Ingredients:
For the Gnocchi:
- 2 pounds (about 4 large) russet potatoes
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, beaten
For Serving:
- Your favorite pasta sauce (tomato, pesto, butter and sage, etc.)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Boil the Potatoes:
- Wash the potatoes but leave the skin on.
- Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water.
- Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, which usually takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
2. Prepare the Dough:
- Drain the potatoes and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel them while they are still warm, as this makes it easier to mash them.
- Use a potato ricer or a potato masher to mash the potatoes until they are completely smooth and lump-free.
3. Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, salt, and beaten egg.
- Mix the ingredients together to form a soft and slightly sticky dough. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be just combined.
4. Shape the Gnocchi:
- On a well-floured surface, take a small portion of the dough and roll it into a long, rope-like cylinder, about 1/2 inch in diameter.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the rope into 1-inch pieces. You can also use a gnocchi board or the back of a fork to add ridges for a traditional look.
5. Cook the Gnocchi:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Carefully drop the gnocchi into the boiling water, a few at a time, using a slotted spoon or spider strainer.
- Cook the gnocchi until they float to the surface, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the cooked gnocchi with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate. Repeat until all the gnocchi are cooked.
6. Serve:
- Heat your favorite pasta sauce in a separate pan.
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the sauce and gently toss them until they are well coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
Enjoy your homemade potato gnocchi with your choice of sauce and savor the authentic Italian flavors!
