Gnocchi al pesto

gnocchi_al_pesto

Gnocchi al pesto is a traditional Italian dish that is loved by many. The soft, pillowy potato gnocchi tossed in a fragrant basil pesto is a match made in heaven. The dish is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Making gnocchi from scratch may seem intimidating, but it’s surprisingly simple once you get the hang of it. In this recipe, we’ll walk you through each step to ensure that you end up with perfectly cooked gnocchi every time.

Gnocchi is a type of pasta that is typically made with potatoes and flour. The name “gnocchi” comes from the Italian word “nocca,” which means knot or knuckle. Gnocchi is often served with a variety of sauces, but pesto is a popular choice because it adds a flavorful punch to the light, delicate gnocchi.

Pesto is a sauce that originated in Genoa, Italy. It’s made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. The ingredients are typically blended together in a food processor or mortar and pestle until smooth. The result is a fragrant, green sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta, gnocchi, or even spread on toasted bread.

To make gnocchi al pesto, you first need to make the gnocchi dough. This is done by boiling potatoes until they’re tender, then mashing them and gradually adding flour until you have a soft, pliable dough. The dough is then cut into small pieces and rolled into the classic gnocchi shape – a small, cylindrical pillow.

Once the gnocchi is prepared, the pesto sauce is made by blending together fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. The gnocchi is then boiled until it’s light and tender before being tossed with the pesto sauce. The result is a beautiful, delicious dish that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try it.

Gnocchi al pesto is a classic Italian dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re having a dinner party or just looking for a comforting meal on a cold night, this dish is sure to hit the spot. The soft, delicate gnocchi paired with the fragrant basil pesto is a winning combination that will leave your taste buds begging for more.

In this recipe, we’ve included step-by-step instructions to ensure that your gnocchi turns out perfectly every time. We’ve also included tips for making the best pesto sauce possible, so you can impress your friends and family with your culinary prowess. So grab your potatoes, put on some Italian music, and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

  • 2lbs of potatoes, peeled
  • 2 cups of flour
  • 1 egg
  • Salt
  • 1 cup of fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup of pine nuts
  • 1/2 cup of olive oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

  1. Cut the potatoes into small pieces and boil them until they are tender. Drain the water and mash the potatoes until they are a smooth consistency.

  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, egg, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together until you have a smooth dough.

  3. Flour your work surface and roll the dough into long ropes the size of your finger. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, and then use a fork to press in the classic gnocchi shape.

  4. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the gnocchi and cook them until they float to the top of the water. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

  5. In a food processor, combine fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil. Process everything together until it is a smooth consistency. Then, add your grated Parmesan cheese and pulse again to mix everything together.

  6. Drain the gnocchi and toss them in the pesto sauce until they are fully coated.

  7. Serve hot and top with additional grated Parmesan if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Italian Gnocchi al pesto!