potato gnocchi

Potato gnocchi are soft dumplings made from mashed potatoes, flour, and egg. Here's a basic recipe to make potato gnocchi:

Ingredients:

- 2 large russet potatoes (about 1 pound or 450g)

- 1 egg, lightly beaten

- 1 to 1 1/2 cups (120 to 180g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting

- Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by boiling the whole, unpeeled potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they are fork-tender, about 45-50 minutes.

2. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly until they are cool enough to handle.

3. Peel the potatoes and mash them thoroughly while they are still warm, either using a potato ricer or a fork. Be sure to remove any lumps.

4. Spread the mashed potatoes out onto a clean work surface and create a well in the center.

5. Add the beaten egg and a pinch of salt to the well in the mashed potatoes.

6. Gradually add the flour, starting with 1 cup, and gently mix everything together with your hands until a soft dough forms. Add more flour as needed until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky, but not too dry.

7. Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll each portion into a long rope, about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick.

8. Use a sharp knife to cut the ropes of dough into small pieces, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long.

9. Optional: You can use a fork or gnocchi board to create ridges on the gnocchi, which helps sauce cling to them better.

10. Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Carefully drop the gnocchi into the boiling water in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot.

11. Cook the gnocchi for about 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface of the water.

12. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked gnocchi to a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

13. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining batches of gnocchi.

14. Serve the potato gnocchi with your favorite sauce, such as marinara, pesto, or brown butter sage sauce, and enjoy!

Homemade potato gnocchi are soft, pillowy, and incredibly delicious. They're a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish with various sauces. Experiment with different flavors and toppings to create your own unique gnocchi dish.