Gnocchi are semolina or flour-based thick, soft dumplings that are usually used as alternatives to pasta. In this eggless version of Gnocchi, I have used boiled potatoes and all purpose flour to make the dumplings. Lighter (i.e. less dense) the gnocchi, the better they’ll turn out. To make them light, boiled potatoes are peeled and pressed using a ricer or kitchen press before being incorporated into the dough. In this recipe, I tossed the cooked gnocchi in creamy tomato sauce. Cooked gnocchi can also be served with a simple tomato sauce or browned butter or a pesto.
Homemade Eggless Gnocchi in Creamy Tomato Sauce
(serves two – three)
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the gnocchi
2 russet potatoes, boiled and peeled
Approx. 1 cup all purpose flour
Salt to taste
For the creamy tomato sauce
1 tbsp butter
1.5 medium sized tomatoes, finely chopped
3 tbsp grated cheddar cheese
3 tsp all purpose flour
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 cup milk
Salt to taste
Method
Creamy tomato sauce
Heat butter in a wok on medium heat. Add dried oregano and chopped tomatoes. Mix well and cook under a lid until tomatoes become mushy. Add all purpose flour and keep mixing until the raw smell of flour goes away. Add milk and cook until the mixture thickens. Add salt and grated cheddar cheese. Once it boils, turn off heat and set aside.
Gnocchi
Press the boiled and peeled potatoes through a ricer or kitchen press. Add flour, little by little until the mixture stops sticking. Knead well, cover and set aside for about 20 minutes. Generously flour a dry working surface or a board. Knead the dough again and divide it into 4 parts. Roll out each part into a rope about half inch thick. Cut the rope into one inch sections. Make ridges on the gnocchi by rolling it over a fork.
Bring a large pot of water to boil on mediun-low heat. Add salt and carefully drop gnocchi one by one. Cook until gnocchi rise to the top. This should take about two minutes. Gently scoop them out using a slotted spoon. Toss the cooked gnocchi in the sauce and serve hot with a vegetable side.