Easy Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe
Craving a comforting and incredibly flavorful meal that’s surprisingly simple to make? This easy sweet potato gnocchi recipe delivers tender, pillowy pasta with a natural sweetness that will melt in your mouth. Forget store-bought; you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create this gourmet-quality dish right in your own kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 medium sweet potato (about 1 pound/450g)
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce the sweet potato several times with a fork. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until very tender. Alternatively, boil or steam the sweet potato until soft.
- Once cooked, let the sweet potato cool slightly. Peel the skin and mash the flesh thoroughly using a fork, potato masher, or ricer until completely smooth. You should have about 1.5 cups of mashed sweet potato.
- Transfer the mashed sweet potato to a large bowl. Add the lightly beaten egg, salt, and optional nutmeg. Mix until just combined.
- Gradually add the flour, about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing with a fork or your hands until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Avoid overmixing; the dough should just come together.
- Lightly flour a clean work surface. Turn the dough out onto the surface and gently knead for about 1-2 minutes until it’s smooth and no longer sticky, adding a tiny bit more flour if necessary. Do not overwork the dough.
- Divide the dough into 4-6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a log about 3/4-inch (2 cm) thick. Cut each log into 3/4-inch (2 cm) pieces.
- Optional: For classic gnocchi ridges, gently roll each piece over the tines of a fork or a gnocchi board. This helps the sauce cling better.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the gnocchi in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Once they float, let them cook for another 30 seconds to ensure they’re cooked through.
- Remove the cooked gnocchi with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate or directly into your desired sauce (e.g., browned butter and sage, marinara, or a light cream sauce). Serve immediately.
