How to Make Potato Gnocchi

If you haven’t tried homemade potato gnocchi yet or it’s been a while since you last made them and you’re not sure how to prepare them, here’s a fail-proof recipe. I’ll teach you a recipe that comes closest to the traditional one. After so many years and with variations found all over the world, most recipes have certain changes.

Ingredients for Potato Gnocchi

• 1 kg Potatoes
• 300 gr All-Purpose Flour
• 2 Eggs
• Nutmeg to taste
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

Start by washing the potatoes and cooking them with their skins on. It’s important not to boil them in water, as they would absorb water and alter the preparation. The potatoes will take about 20 to 30 minutes to cook. You can check their doneness by poking them with a knife or fork. If they pierce easily, they are ready. If not, wait a few more minutes.

As soon as you remove them from the heat, peel them one by one, being careful not to burn yourself and to prevent them from cooling down too much, as they harden and become more difficult to mash. Mash the potatoes until you have a smooth puree. Then add the eggs, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Gnocchi Dough

Mix the ingredients together, gradually adding the flour. When you see the dough forming, transfer it to a work surface and knead it with your hands until you have a smooth and homogeneous dough.

To shape the gnocchi, take small portions of the dough and roll them between your hands to form long, thin rolls (try to keep them evenly thick for even cooking). Cut the rolls into approximately 2 cm pieces and place them on a well-floured surface.

Preparation

Once you have shaped all the gnocchi, sprinkle them with flour on top and give them the famous gnocchi shape. You can use a gnocchi board or the back of a fork. The process is simple: gently press the dough against the board or fork until it has the traditional gnocchi shape. Be careful not to press too hard, as they may flatten and lose their shape.

I must warn you, it can be challenging at first, but as you practice, you’ll get the hang of it and make perfect gnocchi.

How to Cook Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add salt to taste (remember that the gnocchi already contain salt).

It’s recommended to cook a portion of gnocchi at a time, depending on your preference. If you cook all the gnocchi you made at once, they may overcook.

When the gnocchi rise to the surface, they are ready. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the boiling water, allowing any excess water to drain, and transfer them directly to a plate.

Now, it’s up to you to choose the sauce you want to pair them with. I recommend a tomato sauce. Remember that gnocchi contain potatoes, so a heavy sauce might make them feel too heavy