Stuffed gnocchi

17/11/2023

Stuffed gnocchi is a delightful version of the classic potato gnocchi. The recipe I’m proposing can be filled with various ingredients, but one of the most beloved variations is the one stuffed with cheese, Italian-style. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

1 kg of starchy potatoes
300 grams of flour, plus more for working
1 egg (optional)
Salt to taste
200 grams of soft cheese (such as mozzarella, ricotta, or taleggio)

For the sauce:

Butter to taste
Fresh sage
Grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Boil the potatoes in salted water until well cooked. Drain and peel them while they are still hot, then mash them with a potato masher.
On a work surface, arrange the mashed potatoes in a well and add the egg (if using), salt, and start incorporating the flour a little at a time. Work the dough until you get a uniform and not too sticky mixture.
Take a portion of the dough, form a long snake and cut it into pieces about 2 cm each. With your thumb, create a hollow in each piece of dough and insert a bit of cheese in the center, then close the gnocchi giving them the classic round shape and making sure the filling is completely sealed inside.
Cook the gnocchi in a pot with plenty of salted water and wait for them to float to the surface; this means they are ready (it will take about 2 minutes).
While the gnocchi are cooking, prepare the sauce by melting the butter in a pan and adding the sage leaves.
Drain the gnocchi with a slotted spoon and transfer them to the pan with the butter and sage, sautéing for a few minutes to flavor them well.
Serve the gnocchi, topping them with melted butter and a generous dusting of grated Parmesan cheese.

Curiosity

Gnocchi is an ancient dish, whose origins are lost in the mists of time. They were initially made with mixtures of flour and water or stale bread, while the introduction of the potato only occurred after the discovery of America, profoundly changing the taste and consistency of this dish. Stuffed gnocchi represent a delicious modern variant, which lends itself to various culinary experiments. Enjoy your meal!