How to Make Delicious Gnocchi like an Italian Nonna?

Have you ever wanted to make soft potato pasta that melts in your mouth?

And the secret, it seems, is the Italian ‘nonna’ recipe that has been passed down through generations. This guide will journey through the world of food and teach you not only what gnocchi is, but also how to cook it like a real Italian grandmother, with love and affection for the dish.

What is Gnocchi?

But before we dive into how to do this, let’s start at the very beginning: what exactly is gnocchi? Commonly misidentified as a pasta, gnocchi are tiny, tender pillows of dough consisting of nothing more than potatoes, flour, and eggs. They’re the stuff of northern Italian cuisine, prized for their distinctive texture and ability to soak up luxurious sauces. Homemade gnocchi are unlike dried pasta in that it is impossible to replicate the airiness and freshness when you make them from scratch.

The Gnocchi Pepperoni d’Oro Recipe

Gnocchi takes some patience and practice to master the art of gnocchi. Here’s our basic, no-frills gnocchi recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 pounds starchy potatoes (such as russet or Idaho)
• 200-250g all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• A pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Potatoes

The secret to a light gnocchi is to use potatoes that are dry. What I would do is boil them whole, in their skins, until fork-tender. That way, they won’t soak up an overwhelming amount of water.

Mash and Cool

Peel the potatoes while hot, and while still warm, put them through a ricer or food mill. This makes for a fine, airy mash. Don’t use your standard masher; it may cause gummy potatoes. Allow the riced potatoes to cool down completely.

Shape the Dough

On a clean work surface, pile the cooled potatoes into a mound. Form a well in the center and add the egg and salt. Start to mix in the flour, add 200g to start, and then gently mix in with your hands, shaping the dough until it comes together. Over-knead your dough of gnocchi, and it will become tough from the gluten developing. The dough should finally be soft to the touch but not sticky. That is the key to a good gnocchi recipe.

Roll and Cut

(If desired.) Shape the dough into 3 or 4 balls. Roll each into a long rope, approximately 1.5 cm thick. Cut the ropes into small, 2 cm pieces using a knife or bench scraper.

Form the Gnocchi

This is the part that gets more enjoyable! Lightly roll each piece of gnocchi over the back of a fork or a gnocchi board to form ridges. Those ridges are not mere cosmetic decoration; they are designed to grab onto sauce. This classic gnocchi recipe step is essential to a good bite.

How To Cook And Serve Your Homemade Gnocchi?

With your gnocchi recipe down, you’re ready to cook them. Meanwhile, fill a large pot with salted water, bring to a boil, and cook pasta. Carefully add gnocchi to the water in batches. They are done when they rise to the surface. It should only take 1-2 minutes. Remove the cooked gnocchi from the pot and deposit directly into a pan containing your preferred sauce with a slotted spoon.

For the ultimate traditional nonna moment, serve them with a classic sage and butter sauce, a rich tomato ragù, or a luscious pesto. And your fresh gnocchi will have that soft bite to it. If you need delicious inspiration, go for a carbonara or a spicy arrabbiata. This gnocchi recipe is so adaptable.

Craving More Italian Delights? Explore Dubai’s Culinary Scene

You’re in for a culinary treat in Dubai if you’re someone whose culinary quests go beyond his kitchen. In the city that houses the world’s Italian food lovers, you want to be digging into the very best pasta in Dubai. From local trattorias to upscale eateries, you can find a venue for you to indulge in all your heart’s (or stomach’s) desires. A quick search for “Italian food near me” will give you many options..

The Gentle Art of Cooking Wives

If you’re searching far and wide for the best pasta in Dubai, seek out restaurants that specialize in handmade pasta. Fresh vs. Store-Bought Just like your homemade gnocchi, fresh pasta is a league above its store-bought counterpart. From many of these establishments, one can even purchase fresh pasta near me for the home cook.

Don’t have time to cook? No problem. 

Connect with IL Forno because we have a wide range of the best Italian Gnocchi and other cuisines. You can have a great Italian meal with little to no effort. From a classic spaghetti al pomodoro to a gourmet fettuccine, the possibilities are endless. Just do a search for “pasta delivery Dubai” and you’ll stumble upon a list of favoured restaurants that will bring a taste of Italy to you.

Anyone typing “Italian food near me” in Dubai will find this city full of hidden gems that serve up anything from spaghetti to creamy risotto and wood-fired pizzas. Given that many of these spots also make their own version of what is gnocchi, you can compare your potato-sizzle creations against the pros.

Wrap up on The Best Gnocchi Recipe

Gnocchi from scratch is quite an accomplishment. Not only does it link you to a fantastic culinary heritage, but it’s about the only meal you can claim as exclusively your own. This is simply a recipe for gnocchi as a starting point, a building block for your own gnocchi creations. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a new cook learning the ropes, learning how to make gnocchi the way an Italian nonna would is something that is totally attainable and simply delicious.

So, roll up your sleeves, pull out your mashed potatoes, and move in for a meal that would have you convinced you’re dining in the center of Italy. And on the days when you’d rather leave the cooking to the pros, the best pasta in Dubai is just a click away. You can easily avail a best pasta place in Dubai simply by searching online. Whether you prepare it yourself or have pasta delivery in Dubai, savor the happy world of Italian food! Discover your new favorite fresh pasta near me or another great Italian food near me to try another delicious one.