Olivia Carter
Gnocchi is a classic Italian dish that is loved all over the world. These pillowy dumplings are made from potatoes, flour, and sometimes eggs. Traditionally, they are boiled and then served with a delicious sauce. However, have you ever tried making skillet gnocchi? It’s a game-changer!
Skillet gnocchi is an easy and quick alternative to the traditional method. Instead of boiling the gnocchi, you cook them in a skillet with some butter or olive oil until they are golden and crispy. This gives the gnocchi a completely different texture and flavor that is absolutely irresistible.
To make skillet gnocchi, all you need is some store-bought or homemade gnocchi, a skillet, and a few basic ingredients. You can customize your skillet gnocchi by adding your favorite vegetables, herbs, and spices. Whether you prefer a simple garlic and herb flavor or a spicy tomato sauce, skillet gnocchi can be easily adapted to your taste.
So, if you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that will impress your family and friends, give skillet gnocchi a try. You won’t be disappointed!
How to Make Skillet Gnocchi
Gnocchi is a delicious and versatile Italian dish that can be cooked in many different ways. One of the easiest and most flavorful ways to prepare gnocchi is by cooking it in a skillet. This method allows the gnocchi to develop a crispy exterior while remaining tender on the inside. Here’s how to make skillet gnocchi:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of store-bought or homemade gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until they start to soften.
- Push the tomatoes to one side of the skillet and add the gnocchi. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Once the gnocchi is cooked, add the torn basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir everything together until the cheese is melted and the basil is wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and serve the skillet gnocchi immediately. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
This skillet gnocchi recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. It’s a perfect option for a weeknight dinner or a fancy date night meal. Enjoy!
Choosing the Right Potatoes
When making skillet gnocchi, choosing the right type of potatoes is crucial to achieving the perfect texture and flavor of the dish. Not all potatoes are created equal, and selecting the right ones can make all the difference.
Generally, starchy potatoes such as russet or Idaho potatoes are the best choice for making gnocchi. These potatoes have a higher starch content, which is essential for creating light and fluffy gnocchi. The starch absorbs more liquid, resulting in a softer texture.
On the other hand, waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes are not suitable for making gnocchi. These potatoes have a lower starch content and a higher moisture content, which can lead to gummy and dense gnocchi.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when selecting potatoes for skillet gnocchi:
1. Look for starchy potatoes.
Choose russet or Idaho potatoes that are firm, smooth, and free from any blemishes or soft spots. Avoid potatoes that are sprouted or have a green tinge, as these can affect the taste and texture of the gnocchi.
2. Size matters.
Opt for medium to large-sized potatoes, as smaller ones can be harder to work with. Larger potatoes are easier to peel, cut, and boil, making the process of making gnocchi more manageable.
3. Texture is key.
Feel the potatoes to ensure they have a dry and mealy texture. A dry texture indicates a higher starch content, which is desirable for making light and airy gnocchi.
By selecting the right type of potatoes, you’re setting yourself up for success when making skillet gnocchi. These starchy potatoes will give you the perfect base for a delicious and satisfying dish.
Preparing the Dough
To make skillet gnocchi, you will first need to prepare the dough. Start by boiling 2 pounds of Russet potatoes until they are fork-tender. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and allow them to cool slightly before peeling off the skins. Use a potato masher or a fork to mash the peeled potatoes until they are smooth and lump-free.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, and a teaspoon of salt. Stir the mixture until it starts to form a dough. If the dough is too sticky, add additional flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it becomes easier to handle.
Once the dough comes together, transfer it to a floured surface and knead it gently for a few minutes. Be careful not to over-knead the dough as this can make the gnocchi tough. Once the dough is smooth and elastic, divide it into four equal portions.
Take one portion of the dough and roll it into a long rope, about 1/2 inch in diameter. Use a sharp knife to cut the rope into bite-sized pieces. Repeat this process with the remaining portions of dough.
Once all the dough has been cut, you can cook the gnocchi immediately or freeze them for later use. To freeze the gnocchi, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place them in the freezer until they are firm. Once firm, transfer the frozen gnocchi to a sealable bag or container.
Shaping the Gnocchi
Shaping the gnocchi is a crucial step in the process of making skillet gnocchi. Follow these steps to ensure that your gnocchi turn out light and fluffy:
- Prepare the workspace: Dust your work surface with flour to prevent the gnocchi from sticking.
