If you have been looking for a comforting, unique twist on a classic Italian favorite, this Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe is going to steal your heart. Pillowy soft gnocchi made from naturally sweet roasted sweet potatoes blend beautifully with just a touch of flour to create a tender, flavorful dumpling that melts in your mouth. This recipe is approachable, rewarding, and the perfect way to elevate weeknight dinners or impress guests with minimal fuss. Let me walk you through every delicious step so you can enjoy this homemade delight yourself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe is in its simplicity; every ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting that perfect texture and vibrant flavor. These staples come together to create a dough that is soft, pliable, and naturally sweet, making this dish both approachable and irresistible.
- Sweet Potatoes: The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness, moisture, and a beautiful orange hue.
- Plain White Flour: Acts as the binding agent that brings structure to the gnocchi without overpowering the sweetness.
- Pinch of Salt (optional): Enhances the natural flavors and balances the sweetness gently.
How to Make Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 180C (360F). Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork to allow steam to escape, then place them in a baking dish. Roast for about an hour, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking. You can also microwave the potatoes for a quicker alternative, cooking each one for 8 minutes. The roasting process draws out their natural sugars and softens them perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Potato Flesh
Once the sweet potatoes are tender and cool enough to handle, carefully peel off their skin. Scoop the soft, orange flesh into a bowl and mash gently with a fork. Let this cool for about 10 minutes, which helps prevent the flour from absorbing too much moisture when incorporated later.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Slowly add the 180g of plain white flour to the mashed potatoes. Gently knead the mixture with your hands, just enough to combine everything into a dough. Be careful not to overwork it as you want your gnocchi to stay light and tender, not dense.
Step 4: Shape the Gnocchi
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and form it into a ball. You might need a bit more flour here to prevent sticking. Divide the dough into four equal parts. Press each part into a flatbread about half an inch thick. Cut the flatbreads into small pieces and roll each piece between your hands to form those iconic gnocchi shapes. This hands-on step is as fun as it is satisfying!
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your gnocchi in batches to avoid crowding. They are done when they float to the surface, usually after 2-3 minutes. This quick cooking method ensures the gnocchi remain pillowy soft inside.
Step 6: Drain and Prepare for Serving
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked gnocchi to a bowl lined with kitchen paper to soak up excess moisture. From here, you can either pan-fry them in butter or olive oil until golden and crispy, or add them directly to your favorite sauce for a comforting meal.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can take this dish to the next level. Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese, torn basil leaves, or toasted pine nuts over the gnocchi right before serving. A drizzle of sage-infused brown butter also wonderfully complements the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, offering a lovely contrast.
Side Dishes
Sweet Potato Gnocchi pairs delightfully with simple sides that don’t steal the spotlight. Consider a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables such as Brussels sprouts or asparagus. These light, fresh sides balance the richness of the gnocchi and create a well-rounded plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or special occasion, try plating the gnocchi over a smooth pumpkin purée or alongside a swirl of creamy goat cheese sauce. You can even bake them in a dish with mozzarella and fresh tomatoes for a cozy, bubbly casserole. The versatility of this Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe makes it a culinary playground for your creativity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. The gnocchi may soften slightly but will still reheat beautifully.
Freezing
To freeze, lay the raw gnocchi pieces on a floured baking sheet without them touching. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer bag or container. This way, you can enjoy homemade Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe any time without starting from scratch. Freeze for up to 2 months and cook them straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute to boiling time.
Reheating
Reheat cooked gnocchi by either sautéing in a hot pan with a little butter or warming gently in your favorite sauce on the stove. Avoid microwaving to preserve their texture and prevent them from getting mushy.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes for this gnocchi?
Absolutely! While this recipe shines with sweet potatoes, you can substitute with regular starchy potatoes for classic gnocchi. Just be mindful that the flavor and color will change accordingly.
How much flour should I add if the dough feels too sticky?
Add extra flour gradually, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough is soft but no longer sticky. Be careful not to add too much to keep your gnocchi light.
Can I make gnocchi without eggs?
Yes! This Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe is naturally egg-free, relying on the sweetness and moisture of the potatoes and the binding power of the flour.
What sauces go best with sweet potato gnocchi?
Brown butter with fresh sage, creamy garlic sauces, or simple tomato-based sauces pair wonderfully with the natural sweetness of the gnocchi. Choose according to your taste for a perfect match.
Is it better to boil or fry gnocchi?
Boiling cooks the gnocchi through and keeps them soft, but pan-frying afterward adds a delightful crisp exterior. Try both to discover your favorite texture combination!
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe enough for anyone who loves cozy comfort food with a little twist. It’s simple, satisfying, and surprisingly versatile. Once you try making gnocchi by hand with these naturally sweet potatoes, you’ll never want store-bought again. Dive in, get your hands floury, and savor every bite of this beautiful homemade dish!
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Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Sweet Potato Gnocchi recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional gnocchi by incorporating roasted sweet potatoes for a naturally sweet and tender dough. Soft on the inside and optionally crisped on the outside with pan-frying, these homemade gnocchi are perfect served with your favorite sauce for a comforting Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Gnocchi Dough
- 2 Sweet Potatoes (680-700g)
- 180g Plain White Flour (roughly 1 ½ cups), plus more for dusting; gluten-free flour can be used
- Pinch of Salt (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F). Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork and place them on a baking dish. Bake for 60 minutes, turning halfway at 30 minutes. Alternatively, microwave each potato for 8 minutes if preferred.
- Mash the Sweet Potatoes: Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Carefully peel off the skins and place the flesh in a bowl. Mash thoroughly with a fork until smooth and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
- Make the Dough: Gradually add the 180g of plain flour to the mashed sweet potatoes and knead gently by hand to form a dough. If needed, add more flour to prevent sticking.
- Shape the Gnocchi: Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and form it into a ball. Divide the ball into 4 equal parts. Flatten each part into a flatbread shape about ½ inch thick. Cut into small pieces and roll each piece between your hands to form classic gnocchi shapes.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add gnocchi in batches, giving them space to cook. Boil until they float to the surface, about 2–3 minutes.
- Drain and Dry: Remove the cooked gnocchi with a slotted spoon and place them in a bowl lined with kitchen paper to absorb any excess moisture.
- Optional Frying: For a crispy finish, fry the gnocchi in a pan with butter or olive oil until golden and crispy on the outside. Alternatively, add them directly to your favorite pasta sauce and serve.
Notes
- You can save time by microwaving the sweet potatoes instead of baking.
- Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Do not overcrowd the pot when boiling gnocchi to prevent sticking.
- Frying gnocchi after boiling adds a delicious crispy texture but is optional.
- Serve with your favorite pasta sauce such as tomato, pesto, or creamy sauces.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
