Don't settle for store-bought when you can make some authentic homemade potato gnocchi from the comfort of your kitchen. With just five basic ingredients, it's delicious with various sauces, fresh herbs, or as an ingredient in soups and other dishes.
Peel two pounds of potatoes and cut in half. Bring to a boil in a pot of salted water and cook until softened all the way through when pricked with a fork.
Drain potatoes and allow to cool until you are able to handle.
Squeeze the cooked potato chunks through a ricer to make completely smooth potato mash.
Mound the potatoes and form a deep well in the center.
Whisk together egg, ricotta, and salt in a small bowl and then pour into the well in the potatoes.
Use your hands to mix the potato and egg mixture together until combined.
Scoop up the potato mixture and dump 1 cup of flour onto the work surface. Place the potato mixture on top of the flour.
Use your hands again to work the flour into the potatoes, just enough to form a smooth and soft dough. The mixture should be soft and not overly sticky. Work the dough just enough that it is not longer sticky and feels just a bit pliable.
Shape the dough into a ball and cut into 8 equal pieces.
On a floured surface, roll out each piece of dough into a rope until it is about the thickness of your finger.
Cut the rope into even pieces about ¾” wide.
Press a fork against each piece to indent and wrap the piece of dough in half, fork indents on the outside, to form the gnocchi.
Continue rolling, cutting, and shaping the gnocchi for all the pieces.
Spread gnocchi in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet and place in the freezer or cook immediately in a pot of salted, boiling water.
Cook gnocchi a handful at a time. They will float to the top of the water when they are done cooking (about 2-3 minutes). Lift from the boiling water to drain.
Toss cooked gnocchi with butter, salt, and chopped herbs.
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Notes
Storage:
To freeze uncooked gnocchi, arrange them in a single layer on a sheet pan and freeze overnight. Once frozen, transfer the gnocchi to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to one month.You can also use the gnocchi right away, be we don't recommend keeping them in the refrigerator.
Notes:
When cooking the potatoes and the gnocchi, be sure to salt the water. I also add salt to the gnocchi dough for necessary seasoning.While optional, adding ricotta makes the dough more pliable and easier to roll, cut, and shape. You can measure it out or just add a big spoonful. The ricotta doesn't change the taste at all. After making gnocchi a few times, you’ll get a feel for the dough. Adjust the amount of flour to create a pliable dough that’s easy to work with. Too much flour can result in a more pasta-like dough, so use just enough to achieve pillow-soft gnocchi.Use a ricer instead of a potato masher to avoid lumps, which can make it difficult to press and shape the gnocchi. A ricer ensures a smoother texture, making a big difference.Freeze or cook the gnocchi as soon as you form it. If left out too long, the potato can discolor and turn greyish. This doesn’t affect the flavor but isn’t as visually appealing.