Perfect Homemade Gnocchi: Easy Steps for Fluffy Dumplings

i is a beloved Italian dish that translates to 'dumplings'. These soft, pillowy bites can be made from a variety of ingredients, usually potatoes. Making homemade gnocchi is not only easier that you might think, but it also rewarding. We will show you, easy steps to create perfect gnocchi from scratch.

Homemade GnocchiPhoto byThyme of Season

Homemade Gnocchi vs. Store-Bought

The difference between homemade and store-bought gnocchi primarily comes down to texture, flavor, and ingredients. Here’s a closer look:

1. Ingredients:
2. • Homemade: Typically made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Traditional recipes use potatoes, flour, eggs, and sometimes cheese or herbs. The quality of the potatoes and the type of flour used can greatly impact the taste and texture.
   • Store-bought: Often contains preservatives and additives to extend shelf life. The ingredients may vary, and some brands use lower-quality potatoes or pre-cooked potato flakes, which can affect the final product.
3. Texture:
4. • Homemade: You can achieve a light, airy texture if you use the right technique and ingredients. Homemade gnocchi is often described as tender and pillowy, as it's made from scratch with a careful balance of flour and potatoes.
   • Store-bought: The texture can be denser or chewier due to the manufacturing process. Some store-bought gnocchi may also be more uniform in size and shape, but might lack the delicate texture of homemade versions.
5. Flavor:
6. • Homemade: Generally more flavorful because you can adjust seasoning and use fresh ingredients. You can also experiment with different flavors and add-ins, like herbs or cheese, that might not be present in store-bought versions.
   • Store-bought: Flavor can be more consistent but might be less nuanced. Store-bought gnocchi is designed to be versatile and to appeal to a broad range of tastes, so it might not have the same depth of flavor as a well-made homemade version.
7. Preparation:
8. • Homemade: Requires more time and effort to make, including cooking and mashing potatoes, mixing the dough, and shaping the gnocchi. But this also allows for customization and hands-on quality control.
   • Store-bought: Convenient and quick to prepare, usually requiring just boiling or pan-frying. This is ideal for busy days when you want a homemade taste without the effort.

In summary, homemade gnocchi typically offers better texture and flavor, while store-bought gnocchi provides convenience and consistency.

Believe us, there is a huge difference between homemade gnocchi and store bought.

Ingredients You Will Need

To make your homemade gnocchi, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 pounds of potatoes (preferably russet or Yukon gold)
• 1 to 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• Salt to taste

Ensure that your potatoes are too old—this will help create lighter, fluffier gnocchi.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Begin by boiling the potatoes in their skins until tender. Once cooked, peel them while hot and pass them through a ricer or mash until smooth.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the potato mash with the egg and salt. Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms. Avoid adding too much flour to keep the gnocchi light and airy.

3. Roll the dough into long ropes, approximately 1 inch wide. Cut each rope into 1-inch pieces. If desired, use a fork or gnocchi board to create ridges, allowing the sauce to adhere better.

Homemade GnocchiPhoto byThyme of Season

4. Cook the gnocchi in boiling salted water. They are done when they float to the surface, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

5. Serve with your favorite sauce, such as marinara, pesto or brown butter and parmesan cheese and enjoy your homemade gnocchi!