- Cut the dough: Take a small portion of the dough and roll it into a long rope shape, about 1/2 inch in diameter.
- Cut into pieces: Use a sharp knife to cut the rope of dough into small pieces, about 1 inch long. You can also use a gnocchi board or fork to create the traditional grooves on the gnocchi.
- Shape the gnocchi: Hold the cut pieces of dough in your palm and gently press down with your thumb, rolling the dough towards the tips of your fingers. This will create a slight indentation in the gnocchi and give them their characteristic shape.
- Repeat: Repeat the process with the rest of the dough until you have shaped all the gnocchi.
Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to shaping gnocchi. Don’t worry if your first few attempts don’t turn out exactly as planned. With a little practice, you’ll become an expert at shaping these delicious Italian dumplings.
Cooking the Gnocchi
Once you have prepared the gnocchi dough and formed the individual pieces, it’s time to cook them. Follow these simple steps to cook your gnocchi to perfection:
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt to the boiling water to enhance the flavors of the gnocchi.
2. Carefully drop the gnocchi into the boiling water. Don’t overcrowd the pot – only cook as many gnocchi as can fit comfortably in a single layer.
3. Cook the gnocchi until they rise to the surface of the water. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Once they float, let them cook for an additional 30 seconds to ensure they are fully cooked.
4. Use a slotted spoon or a spider strainer to carefully remove the cooked gnocchi from the pot. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess water.
5. At this point, your gnocchi are ready to be added to your skillet or sauce. You can either add them directly to the skillet or sauce, or you can pan-fry them in some butter or oil for a crispy texture.
Remember, gnocchi should be soft, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Be sure to taste-test a piece to ensure they are cooked to your liking before serving.
Creating the Skillet Sauce
To make the delicious skillet sauce for your gnocchi, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Sautéing the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced shallots to the skillet and sauté until they become fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 2: Adding the Tomatoes
Add a can of crushed tomatoes to the skillet and stir to combine with the sautéed aromatics. Let the sauce simmer for approximately 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Seasoning the Sauce
Add salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs like oregano and basil to taste. Stir the sauce to evenly distribute the seasonings throughout.
Step 4: Customizing the Sauce
If you like your sauce spicy, you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to give it a kick. For a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or grated Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Simmering with Gnocchi
Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet sauce and stir gently to coat the gnocchi evenly. Let the gnocchi simmer in the sauce for a few minutes until they are heated through.
And that’s it! Your skillet sauce is ready to be enjoyed with your homemade gnocchi. Serve it hot and garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Bon appétit!
Adding the Gnocchi to the Skillet
Once you have boiled the gnocchi, they are ready to be added to the skillet. Make sure to drain the gnocchi well before adding them to the skillet.
Start by heating some olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the boiled and drained gnocchi to the skillet. Spread them out in an even layer to ensure they cook evenly.
Let the gnocchi cook undisturbed for a few minutes, allowing them to develop a golden brown crust on one side. Use a spatula or tongs to flip the gnocchi over and cook them on the other side until they are crispy and heated through.
If you prefer a softer texture, you can cook the gnocchi for a shorter amount of time. If you like them crispier, cook them for a bit longer.
Once the gnocchi are cooked to your desired level of crispiness, you can remove them from the skillet and serve them immediately. They are now ready to be enjoyed as a delicious meal!
Serving and Enjoying!
Once your skillet gnocchi is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious dish! Here are some tips on how to make the most of your meal:
1. Plating:
Transfer the cooked skillet gnocchi to a large serving dish or individual plates. Make sure to evenly distribute the gnocchi and arrange them in an appealing manner. You can garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an added touch of freshness.
2. Serving Suggestions:
Skillet gnocchi can be enjoyed on its own as a main course or served as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, pair it with a fresh salad or crusty bread.
| Wine Pairing | Cheese Suggestions |
|---|---|
| Pinot Grigio | Parmigiano-Reggiano |
| Chardonnay | Gorgonzola |
| Sauvignon Blanc | Pecorino |
Enjoy your skillet gnocchi while it’s still hot and fresh out of the pan. The creamy sauce and tender gnocchi are sure to make this dish a crowd-pleaser. Bon appétit!
FAQ
What is skillet gnocchi?
Skillet gnocchi is a type of Italian pasta made from potatoes or flour and cooked in a skillet or frying pan.
What ingredients do I need to make skillet gnocchi?
The ingredients you will need to make skillet gnocchi are potatoes, flour, salt, egg, and olive oil.
