Sweet Potato Gnocchi: A Comforting Delight

There’s something magical about the first time you make your own gnocchi. It’s an experience rooted in warmth, comfort, and the satisfaction of creating something truly delicious from scratch. Sweet potato gnocchi, in particular, transforms a humble ingredient into an incredibly flavorful dish that bursts with seasonal sweetness. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive occasion, this dish deserves a spot at your table.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Sweet potato gnocchi offers a stunning combination of flavors and textures, making it stand out in the realm of home-cooked meals. It’s an excellent weeknight option because it requires minimal ingredients and can be quick to prepare with a little practice. This dish is also budget-friendly and a fantastic way to sneak in some nutrition with the fiber and vitamins that sweet potatoes provide. Plus, it’s a kid-approved favorite, making it a hit for family dinners.

"These sweet potato gnocchi are a game changer! So easy to make and packed with flavor – I couldn’t believe how quickly they became a family favorite!" – A Delighted Home Cook

Preparing Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Making sweet potato gnocchi is simpler than you might think. The process involves just a few steps, and the results are incredibly rewarding. You’ll begin by cooking your sweet potatoes, mashing them into a creamy consistency, and then combining them with flour and salt to create a tender dough. Once you have your dough, it’s all about shaping, cutting, and cooking those pillow-like morsels until they’re light and fluffy. Ready to dive in? Let’s break it down!

Everything You Need for This Recipe

To create this delicious gnocchi, you’ll need:

1 pound sweet potatoes
1 cup all-purpose flour (plus more if needed)
½ teaspoon salt

Notes: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if necessary. Sweet potatoes can also be roasted if you prefer a deeper flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide

Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork and microwave for 7 to 10 minutes, or until tender.
Mash: Once cooked, cut them in half, scoop out the flesh, and mash it in a bowl until smooth.
Mix: Add 1 cup of flour and ½ teaspoon salt to the mashed sweet potatoes. Use a spoon to mix them initially, then switch to your hands until well combined.
Knead: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured worktop and gently knead for about a minute, just until you have a compact, soft, and slightly moist dough.
Shape: Cut the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into long ropes, then cut the rope into small squares (about 1/2 inch or 1 cm). Optionally, roll each piece with your thumb over a gnocchi board or fork to create ridges for sauce adherence.
Cook: Boil a large pot of salted water. Once bubbling, add gnocchi and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until they float.
Serve: Remove them with a spider or slotted spoon and toss them in your favorite sauce.

Best Way to Serve

Sweet potato gnocchi pairs well with a variety of sauces. A simple marinara is excellent, but for something special, go for a drizzle of olive oil, a scattering of freshly grated parmesan, and a dollop of creamy burrata. For added crunch, toss in chopped pistachios, or opt for dried oregano if you’re looking for a more herbal touch.

Storage Tips

To keep your sweet potato gnocchi fresh, store them in an airtight container. If you have leftovers, they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze uncooked gnocchi by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper until frozen, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the boiling time.

Pro Chef Tips

Choosing Sweet Potatoes: Look for uniform-sized sweet potatoes for even cooking.
Don’t Overmix: Handle the dough as little as possible to prevent it from becoming tough.
Testing for Doneness: A single gnocchi test is helpful—cook one first to see if it holds shape and tastes great!

Creative Twists

Herbed Gnocchi: Add fresh herbs like sage or thyme into the dough for flavor.
Colorful Variations: Try using purple sweet potatoes for a fun color twist.
Vegan Option: Substitute the burrata with cashew cream or nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly meal.

Your Questions Answered

Can I make sweet potato gnocchi in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the gnocchi ahead of time and freeze them for later cooking.

How long does it take to cook sweet potato gnocchi?
Cook time in boiling water is typically just 1 to 2 minutes, or until they float to the surface.

What can I use instead of all-purpose flour?
A gluten-free flour blend works well in this recipe. You can also try using whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.

Experimenting with recipes like sweet potato gnocchi can bring joy to your cooking routine. With each tender bite, you’re not just enjoying a meal but savoring the process of creating something truly delightful!

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Sweet potato gnocchi transforms humble ingredients into an incredibly flavorful dish bursting with seasonal sweetness, perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound sweet potatoes
1 cup all-purpose flour (plus more if needed)
½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork and microwave for 7 to 10 minutes, or until tender.
Mash: Once cooked, cut them in half, scoop out the flesh, and mash it in a bowl until smooth.
Mix: Add flour and salt to the mashed sweet potatoes. Use a spoon to mix them initially, then switch to your hands until well combined.
Knead: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured worktop and gently knead for about a minute.
Shape: Cut the dough into 4 equal pieces, roll each into long ropes, and cut into small squares. Optionally, create ridges on each piece.
Cook: Boil a large pot of salted water. Once bubbling, add the gnocchi and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until they float.
Serve: Remove with a spider or slotted spoon and toss in your favorite sauce.

Notes

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Sweet potatoes can also be roasted for deeper flavor. Store in an airtight container; leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: sweet potato gnocchi, homemade gnocchi, comfort food, vegetarian pasta