Potato Gnocchi Recipe

Gnocchi are little dumplings made either with mashed potato and flour, as here, or with semolina. They should be light in texture, and must not be overworked while being made.

 

Ingredients

  • waxy potatoes - 1 kg, scrubbed

  • flour - 300g

  • butter - 3 tbsp

  • salt - 1 tbsp

  • egg - 1

  • grated nutmeg - a pinch

  • grated Parmesan cheese - to serve

Method

  • place the unpeeled potatoes in a large pan of salted water. Bring to boil and cook until the potatoes are tender. Drain. Peel the potatoes while it still hot but cool enough to handle.

  • spread the flour on a working surface. Mash the hot potatoes, dropping them directly on to the flour.

  • Sprinkle with half of the remaining flour and mix lightly into the potatoes.

  • Break the egg into the mixture, then add the nutmeg and knead lightly, drawing in more flour as necessary.

  • When the dough is light to the touch and no longer moist or sticky it is ready to be rolled.

  • Divide the dough into 4 parts. On a lightly floured board form each part into a roll about 2 inch in diameter. Cut the rolls crosswise into pieces about 2 inch long.

  • Hold an ordinary table fork with long tines sideways, leaning on the board. Press and roll the gnocchi lightly one by one, along the tines of the fork. Making ridges on one side and a depression from your thumb on the other.

  • Bring a large pan of water to a fast boil, add salt and drop in about half the gnocchi.

  • When the gnocchi rise to the surface, the gnocchi are done.

  • Scoop them out, allow to drain and place in a warmed bowl. Dot with butter, keep warm while the remaining gnocchi are boiling.

  • As soon as they are cooked, toss the gnocchi with the butter, sprinkle with grated Parmesan and serve. Serves 5.

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