Here's a recipe for Pumpkin Gnocchi with Garlic Sauce and Sage—a delicious and comforting dish that combines the soft, pillowy texture of pumpkin gnocchi with a rich garlic sauce and aromatic sage.
Ingredients:
For the pumpkin gnocchi:
- 2 cups pumpkin puree (canned or fresh, well-drained)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (more as needed)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the garlic sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp dried sage or 1 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the gnocchi:
- In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. You may need more or less flour, so add it gradually until the dough is not sticky but still soft.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently until smooth. Divide the dough into smaller portions for easier handling.
- Roll each portion into a long rope about 1/2 inch thick. Cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces to form the gnocchi.
- Optional: Use a fork to gently press into each piece to create the traditional gnocchi ridges.
2. Cook the gnocchi:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Drop the gnocchi into the boiling water in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot.
- Cook the gnocchi until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and set them aside on a plate.
3. Prepare the garlic sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Stir in the heavy cream or milk and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and dried sage or fresh sage. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine and serve:
- Gently toss the cooked gnocchi in the garlic sauce until they are well coated.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld and the gnocchi to heat through.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional sage or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips:
- For added texture, you can lightly brown the gnocchi in a skillet with a bit of butter or oil after boiling.
- You can also add some toasted pine nuts or crispy sage leaves for extra flavor and crunch.
This Pumpkin Gnocchi with Garlic Sauce and Sage is a flavorful and comforting dish that’s perfect for fall or any time you’re craving something hearty and delicious. Enjoy!