Pumpkin Gnocchi
Ah, autumn – a time of warm colored leaves, cool air, and the sweet smell of warming pumpkin spice. There is certainly no flavor more fitting of the season than pumpkin. And while its savory taste is often found in pies and spiced lattes, the carb-lover’s favorite comfort food – gnocchi – is just as delicious when infused with its seasonal flavor. This pumpkin gnocchi recipe shows off the versatility of this classic Italian dish and allows for a unique twist on a beloved favorite.
Ingredients:
For the gnocchi, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For the sauce, you will need:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Making the Gnocchi
To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a large baking sheet.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the pumpkin puree and stir to combine. Add the ground nutmeg, salt, and sugar, and continue stirring until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Remove the saucepan from heat. Add the all-purpose flour and stir to combine. The consistency should be thick and easy to roll.
Transfer the mixture to the prepped baking sheet and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
When the mixture is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool.
Once cool, transfer the gnocchi mixture to a floured surface. Using a dough cutter or knife, start to roll into log-like pieces that are roughly 1-2 inches thick. Cut the dough into approximately 1-inch pieces. Using the tines of a fork, gently press down on each piece of gnocchi to create the signature ridges.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pumpkin gnocchi. Boil the gnocchi for 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the top.
Making the sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. When melted, add the all-purpose flour and stir continuously until the flour is fully incorporated.
Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly until all the ingredients are combine and the sauce thickens. Add the ground nutmeg and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Add the grated parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted.
Serving
When the gnocchi is finished cooking, drain in a colander and add to the pot with the sauce. Gently fold to combine and serve.
When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite compares to gnocchi. And with the introduction of a seasonal twist, this pumpkin gnocchi recipe stands alone as an autumn favorite. Enjoyed with a few snacks and a glass of your favorite seasonal drink, there is no better setting to enjoy this delightful dinner.
