How to cook gnocchi

When it comes to food, Italian cuisine has given us plenty of classic favourites, like pizza, pasta and risotto. But if you’re feeling uninspired by your weekly penne and spaghetti routine, why not switch it up with some gnocchi for a change of pace? Distinctively different from traditional pasta dishes, gnocchi (made from potato and flour) makes for a great mid-week meal or a starter at a dinner party.

How to cook gnocchi

Gnocchi is a delightfully simple dish, requiring just two key ingredients: potatoes and flour.

How to make gnocchi in a pan: 

1. Place some waxy or floury skin-on potato – like Maris Piper or Desiree – into a pot of boiling, salted water. Allow to cook until fully softened, then drain.
2. Mash the potato while hot, then sprinkle with flour to form a dough. It will be sticky but should still be firm.
3. Roll the dough into separate logs, then cut small pieces of gnocchi from it, typically around one or two centimetres in length. 

How to make gnocchi in the oven:

1. Prick the potatoes carefully, then place them in an oven at 200°C and cook for one hour. 
2. When cooked, peel open the skin from the potatoes and remove the soft flesh.
3. Mash the potato with flour to form a dough. You may need to use an egg yolk to bring the dough together if it’s particularly crumbly.

How long to cook gnocchi?

As for how long to cook your gnocchi – it depends on your cooking method: 

Boiling gnocchi:

In a large pan of boiling, salted water, gnocchi will take 3-4 minutes to cook. The dumplings will float to the surface of the pan once they are done cooking.

Frying gnocchi:

Heat a non-stick pan on high, add a tablespoon of butter, let it melt, then fry the gnocchi until golden brown on both sides.

How to serve gnocchi

There are lots of great ways to serve gnocchi, and here are some HelloFresh favourites:

1. Gnocchi with cheese: blue cheese and gorgonzola will enhance the flavour of the gnocchi, complementing the potato base perfectly. 
2. Gnocchi without lactose: goat’s cheese is a great substitute that’s packed with flavour and will melt throughout the hot pasta. It’s also a great complement to green veggies, like spinach. 

When preparing a gnocchi side dish, consider these options for a boost of flavour:

1. Gnocchi topped with breadcrumbs: put stale bread in a food processor and blitz, then toast in a saucepan.
2. Gnocchi garnished with fresh herbs: fresh basil, parsley, chives, and thyme will bring out flavour without overpowering the pasta. 
3. Gnocchi with a side of caramelised onions: cut thin strips of red or white onion and sauté in a pan with olive oil, a tablespoon of brown sugar and a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.

What sauce goes with gnocchi?

Many sauces go well with gnocchi, but be sure to pick one that complements the other ingredients you’re using. 

The most popular include: 

• Pesto: you can buy it, but it’s also very easy to make pesto. Just blend basil, garlic, toasted pine nuts, a splash of olive oil, salt and pepper in a food processor.
• Cream sauce: mix double cream with parmesan, salt and pepper and stir until thickened.
• Tomato sauce: crush fresh or canned tomatoes with garlic, fresh herbs and olive oil, then cook over medium heat for 20-30 minutes.

Recipes with gnocchi

Gnocchi is a great weekday addition to your meal plan, especially when they’re pre-made. Dinner can be ready in a matter of minutes, and here are plenty of recipes that enhance this pasta dish. Take a look at these recipes from HelloFresh:

• Cherry Tomato Gnocchi with Apple Salad & Cheddar
• Creamy Bacon & Mushroom Gnocchi
• Cheesy Veggie-Loaded Grilled Gnocchi Recipe
• Creamy Bacon & Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake