Gnocchi is a traditional type of Italian pasta, although made with potato. You might also know gnocchi to be called small dumplings. It contains very few ingredients and is very easy to make, although it can get messy (as I have now learnt). Get the kids to make fun shapes with it and watch it rise to the top of the saucepan when it is cooked and ready to eat! We love eating ours with a herby tomato sauce and sprinkle of cheese on the top… Yum!
Ingredients
Serves 3-4
- 400g Potatoes
- 1 Egg, beaten
- 150g Plain Flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 Tsp Salt
- Sauce of your choice
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 200ᵒC.
- Use a fork to prick holes in the potatoes to prevent them from exploding.
- Bake the potatoes in the oven for 1 hour until completely soft in the middle.
- Leave to cool very slightly before cutting in half and scooping out the soft centre.
- In a large bowl, use a masher or potato ricer to remove any lumps from the potato.
- Make a well in the centre of the potato and add the egg, flour and salt. You may need to add a little more flour later, depending on the consistency.
- Use a wooden spoon or your hands to make the gnocchi dough. When the ingredients are completely combined, you should have a soft and smooth dough – use your hands to bring the dough together.
- On a lightly floured work surface, knead the dough a little until you have an even texture. Cut the dough into quarters and roll each quarter into a long sausage shape about 2cm thick. Use a cutlery knife to cut the gnocchi into squares and set aside on a lightly floured work surface. Shape your gnocchi into whatever shape you fancy or leave them as they are. If you want the look of the traditional style gnocchi, use the back of a fork and roll the gnocchi, adding a little pressure, over the fork prongs to get the serrated edges.
- Bring a large pan of water to the boil. Add the gnocchi to the pan and wait for it to rise to the top of the water. Once it has all risen, remove it from the water using a slotted spoon and place in to a bowl. Cover with your chosen sauce and a sprinkle of cheese.
