Homemade Potato Gnocchi: A Taste of Italy Made Easy!
Simple & Delicious Italian Potato Gnocchi Recipe: Bring the Authentic Taste Home!
I decided to try making this Italian dish, and it turned out wonderfully delicious. It’s a satisfying and elegant dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients- 5 small potatoes (approx. 300g)
- 7 tbsp all-purpose flour (approx. 70g)
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 onion
- 2 button mushrooms
- 2 slices of bacon
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup milk (200ml)
- 10 tbsp Carbonara cream sauce (store-bought)
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of dried parsley
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the star ingredient: the potatoes. Wash them thoroughly and steam or boil them until they are very tender. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes. You can check for doneness by piercing them with a fork – it should go in easily. While the potatoes are still hot, peel them and place them in a bowl. Mash them with one egg yolk until smooth and lump-free. A smooth consistency is key for good gnocchi.
Step 2
To the mashed potatoes, add 7 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Mix these dry ingredients into the potatoes until they are well combined.
Step 3
Now, it’s time to form the dough. Gently bring the mixture together with your hands. You want a soft dough that’s not too sticky, similar to a hand-pulled noodle (sujebi) dough. Avoid overworking or kneading the dough too much, as this can make the gnocchi tough.
Step 4
Transfer the dough to a clean work surface, like a cutting board. Use your hands to roll the dough into a long, even log, about 1.5 cm (or about half an inch) in thickness.
Step 5
Using a knife, cut the long dough log into evenly sized pieces, about 1.5 to 2 cm (about 3/4 inch) long. Think of them like small dumplings or pieces of dough.
Step 6
Gently shape each piece of dough into a small ball using your palms. This is the basic form of your gnocchi.
Step 7
For a more traditional gnocchi look and to help the sauce adhere better, gently press each ball down with your finger on the cutting board to flatten it slightly. Then, lightly dust a fork with flour and roll it gently down the flattened dough piece. This creates ridges that are both decorative and functional. Make sure to dust the fork to prevent sticking!
Step 8
Continue shaping all the dough pieces into gnocchi and arrange them neatly on a plate or tray. You can cook them immediately or freeze them for later use.
Step 9
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully drop the gnocchi into the boiling water, one by one, stirring gently to prevent them from sticking together. The gnocchi are cooked when they float to the surface. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. We’re just par-cooking them here, as they will be pan-fried later for a better texture.
Step 10
Once the gnocchi float, use a slotted spoon or strainer to carefully remove them from the boiling water. Spread them out on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to allow excess moisture to evaporate. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior when pan-frying.
Step 11
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add about 1 tablespoon of cooking oil (or olive oil). Add the drained gnocchi and pan-fry them until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on both sides. This gives them a wonderful texture contrast – crispy outside, soft inside.
Step 12
While the gnocchi are frying, prepare the ingredients for the sauce. Finely chop the bacon. Thinly slice the onion and mushrooms. Mince or thinly slice the garlic cloves.
Step 13
In a clean skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over low heat. Add the minced or sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This infuses the oil with a lovely garlic aroma.
Step 14
Add the chopped bacon to the skillet and cook until it’s lightly browned. Then, add the sliced onions and mushrooms, and sauté until the vegetables are softened and tender.
Step 15
Once the vegetables are softened, slowly pour in 1 cup (200ml) of milk. Bring the milk to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
Step 16
Stir in 10 tablespoons of your store-bought Carbonara cream sauce. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and incorporated. If you’re using a thick sauce, you might want to stir it in gradually.
Step 17
Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Season with a pinch of freshly ground black pepper. Taste the sauce and add a pinch of salt if needed, but remember the bacon and sauce already contain salt.
Step 18
Add the pan-fried gnocchi to the simmering sauce. Gently toss to coat the gnocchi evenly with the delicious sauce.
Step 19
Serve the gnocchi immediately while warm. The combination of the slightly crispy, tender gnocchi and the rich, creamy sauce is simply delightful. This dish looks as good as it tastes, bringing a touch of authentic Italian comfort food to your table.
Step 20
Plate the gnocchi attractively. Sprinkle with a bit of dried parsley for a fresh garnish. Think of gnocchi as Italian dumplings – they are wonderfully soft yet have a delightful chew. Their comforting flavor makes them a hit with both kids and adults. For an even quicker meal, you can purchase pre-made gnocchi dough or frozen gnocchi from the store.
