Try this sweet potato gnocchi recipe at home
Sweet potato gnocchi marries the heartiness of traditional Italian pasta with the sweet, nutritious virtues of sweet potatoes. Originating from Italy, gnocchi has been a comforting staple in homes for centuries, adaptable in many ways. This eggless and vegetarian variant maintains the dish's cultural essence while offering a healthier option. Let's begin cooking and bring this delightful dish to your dining experience.
Gather the following ingredients
For sweet potato gnocchi, you'll need two large sweet potatoes, about two cups of all-purpose flour for the dough and dusting, one teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of nutmeg. The sauce requires one tablespoon of olive oil, two minced garlic cloves, one cup of fresh spinach leaves, and additional salt to taste. These ingredients blend to form a savory and wholesome dish.
Preparing sweet potatoes
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork and set them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until they're tender inside. Let them cool slightly, then peel off the skins. Mash the potatoes in a large bowl until smooth; this will be your gnocchi dough's base.
Making gnocchi dough
Add one teaspoon of salt and a pinch of nutmeg to the mashed sweet potatoes for flavor. Slowly mix in approximately two cups of flour until a soft dough forms. Handle the dough gently to avoid overkneading. A light touch ensures that your gnocchi will stay tender and airy once cooked. Strive for a dough that's easy to work with, yet holds together well.
Shaping and cooking gnocchi
On a floured surface, divide your dough into four parts. Roll each part into ropes about half an inch in thickness, then slice these ropes into half-inch pieces to create gnocchi. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the gnocchi in batches. Once they float to the surface, after roughly three minutes, remove them with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Preparing the sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm up one tablespoon of olive oil then saute minced garlic until fragrant (about one minute). Add fresh spinach leaves and cook until just wilted (another minute or so). Toss cooked gnocchi into the skillet with the spinach-garlic mixture; season with salt as needed. Serve warm as is or with additional toppings like grated cheese if desired.
