Potato Gnocchi
In camp last week the kids got to make gnocchi. They were really interested in making them. Most of the kids had eaten them before. None had made their own. They were not hard to make at all and the kids said they were better than the store bought ones they had before. No surprise there.
Gnocchi are a type of dumpling made with potatoes. They are tender, tasty and so easy to make. Sort of like a spaetzle, but made with potatoes in the dough. They have a unique texture and flavor. They have a unique appearance as well, as uncooked gnocchi are traditionally rolled across the tines of a fork to leave tiny grooves. The grooves help to hold sauce. It also makes them look pretty. There are special grooved boards made just for making gnocchi, but a fork works well, too.
Once cooked, gnocchi can be served with butter or a little olive oil, with a red sauce or browned in butter or oil. I love them with some fresh grated Parmesan cheese.
So here is the recipe we used. If you never made gnocchi before, I hope you will give them a try. so easy and so good!!!
Classic Gnocchi
4 small russet potatoes, 22-24 oz. total, peeled, diced into 1/2-inch cubes
1 egg
2 T. whipping cream or half and half
1 1/4 t. salt
1/8 t. nutmeg
1 1/2 c. (about) flour
Steam potatoes over boiling water until tender, about 12 minutes. I steam mine in the microwave. Place in bowl and mash or put potatoes through a ricer. Place in bowl and cool about 10 minutes. Add egg, cream, salt and nutmeg and mix well. Stir in flour and combine until slightly sticky dough forms. Add more flour a tablespoon at a time if the mixture is too moist. Turn dough onto lightly floured work surface and divide into 6 equal portions. Roll out 1 piece into a rope about 20-inches long by 3/4 inch. Cut dough into 3/4 -inch pieces and roll each piece over the tines of a fork or over a wire whisk to make grooves in them. Arrange finished gnocchi in a single layer on a floured baking sheet and repeat the process with the remaining dough. Boil the gnocchi in well-salted boiling water, about 1/3 at a time. Boil for 4-5 minutes. They will come to the surface and be tender. Check after 4 minutes. Serve with butter and Parmesan cheese or with a favorite pasta sauce.
