Gnocchi
A soft, pillowy Italian pasta made from potatoes, flour, and egg.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900 g) russet potatoes (about 4 medium)
- 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
1. Cook the Potatoes
- Boil the potatoes whole with skins on for 20–30 minutes, until fork-tender.
- Drain and let cool slightly, then peel while still warm.
2. Mash the Potatoes
- Use a potato ricer or mash thoroughly until smooth.
- Spread mashed potatoes on a clean surface to cool completely.
3. Make the Dough
- Form the cooled potatoes into a mound.
- Sprinkle with salt and flour, then make a well in the center and crack in the egg.
- Use a fork to beat the egg, gradually mixing in the flour and potatoes.
- Knead gently just until a soft dough forms. Do not overwork.
4. Shape the Gnocchi
- Divide dough into 4 pieces.
- Roll each piece into a long rope, about ¾ inch thick.
- Cut into 1-inch pieces and optionally roll each over the back of a fork for ridges.
5. Cook the Gnocchi
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add gnocchi in batches; they’re done when they float to the surface (about 2–3 minutes).
- Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a bowl.
Serving Suggestions
- Toss with browned butter and sage
- Serve with marinara or pesto
- Pan-fry in a little olive oil for crisp edges
Tips
- Use starchy potatoes like russets.
- Avoid adding too much flour—this keeps them light and tender.
- Work quickly while the potatoes are still warm but not hot.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store uncooked gnocchi on a floured tray, covered, for up to 1 day.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Cook from frozen.
Buon appetito!