To start, gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need two pounds of potatoes, russet or Yukon Gold varieties work best, one and a half cups of all-purpose flour, one large egg, salt, and pepper. Additionally, you may choose to add a pinch of nutmeg or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Begin by boiling the potatoes in their skins until they are fork-tender. This usually takes about 30-40 minutes. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and allow them to cool slightly before peeling off the skin. Using a potato ricer or a fine-mesh sieve, mash the peeled potatoes until they are smooth and free of lumps.
Next, create a well in the center of the mashed potatoes and add the flour, egg, salt, and pepper. If you wish to incorporate nutmeg or Parmesan cheese, add them at this stage. Gently knead the mixture until it forms a soft dough. Be careful not to overwork the dough as it can result in tough gnocchi.
Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into long ropes, about half an inch thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the ropes into bite-sized pieces, typically one inch in length. To give the gnocchi their signature shape, you can choose to roll them over a gnocchi board or the back of a fork. This step is optional but can help the sauce cling better to the pasta.
Once all the gnocchi are shaped, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. The gnocchi are cooked when they float to the surface, usually taking only a few minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the boiling water and transfer them to a plate.
Now that the gnocchi are cooked, it’s time to dress them in a flavorful sauce. Traditional Italian sauces for gnocchi include tomato sauce, pesto, butter and sage, or gorgonzola cream. Whichever sauce you choose, make sure it complements the delicate flavors of the gnocchi.
To finish off the dish, carefully toss the drained gnocchi in the sauce of your choice. Make sure every piece is well coated. You can then serve the gnocchi sprinkled with some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a garnish of fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley.
Cooking gnocchi from scratch may seem like a daunting task, but with a little practice, it becomes a fun and rewarding experience. The soft and pillowy texture combined with the delicious sauces make it an ideal dish for both family dinners and special occasions. So, give homemade gnocchi a try and savor the authentic taste of Italy in your own kitchen!