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Cauliflower Gnocchi

17/11/2023

Cauliflower gnocchi are a great alternative to traditional potato gnocchi, especially for those looking for a lighter version or wanting to incorporate more vegetables into their diet.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium cauliflower
  • 100 g of semolina flour (plus more for working the dough)
  • 50 g of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg (optional)
  • Nutmeg (to taste)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Preparation

  1. Start by washing and cutting the cauliflower into florets. Steam the florets until they are tender, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Another option is to cook them in boiling salted water until they soften.
  2. Once the cauliflower is cooked, drain it well and let it cool slightly. Then, mash it with a potato masher or puree it in a food processor until you obtain a fine and even consistency.
  3. Transfer the cauliflower to a large bowl. Add the Parmesan, a grating of nutmeg, salt, pepper, and the egg if you choose to use it (it makes the mixture more cohesive). Mix well.
  4. Gradually incorporate the semolina flour, working the dough until it has a consistency that allows you to form gnocchi. The dough should be firm enough not to stick too much to your hands but soft enough to be workable.
  5. On a floured surface, take portions of dough and roll them to form cylinders about 2 centimeters thick. Cut the cylinders into pieces of 2-3 centimeters to form the gnocchi.
  6. If desired, you can give the gnocchi the classic shape: press each piece against the tines of a fork or on a ridged gnocchi board, with light pressure and a slight roll to create the typical indentation.
  7. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi in boiling water, and as soon as they float to the surface, wait a minute before removing them with a slotted spoon.
  8. Season the cauliflower gnocchi with your favorite sauce. They pair well with a simple butter and sage dressing or with more elaborate tomato-based or cheese-based sauces.

Curiosity

Cauliflower gnocchi is an example of how Italian cuisine is always ready to adapt and reinvent itself, offering lighter or different alternatives from the usual while maintaining its roots in tradition. These gnocchi represent the love for fresh ingredients and the continuous search for new and satisfying flavor combinations.