Imagine twirling your fork into the most pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi you've ever tasted - but with a delightful sweet potato twist that will revolutionize your dinner routine! This Italian-inspired comfort food isn't just another pasta dish; it's a gourmet experience that transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal you can create right in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a recipe that's both surprisingly simple and incredibly delicious!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, mashed
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the sweet potatoes. Peel and chop them into chunks, then place them in a pot of boiling water. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until they are tender. Drain the sweet potatoes and allow them to cool slightly before mashing them until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with the egg. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the flour to the sweet potato mixture, mixing gently until a dough begins to form. You may not need all the flour, so add it gradually until the dough is soft but not sticky. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Divide it into smaller portions for easier handling. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 1/2 inch in diameter. Cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces to form the gnocchi.
- To shape the gnocchi, you can use the back of a fork or a gnocchi board. Gently press each piece of dough against the fork to create ridges, which will help the sauce adhere better.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the gnocchi into the boiling water in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the gnocchi rise to the surface. Once they float, they are done. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and transfer to a plate.
- In a separate saucepan, heat the cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the gnocchi are cooked and the sauce is ready, gently toss the gnocchi in the creamy sauce until they are evenly coated. Allow them to heat through for a minute.
- Serve the sweet potato gnocchi warm, garnished with additional grated parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper, if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired dish!
Tips
- Moisture Matters: Ensure your sweet potatoes are well-drained and not too wet when mashing. Excess moisture can make your gnocchi dense and heavy.
- Flour Finesse: Add flour gradually and avoid overworking the dough. The key is a soft, slightly tacky texture that won't become tough when cooked.
- Shaping Secrets: Use a fork or gnocchi board to create those signature ridges. These not only look professional but help the sauce cling better to each delicate pillow.
- Boiling Basics: Don't overcrowd the pot when cooking gnocchi. Cook in small batches to ensure they have enough room to float and cook evenly.
- Sauce Synchronization: Have your cream sauce ready before cooking the gnocchi to serve them immediately while they're hot and fresh.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the gnocchi ahead of time and freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for future meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 65mg
