What You’ll Need
- 4 large potatoes
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- Salt for seasoning
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Start by boiling the potatoes in a large pot of salted water. Cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork, usually around 20-30 minutes. Don’t overcook them as overly soft potatoes can lead to a sticky dough.
Step 2: Peel and Mash the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and allow them to cool briefly. Once cool enough to handle, peel the potatoes and mash them until there are no large lumps left.
Step 3: Mix in the Flour and Egg
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, egg, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix as this can result in tough gnocchi.
Step 4: Shape the Gnocchi
Divide the dough into small sections and roll each section into a rope-like shape, about 1 inch thick. Cut the rope into 1-inch pieces using a sharp knife. If desired, you can use the tines of a fork to make decorative ridges on each gnocchi piece by gently pressing and rolling it along the fork’s prongs.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the gnocchi into the boiling water and cook until they float to the surface, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. As soon as the gnocchi rise to the top, they are ready to be strained and served.
Step 6: Choose Your Sauce
Gnocchi pairs well with a variety of sauces. Traditional options include tomato sauce, pesto, or a simple brown butter and sage sauce. Experiment with different sauces to find your favorite combination and dress up your gnocchi to your liking.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer the cooked and drained gnocchi to a serving plate or individual plates. Drizzle your chosen sauce over the gnocchi and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately and savor the deliciousness of your homemade potato gnocchi.
Learning how to cook potato gnocchi allows you to unlock the potential of this classic Italian dish. With a few ingredients and these simple steps, you can enjoy freshly made gnocchi that will impress your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Bon appétit!