Thursday, April 14, 2011

Nedra's Gnocchi --- Tutorial


You are going to love my mother Nedra for this recipe.  My mother passed away over 21 years ago, but she still lives on in many ways, including her recipes.  She found the gnocchi recipe years ago and it is a favorite with our family!  To me, Gnocchi, are perfect potato pillows!  They are melt-in-your-mouth heaven.  Did I tell you?  This is a cheater version; you make it with a mashed potato mix I know, I know, I never make instant mashed potatoes, except when I make gnocchi.  I even lived in Idaho for awhile so I know a teeny, tiny bit about potatoes.  Trust me on this one, you won't know the difference between dried and fresh potatoes,   I would sing for these gnocchi; I really would.

It took me 70 minutes to make this Gnocchi recipe, including time to take photos of the process.  I tell you this because it would take you longer to drive to a restaurant and order it.  You also wouldn't get the satisfaction of hearing your husband say, "These are better than in the restaurant...."  It is also very economical to make; it could be considered "peasant food."

Recipe for Nedra's Gnocchi -- There are photos of the process below.
Prepare mashed potatoes for 12 servings using half of the water and milk as directed on the package.  My package ( I just used the Wal-Mart Mashed Potatoes) had me add milk, water, butter, salt, and the potatoes. Make sure that you do boil the water and that you add the dried potatoes before you add the rest of the ingredients.  You need hot liquid so that the potatoes reconstitute.
  1. Stir in about 1-1/2 cups flour, 1-2 teaspoons of salt and 3 eggs.  You need to be careful on the salt.  If you added some to your potato mix, taste the potatoes, before you add the eggs, and adjust the salt as indicated in step 1 accordingly.
  2. On lightly floured surface, roll the dough, with your hands, into ropes about 3/4 inches thick and about 8 to 10 inches long.   The dough should be smooth and soft, not mealy.  Just work with the dough a bit.  You may need to add a little bit of flour.
  3. Cut into 3/4-inch lengths.
  4. Use a fork to make the indentations on each gnocchi.  This will flatten the pasta a bit, so plump it back up with your fingers.  You want the dough to have the indentations to trap more sauce.  There is a tool for this that I don't have.
  5. Bring a large kettle of water to a boil.  Add 1 tablespoon salt.  Place the gnocchi in the boiling water.  The gnocchi are cooked when they rise to the top.  This happens quite quickly and not all will rise to the top at one time.  Remove gnocchi from the boiling water with a slotted spoon.  Serve with desired sauce.
  6. We like gnocchi best with a bit of browned butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs.  I used some German Thyme that wintered over.

Gnocchi Dough


Rolled and Ready to Cut


Cut into 3/4-inch Slices


After the Fork Markings Have Been Made


Lovely Gnocchi Waiting to Be Cooked


A platter of Perfect Potato Pillows


Thanks for dropping by my Red Couch.

25 comments:

Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.com said...

How gorgeous are these?! Are these similar to pierogi? They look divine!

Julie Harward said...

YUM...plus they are so cute! LOL

Erin said...

Oh my! Yum! These look fantastic!

Barbara F. said...

Joni, not sure if my comment went through as Google threw me off! But these look delicious and professional and I could eat a bowl of them right now! Recipe is a keeper. xo

Linda (More Fun Less Laundry) said...

Hi Joni, I always thought gnocchi were so mysterious! But this looks very doable and I do like the way gnocchi taste, especially with butter and parmesan! Thanks for the recipe! Linda

Debbie said...

Oh dear... I should have just stuck to the tablescape. Gnocchi is a favorite, and now I'm having a little craving issue.

www.thewhitefarmhouse2.blogspot.com said...

I have got to try these! I am with you on the mashed potatoes thingy. I do use them for Shepherd's Pie and that is about it. Now I am going to try these out. I haven't had too much luck with Gnocchi, even though I love it. Thanks for the recipe!

Sue said...

Your gnocchi look so appealing, Joni:) I have never made them, so I'm very happy that you have your mom's "cheater" version here. A mom's recipes are such a good way to share memories and to stay connected:)

Kitchen Belleicious said...

sweet potato gnocchi is on my recipe bucket list so when i do end up making it i might have to do the cheaters version! LOL! This look so good!

SavoringTime in the Kitchen said...

I do love gnocchi and I trust yo if you say they're good and momma usually knows best :)

I will try it!

Lynn said...

They look great Joni! Gnocchi is something I've always wanted to make, I even cut out an article titled "How to make gnocchi like an Italian Grandmom":@)

Kathleen said...

Oh they look good! I made ricotta gnocchi last week, didn't post it yet. It was ok, much lighter than the potato. I will try your recipe soon!

Jamie said...

I just fell a little more in love with your blog. I love gnocchi, but have nver been willing to make it at home because it seemed so daunting. I am going to try this pronto!

Rettabug said...

I am craving these BIG TIME after reading how you made them. I promise to try them real soon. They look & sound delicious!
Thank you so much for sharing how your Mom made them.

Hugs,
REtt

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

I would love to make these! You have inspired me :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Joni! Oh, these are so pretty and look so good. I've never made any before and you make it look easy.
Thanks for popping in to see me and glad you liked my little plates! Yes, the green plates are the same as the yellow ones. I've them for years and I believe I got them at Ross!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Jacqueline said...

These are one of my favorites of Mom's. I love how tender and luscious they are and I agree, they really are easy. We love them with all kinds of different sauces.

You did such a nice tutorial. I can't believe you could do it so fast, especially including the great pictures. Yum, we will have to make some soon.

Karena said...

Joni Oh I just adore this recipe for gnocchi very yummy !! I am so happy that you started your blog.

Come and enter my very fashionable giveaway!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

Tiffanee said...

Gnocchi has always intrigued me. I always wondered what they were. Thanks for an easy and delicious looking recipe. I am gonna have to try it out.

University Exam Result said...

Oh My God !!! It looks so delicious. really watering in my mouth and amazing your idea . i love it and cool posting for recipes . yum

Sue said...

I've never made them, but I will. Crafts I can't do...cooking I can! I would love to have fresh gnocchi! Saving this one.

Unknown said...

well,i never! :) i am going to have to give this a try---i love gnocchi but hardly ever make it because it is usually time consuming and really messy. but not with boxed potatoes...it could become a bit of a habit! thank you for sharing with tuesday night supper club.

Anonymous said...

Ive never had the courage to make gnocchi because I'd feel so defeated if it failed, but I love your step by step guide! Thanks.

Jenny said...

Copied, pasted, drooled over, and ready to try this weekend! Yum.

Michael Richardson said...

Very good step by step.
When serving this I might just sin by ommission that is I will omit to tell people about the dried potato.

Engageya