An easy Italian Pasta Dish recipe, Homemade Potato Gnocchi. A simple tomato sauce makes these soft, delicate Gnocchi a delicious Dinner idea.

Homemade Potato Gnocchi

Living in Italy has made me realize that the simplest dish can be made in so many different ways, depending on the region or even how the family cooks it.

That of course also includes how to make Gnocchi. I have been told to use just flour and potatoes, or use some milk instead. But the best way I found is flour, potatoes and an egg.

How to make them

In a large pot boil un peeled potatoes until tender, remove from the pot and let cool enough to handle, then remove the skin.
Then pass through a Potato Ricer.
On a flat surface mix together the flour and salt make a well in the middle and add the potatoes and egg, mix together with your fingers to form a soft dough, it should not stick to your fingers.

On a lightly floured surface, cut small amounts of dough to form ropes and cut into 3/4 inch (2 cm) pieces, then slide each piece on a fork and squeeze a little (but not too hard).
Sprinkle with a little bit of flour and toss, so they don’t stick together.

Let the gnocchi rest for 20 minutes before cooking.

In a large pot of salted boiling water cook the gnocchi, gnocchi are ready when they float to the top.
Drain and toss with desired sauce.

So how did I come by this recipe?

I have a great little family owned supermarket just down the street from me where I can get fresh eggs and really good cold cuts, slabs of pancetta, fresh nuts and other goodies and my just-purchased pressure cooker.

If you need it, they have it!

Over the years the woman who owns the store has also become a friend. She is originally from the South of Italy and left her family to marry and move North.

With the store business and family to take care of she doesn’t see them as often as she wishes.

My move from Canada to Italy was a little more extreme, but it was something we had in common and gave us something to break the ice.

So over the years I have acquired a good friend and some good recipes. This Gnocchi Recipe being one of them.

What kind of sauce is best

There are several ways that you can serve Gnocchi, probably the most popular being a simple tomato sauce, you could also toss them with Pesto, butter and salvia or even a simple cream sauce.

How to Store them

Potato gnocchi can be left uncooked for no more than a couple of hours (covered). Cooking may be a little longer because they will have dried out a bit in the air.

The Gnocchi can also be frozen, place the uncooked gnocchi on a cookie tray in the freezer, leave for approximately 20 minutes then place them in an airtight freezer bag. They will keep for about 1 month.

When you cook them there is no need to defrost, just add them to boiling salted water.

How to make a firmer Gnocchi

Use a red skinned potato
Boil the potatoes with the peel on, that way the potato absorbs less water.
Peel the potato and place through a potato ricer immediately, because the cooler they get the stickier they become.
An easy way to peel the potato is stick a fork through and peel it using a knife.
Although you should wait for the riced potato to cool before adding to the flour (or denaturation may occur).

What is the best Potato for making them?

The perfect potato is an old potato, in other words no new potatoes. New potatoes contain more water which absorbs too much flour. Go for Yukon Gold or Russet Potatoes.

What is the best flour to use?

I think it all depends on preference, I always use all purpose, in Italy it’s called Manitoba but some people prefer 00 or a lower protein flour. A lower protein flour will make them softer and more tender.

Delicious Gnocchi Recipes

Baked Creamy Cheesy White Sauce Gnocchi

Baked Gnocchi Double Cheese Tomato Sauce

Ricotta Gnocchi Recipe

So anytime you are craving a tasty home-made pasta dish, and you need it now and fast, Gnocchi are perfect. In an hour you could have a delicious pasta dish on the table and you can say “I did it myself”. Buon Appetito!

Updated from December 16, 2014.

Homemade Potato Gnocchi