Potato Gnocchi
Italian

Potato Gnocchi

Soft, pillowy potato dumplings ridged with a fork and boiled until they float, then dressed in butter and sage or tomato sauce. A beloved first course across northern and central Italy.

Medium30 min

Where it comes from

Potato gnocchi spread across northern and central Italy in the late 19th century after the potato's arrival.

On the plate

Cloud-light and tender, they melt almost instantly, coated in nutty browned butter and the woody perfume of sage. Each bite is delicate yet deeply satisfying.

How it works

Ricing the potatoes while warm and using minimal flour keeps the dumplings light; over-kneading develops gluten and turns them gummy, so a gentle hand is essential.

Variations

Gnocchi alla sorrentina baked with tomato and mozzarella, with pesto, with gorgonzola cream, spinach gnocchi

On the Palate

HeatRichnessComplexityFermentFreshness

Ingredients

Serves 4

How it's made

8 steps · Show
30 min active
  1. 1
    25 min

    Boil whole potatoes in their skins until very tender, then peel.

  2. 2
    3 min

    Rice the warm potatoes onto a clean work surface.

  3. 3
    5 min

    Add flour, egg and salt and gently knead into a soft dough.

  4. 4
    6 min

    Roll the dough into long ropes and cut into small pieces.

  5. 5
    8 min

    Press each piece against fork tines to form ridges.

  6. 6
    4 min

    Cook the gnocchi in salted boiling water until they float.

  7. 7
    3 min

    Meanwhile melt butter with sage leaves in a pan.

  8. 8
    2 min

    Lift the gnocchi into the butter, toss gently and serve with grated cheese.

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