Gnocchi is a type of Italian pasta typically made from potatoes, flour, and sometimes egg. Its light and fluffy texture makes it a comforting and satisfying dish. It originated in Italy, with the word “gnocchi” believed to come from the Italian word nocchio, meaning a knot in wood or a lump. Gnocchi has a long history in Italian cuisine and is enjoyed in many different regions of Italy, each with its own variations and traditions. Mashed potatoes are a beloved side dish made from boiled potatoes that are mashed and mixed with butter, milk, and seasonings. They are creamy, comforting, and often enjoyed as part of a hearty meal. Using leftover mashed potatoes to make gnocchi is a creative way to repurpose this classic dish. By combining the leftover mashed potatoes with flour, egg yolks, and seasonings, you can create a new and delicious meal that is both economical and flavorful. Mashed potato gnocchi retains the creamy texture of mashed potatoes but with a slightly firmer, dough-like consistency. This makes them perfect for shaping into small dumplings and cooking in boiling water. You can then serve the gnocchi with your favorite sauce or toppings. Thus creating a dish that is both familiar and exciting.
Why is this the best recipe?
Easy to Make: This recipe utilizes leftover mashed potatoes, making it a great way to repurpose leftovers into a delicious meal with minimal effort. Budget-Friendly: Using leftovers and simple pantry ingredients like flour, egg yolks, and seasonings, this recipe is cost-effective and ideal for those looking to save money on meals. Versatile: The gnocchi can be paired with a variety of sauces, but the tomato sauce in this recipe adds a rich, savory flavor that complements the gnocchi perfectly. Comforting and Satisfying: Gnocchi made from mashed potatoes are soft, pillowy, and comforting, while the creamy tomato sauce adds a luxurious texture and flavor. Family-Friendly: This recipe is likely to be a hit with both kids and adults alike, making it a great option for family meals or entertaining guests. Customizable: While this recipe provides specific instructions, you can easily customize the seasonings, cheeses, and even the type of sauce to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients and substitutes
Leftover Mashed Potatoes: Provides the base for the gnocchi dough, adding texture and flavor. Freshly boiled and mashed potatoes can be used instead of leftovers. All-Purpose Flour: It binds the mashed potatoes together to form a dough and adds structure to the gnocchi. It also thickens the sauce. Gluten-free flour can be used for gluten-free gnocchi, but the texture may vary slightly. Egg Yolks: Add richness and help bind the dough together. You can omit the egg yolks if needed, but the gnocchi may be slightly less rich and more delicate. Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor to the sauce. Garlic powder or garlic paste can be used as alternatives. Onion: Provides sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce. You can use shallots or leeks as substitutes for onion. All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce. Cornstarch or arrowroot powder can be used as a gluten-free alternative for thickening. Tomato Paste: Adds richness and depth of flavor to the sauce. Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes can be used, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted. Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce. Half-and-half or whole milk can be used, but the sauce will be less rich. Milk: Thins out the sauce and adds creaminess. Any preferred dairy or non-dairy milk can be used. Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami flavor to the sauce. Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can be used as substitutes for Parmesan cheese. Cheddar Cheese: Adds richness and depth of flavor to the sauce. However, any preferred melting cheese, such as mozzarella or Gruyère, can also be used. Bouillon Powder: Adds savory flavor to the sauce. Vegetable or chicken broth can be used instead of bouillon powder.
Step-by-step: Leftover mashed potato gnocchi
Dough – Combine the leftover mashed potatoes, flour, egg yolks, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix until a dough forms. Divide – Divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into a long rope, about 1/2 inch thick. Cut the ropes into small pieces, about 1 inch long. Use a fork or gnocchi board to pattern the individual gnocchi.
Cook – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the gnocchi into the boiling water and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Sauté – Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the flour and tomato paste, and cook for another minute. Thicken – Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Add Parmesan, cheddar cheese, bouillon powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Assemble – Add the cooked gnocchi to the sauce and toss to coat. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
Tips for Success
Use Cold Mashed Potatoes: If your leftover mashed potatoes are warm, let them cool in the refrigerator before using them in the gnocchi dough. Cold mashed potatoes will hold together better and result in a better texture. Don’t Overwork the Dough: Gently mix the mashed potatoes, flour, egg yolks, salt, and pepper until just combined. Overworking the dough can make the gnocchi dense and tough. Flour Your Work Surface: When rolling out the gnocchi dough, make sure to lightly flour your work surface to prevent sticking. Use as little flour as possible to keep the gnocchi light. Test the Gnocchi: Before cooking all the gnocchi, test a few in boiling water to ensure they hold together. If they fall apart, you may need to adjust the dough by adding more flour. Cook Gnocchi in Small Batches: Cook the gnocchi in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can cause them to stick together. Season the Tomato Sauce Well: Taste the tomato sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed before adding the gnocchi. A well-seasoned sauce will enhance the flavor of the dish. Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan and cheddar cheese will melt better and have a better flavor compared to pre-grated cheese. Serve Immediately: Gnocchi is best served immediately after cooking. If you need to keep them warm, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet in a warm oven (200°F or 95°C) while you finish cooking the remaining batches. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, herbs, or cheeses to customize the gnocchi and sauce to your liking.
Creative variations
Cheesy Gnocchi: For a cheesy twist, mix grated Parmesan, cheddar, or Gruyère cheese into the gnocchi dough. You can also sprinkle more cheese on top before serving. Herb-infused Gnocchi: For a burst of flavor, add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives to the gnocchi dough. Pesto Gnocchi: Toss cooked gnocchi with homemade or store-bought pesto sauce for a vibrant and flavorful dish. Spinach and Ricotta Gnocchi: Mix cooked and squeezed-dry spinach with ricotta cheese and incorporate it into the gnocchi dough for a nutritious and delicious variation. Sweet Potato Gnocchi: For a sweeter twist, substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes in the gnocchi dough. Serve with brown butter and sage sauce for a classic pairing. Gnocchi Alla Romana: Instead of shaping the gnocchi into dumplings, spread the dough in a baking dish, chill, and cut into squares. Bake until golden and serve with a tomato sauce. Gnocchi with Bacon and Peas: Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble it and mix it with cooked peas and gnocchi for a hearty and flavorful dish. Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Cream Sauce: Make a creamy sauce with Gorgonzola cheese, cream, and a touch of nutmeg. Toss the cooked gnocchi in the sauce and serve with toasted walnuts on top. Gnocchi Carbonara: Toss cooked gnocchi with a creamy carbonara sauce made with eggs, Parmesan cheese, and pancetta or bacon. Gnocchi Bake: Layer cooked gnocchi with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil in a baking dish. Bake until bubbly and golden for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Creative ways to serve potato gnocchi
Gnocchi Skewers: Thread cooked gnocchi onto skewers with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and pieces of chicken or sausage. Grill or bake until lightly charred for a fun and flavorful dish. Gnocchi Soup: Add cooked gnocchi to a pot of your favorite soup, such as tomato, minestrone, or chicken noodle, for a hearty and comforting meal. Gnocchi Salad: Toss cooked and cooled gnocchi with a vinaigrette dressing, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta cheese for a refreshing salad. Gnocchi Casserole: Layer cooked gnocchi with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese in a baking dish. Bake until bubbly and golden for a comforting casserole. Gnocchi with Brown Butter and Sage: Toss cooked gnocchi in brown butter sauce with crispy sage leaves for a simple yet elegant dish.
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