Blue Cheese Cream Gnocchi
Indulge in Richness: Homemade Potato Gnocchi with Luxurious Blue Cheese Cream Sauce
I saw SHINee’s Key making blue cheese gnocchi for Kian84 on TV, and it sparked my curiosity! I’ve never tried blue cheese before, but the way they described its incredibly sophisticated flavor on screen made me so intrigued. And you know, I absolutely adore gnocchi! So, I decided to give this a try. Come along with me as we create this unique dish that’s sure to impress any gnocchi lover!
For the Gnocchi Dough- 3 medium potatoes
- 1 egg yolk
- 4 tablespoons tapioca starch (approx. 40-50g)
- Pinch of salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the potatoes, the star ingredient of our gnocchi. Wash 3 medium potatoes thoroughly, then place them in a pot and cover with enough water to submerge them. Boil until they are very tender, which should take about 20-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork easily pierces through them.
Step 2
Once the potatoes are cooked, let them cool slightly so they are comfortable to handle. Boiling them makes them very moist, which can lead to a sticky dough. After they’ve cooled a bit and you’ve peeled them, mash them thoroughly using a fork or a potato masher until they are completely smooth. It’s crucial to avoid any lumps for the best texture.
Step 3
Season the mashed potatoes with a pinch of salt and mix gently. This step lightly seasons the gnocchi, enhancing the potato’s natural flavor.
Step 4
Ensure the mashed potatoes have cooled down significantly. Then, add 1 egg yolk and 4 tablespoons of tapioca starch. Tapioca starch gives the gnocchi their signature chewy texture. Use a spatula or your hands to mix everything until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Knead it gently; overworking the dough can make the gnocchi tough.
Step 5
Transfer the dough to a clean work surface or a large plate. Pinch off bite-sized pieces (about 2-3 cm). Gently roll each piece between your palms to form a long, rope-like shape, similar to a small rice cake.
Step 6
Let’s give our gnocchi a classic look! Take the back of a fork and gently press down on each piece of dough, then slightly pull upwards. This creates the traditional ridges, which are not only decorative but also help the sauce adhere better to the gnocchi.
Step 7
Now, it’s time to cook the gnocchi. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a teaspoon of coarse salt and a little olive oil. Carefully drop the gnocchi into the boiling water. They are cooked when they float to the surface. Let them simmer for another 2-3 minutes after they float, then scoop them out with a slotted spoon, draining any excess water. We’ll add them directly to our sauce.
Step 8
While the gnocchi are cooking, let’s make the delicious blue cheese cream sauce. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onion (1/4 onion) and the roughly chopped garlic (5 cloves). Sauté until fragrant and the onions become translucent – this brings out their natural sweetness.
Step 9
Once the onions and garlic are fragrant, pour in 200ml of water and 200ml of heavy cream. Keep the heat at a medium level to allow the sauce to simmer and reduce slightly.
Step 10
As the sauce heats up, add the 125g of blue cheese. Stir gently until the cheese is completely melted and beautifully incorporated into the sauce, creating a rich and flavorful base. Be careful not to let the heat get too high, as this could cause the sauce to burn.
Step 11
Once the blue cheese has fully melted into a smooth, creamy sauce, add the cooked gnocchi directly to the pan. Gently toss them to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the luscious sauce.
Step 12
If you enjoy a bit of heat, crush 4 dried chili peppers and add them to the sauce for a touch of spice. A grind of black pepper will also enhance the overall flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount of chili peppers to your preference.
Step 13
Transfer the finished Blue Cheese Cream Gnocchi to a serving plate. Garnish with a sprinkle of dried basil, if desired, for an extra touch of elegance. Now, savor the delightful combination of the creamy, tangy blue cheese sauce and the wonderfully chewy gnocchi! Enjoy!
