Imagine sinking your teeth into pillowy, homemade gnocchi, bursting with flavor and drizzled with rich tomato sauce—sounds irresistible, right? This delightful recipe for Homemade Tomato Herb Gnocchi is not only a culinary masterpiece but also a fun and engaging cooking project that will impress your family and friends. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create a dish that rivals your favorite Italian restaurant. Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this easy-to-follow recipe that promises to turn your kitchen into a cozy Italian trattoria!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Tomato sauce for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes by washing and peeling them, then cut into even-sized chunks. Boil in salted water until tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes thoroughly and mash them completely, ensuring no lumps remain. Allow the mashed potatoes to cool to room temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled mashed potatoes, egg, salt, Italian herbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until well incorporated.
- Gradually add flour to the potato mixture, kneading gently until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough, which can make the gnocchi tough.
- Dust a clean work surface with flour. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions and roll each portion into a long rope about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cut each rope into 1-inch pieces using a sharp knife. Optional: Create traditional gnocchi ridges by rolling each piece gently against a fork.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Carefully drop the gnocchi into the water in small batches.
- Cook the gnocchi until they float to the surface, which typically takes 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain.
- Serve immediately with warm tomato sauce, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Perfect Potato Preparation: Choose starchy potatoes like Russets for the best texture. Make sure to boil them until they are fork-tender to achieve a smooth mash.
- Cool It Down: Allow the mashed potatoes to cool completely before mixing in the other ingredients. This prevents the egg from cooking and helps maintain a soft dough.
- Knead with Care: When incorporating the flour, knead gently. Overworking the dough can lead to tough gnocchi, so stop as soon as it comes together.
- Flour Power: Keep your work surface and hands lightly floured to prevent sticking, but be cautious not to add too much flour, which can alter the texture.
- Test the Water: Before cooking the entire batch, test a small piece of gnocchi in boiling water. If it floats, you're ready to cook the rest!
- Serving Suggestions: For a gourmet touch, finish your gnocchi with a drizzle of olive oil, fresh basil, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a hint of heat.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the gnocchi in advance and freeze them. Just ensure they are well-floured and separated on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 45mg
