Pumpkin gnocchi
With few seasonal ingredients you can easily create a dish which will be enjoyed by adults and children alike. Pumpkin gnocchi are a variation of the more usual potato gnocchi; the addition of pumpkin provides an inviting colour and a mild taste that goes well with a delicate sauce of melted butter, sage and Parmesan. Don’t give in to the temptation to add too much flour: even if the dough is very soft to work with, once cooked the gnocchi will take on plenty of texture and simply melt in your mouth! The perfect way to eat vegetables, even for children, these gnocchi will delight your palate and are just right for a dinner party!
Ingredients
* approximate values per serving
Preparation
Prepare all the ingredients. Boil the potatoes in salted water and mash while still hot. Combine the pumpkin mash with the mashed potatoes and add a pinch of salt. Add the flour. Mix until the mixture is soft but workable. If necessary add more flour, but not too much, just enough to form of small cylinders of the mixture. Once the cylinders are made, cut them into small dough squares using a knife. Slide the squares of dough over the grater to create gnocchi, and leave them to rest on a tray covered with a clean cloth. Melt the butter in a pan together with the sage. Boil the gnocchi in salted water and drain after a few minutes. Season the gnocchi with the melted butter, sage and parmesan. Serve hot.
Step by step
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Boil the potatoes in salted water
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Mash the potatoes
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Combine the pumpkin mash with the potato in a bowl and add a pinch of salt
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Add the flour
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Combine into a smooth and workable dough
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Once the dough tubes have been shaped, cut into little squares
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Pass the little squares of dough over a grater to roll them into gnocchi shapes, and then arrange them on a tray covered with a clean cloth
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Melt the butter in a frying pan with the sage. Boil the gnocchi in salted water and drain after only a few minutes
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Serve hot
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Additional information
Pumpkin Gnocchi with Butter and Sage
One of the most appreciated variations of pumpkin gnocchi is the one with butter and sage. This preparation enhances the sweet flavor of the pumpkin, creating a perfect pairing with melted butter and crispy sage leaves. To make it, once the gnocchi are cooked, simply sauté them in a pan with butter until golden and add the sage leaves. The result is a simple yet flavorful dish, perfect for a family lunch or dinner. The pumpkin gnocchi prepared this way can also be served with a sprinkle of Parmesan, which adds a touch of savoriness and creaminess to the dish. This dish is ideal for those looking for a tasty and quick recipe to prepare, without sacrificing the quality of the ingredients.
Neapolitan Pumpkin Gnocchi
Another variation of pumpkin gnocchi is the Neapolitan style, which features a sauce made with fresh tomatoes and basil. This preparation is very common in Campania and makes the gnocchi a rich and flavorful dish. To prepare Neapolitan gnocchi, after cooking them, you can sauté them in a sauce made with peeled tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. The contrast between the sweetness of the pumpkin gnocchi and the acidity of the tomato creates a delicious balance, making this dish perfect for special occasions. Served with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, Neapolitan gnocchi can become the main dish of a dinner with friends or family.
Light Pumpkin Gnocchi without Butter
For those who want a lighter version of pumpkin gnocchi, it is possible to prepare a light recipe without butter. In this variation, alternative ingredients such as olive oil can be used instead of butter, and the amount of flour can be reduced to achieve a lighter dough. Additionally, you can opt for steaming instead of the classic boiling, in order to preserve the flavor of the pumpkin and obtain lighter gnocchi. This preparation is ideal for those following a balanced diet without giving up on taste. Light pumpkin gnocchi can be dressed with a drizzle of oil and a splash of lemon for a fresh and healthy dish.
Pumpkin Gnocchi: Nutritional Benefits and Calories
Pumpkin gnocchi are not only a tasty dish but also rich in nutritional benefits. Pumpkin is a low-calorie vegetable, rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. These nutrients are essential for the immune system and skin health. Moreover, the presence of potatoes provides complex carbohydrates, which offer lasting energy. On average, 100 grams of pumpkin gnocchi contain about 150 calories, making them an excellent choice for a nutritious meal. Incorporating this dish into your diet can contribute to a healthy and balanced nutrition, without giving up the pleasure of eating.
Can Pumpkin Gnocchi be Frozen?
Yes, pumpkin gnocchi can be frozen without any problems. It is advisable to do so before cooking: after shaping them, simply arrange them on a tray, ensuring they do not touch each other, and place them in the freezer. Once hardened, they can be transferred to a food bag or an airtight container. This way, the gnocchi will keep well for about 2-3 months. When you want to cook them, there is no need to thaw them: you can cook them directly in boiling water. This convenience makes pumpkin gnocchi an excellent solution for quick and tasty meals, even on days when there is little time to cook.