If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor, this 3-ingredient gnocchi recipe is just what you need. Gnocchi, those pillowy soft Italian dumplings, have a reputation for being a bit tricky to make, but with just three simple ingredients, you can create a warm, homemade dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. This quick gnocchi recipe will have you feeling like an Italian nonna in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Ingredients: Sometimes, simplicity is the key to greatness. With just three ingredients, you can make this gnocchi from scratch, skipping all the fuss and time-consuming steps that traditional gnocchi recipes often require.
- Comforting: Gnocchi is the definition of comfort food. Soft, chewy, and rich, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a hearty meal after a long day.
- Versatile: Once you’ve made your gnocchi, you can pair it with your favorite sauce, whether it’s a classic marinara, brown butter sage, or a creamy pesto.
Now, let’s dive into this simple and delicious recipe!
The 3 Simple Ingredients You Need
- Potatoes: You’ll need starchy potatoes for the best results. Russet potatoes work perfectly because their high starch content gives the gnocchi its light, pillowy texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the second essential ingredient for your gnocchi dough. Flour helps bind the potatoes together and gives the gnocchi its chewy consistency.
- Salt: A pinch of salt is all you need to season your dough and elevate the flavor of the potatoes.
That’s it! No eggs, no fancy ingredients—just potatoes, flour, and salt.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes
Start by washing your potatoes thoroughly. Since you’ll be leaving the skins on (yes, you read that right!), it’s important to scrub them clean. Place the whole potatoes in a large pot of cold water, ensuring they are fully submerged. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they’re tender and easily pierced with a fork, which usually takes about 30-40 minutes depending on the size of the potatoes.
Once cooked, drain the water and let the potatoes cool down slightly. You want them to be warm but not too hot to handle. Then, peel off the skins. The skins should come off easily after boiling.
Step 2: Mash the Potatoes
After peeling the potatoes, transfer them to a large bowl and mash them using a potato masher or a fork. The goal is to get them as smooth and lump-free as possible. You could also use a potato ricer if you have one for an even smoother texture.
Once mashed, allow the potatoes to cool down a bit before moving to the next step. This helps prevent the dough from becoming too sticky when you add the flour.
Step 3: Form the Dough
Now that your mashed potatoes are cool enough to work with, add the flour and salt to the bowl. Start by adding about 1 ½ cups of flour to the mashed potatoes, then mix it in using your hands. Keep kneading the mixture until it forms a soft dough. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much or the gnocchi will turn out dense.
Once the dough is formed, divide it into smaller sections. Roll each section into a long log about ½ inch in diameter. Then, cut the logs into small pieces, about 1 inch in length. You’ve just made your gnocchi!
Step 4: Shape the Gnocchi
To give your gnocchi that signature look, you can use the back of a fork. Simply take each piece of dough and gently roll it along the tines of a fork to create small indentations. These grooves help the sauce stick to the gnocchi when serving.
If you’re not worried about the classic fork shape, you can skip this step and leave your gnocchi in simple little pillowy pieces.
Step 5: Boil the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, drop the gnocchi in batches into the water. They’ll sink to the bottom at first, and then rise to the surface when they’re done cooking. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
Once the gnocchi rise to the top, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and transfer them to a plate. Repeat with the rest of the gnocchi.
Step 6: Serve Your Gnocchi
At this point, your gnocchi is ready to serve! You can enjoy it simply by drizzling it with some olive oil, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or your favorite sauce. If you want to add a little extra flair, brown some butter in a pan with a few sage leaves and toss the gnocchi in the buttery goodness. It’s the perfect cozy finishing touch!
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Marinara Sauce: Pair your gnocchi with a tangy, homemade tomato sauce for a classic combination.
- Brown Butter and Sage: For an elegant yet simple dish, brown butter with fresh sage leaves and pour it over your gnocchi.
- Pesto: If you love basil pesto, it’s a fantastic option for dressing your gnocchi.
- Creamy Alfredo Sauce: For those who crave something rich and creamy, a homemade Alfredo sauce is the way to go.
Tips for Perfect Gnocchi
- Don’t overwork the dough: The less you handle the dough, the fluffier your gnocchi will be. Knead the dough just enough to bring it together.
- Boil in batches: Boiling too many gnocchi at once can cause them to stick together. Do it in small batches for the best results.
- Flour your work surface: Keep a little extra flour on hand to sprinkle on your work surface and rolling pin to prevent the dough from sticking.
Conclusion
This 3-ingredient gnocchi recipe is a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s bound to impress. The best part? You can customize it with any sauce or topping you love. Warm, comforting, and delicious—this gnocchi will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.