Check out this eggless Italian gnocchi recipe
Gnocchi, a beloved Italian dish, has deep roots in Italy's culinary heritage. Traditionally crafted from potatoes, flour, and occasionally cheese, this dish adapts well to a vegetarian and eggless diet without sacrificing its authentic essence. Its soft texture and ability to absorb sauces endear it to many. With basic ingredients and methods, you can create genuine Italian gnocchi at home. Let's get cooking!
Gather the following ingredients
To embark on this culinary journey, you will need two large potatoes (approximately one pound), one and a quarter cups of all-purpose flour (more for dusting), half a teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of nutmeg for that hint of warmth. For the sauce, gather one cup of your favorite marinara sauce and fresh basil leaves for garnish. This recipe serves four people.
Preparing the potatoes
Begin by washing the potatoes thoroughly. Boil them in their skins until they are completely tender; this usually takes about 20-25 minutes depending on their size. Once done, drain them and allow them to cool just enough so they can be handled comfortably. Peel off the skins—they should come off easily after boiling—and mash the potatoes until smooth without any lumps.
Making the dough
On a clean surface or within a large bowl, combine the smooth mashed potatoes with the all-purpose flour, salt, and a hint of nutmeg. Gently mix until you have a unified dough. It's crucial to avoid over-kneading; your goal is to maintain a delicate consistency that prevents the flour's gluten from developing excessively, which would result in tough gnocchi.
Shaping and cooking gnocchi
Divide the dough into four equal parts. Roll each into long, half-inch thick ropes and cut into half-inch pieces. Create ridages by rolling each piece over a fork or gnocchi board. Cook the gnocchi in a large pot of boiling salted water, in batches. They are done when they rise to the surface, which should take about two minutes.
Serving your gnocchi
Warm up your marinara sauce while gnocchi are cooking. Once all gnocchi are cooked and drained well from water bath, place them in a serving dish, pour warm marinara sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately. Enjoy a warm, comforting meal that brings a little bit of Italy right onto your dining table.
