subtle flavor, has long been a symbol of Italian hospitality, offering a delicious and easy way to bring people together. The recipe's roots stretch back centuries, making it a great example of how simple, healthy ingredients can create something truly memorable.
Over time, the recipe for gnocchi has evolved, adapting to the changing tastes and available ingredients of each era. What began as a quick and humble meal has transformed into a canvas for culinary creativity, with chefs experimenting to find the best balance of lightness and flavor. The evolution has seen gnocchi shift from a purely peasant food to a dish celebrated in fine dining, where the texture is carefully crafted to be both tender and resilient. This journey from rustic to refined showcases how a good recipe can remain relevant, offering both fast weeknight comfort and elegant, delicious sophistication.
Regional adaptations across Italy have given gnocchi a fascinating diversity, each version reflecting the unique character of its locale. In the north, the gnocchi are often made with potatoes, yielding a soft, almost creamy bite, while in the south, semolina or ricotta might be used for a firmer, more toothsome texture. These regional twists ensure that there is always a new, healthy and easy variation to discover, each with its own aroma and flavor profile. The adaptability of gnocchi has made it a great ambassador for Italian cuisine, inspiring quick and creative interpretations around the world.