Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Sweet potato gnocchi are a delicious variation of the traditional gnocchi, adding a touch of sweetness and a vibrant color to the dish. The recipe for sweet potato gnocchi is quite simple and similar to that of the classic potato gnocchi, with the main difference that sweet potatoes will be used.

Ingredients

• 600 g of sweet potatoes
• 200-250 g of soft wheat flour (amount to be adjusted based on the dough consistency)
• 1 egg (optional, some prefer not to use it for gnocchi)
• Salt to taste
• Nutmeg (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C. Wash the sweet potatoes, prick the skin with a fork, and wrap them in aluminum foil. Bake in the oven for about an hour or until tender.
2. Once baked, let them cool slightly, then peel them and pass them through a potato ricer or sieve to obtain a fine puree.
3. Spread the sweet potato puree on a floured work surface and let it cool. Add a bit of salt and grated nutmeg for flavoring, if desired.
4. Incorporate the egg into the puree if you decide to use it, and then gradually add the flour. Gently knead until the dough becomes compact but still soft and slightly sticky. Be careful not to overwork the dough to prevent the gnocchi from becoming too heavy.
5. Divide the dough into pieces and roll each into long, thin rods. Cut the rods into pieces to form the gnocchi.
6. If desired, you can give the gnocchi the classic ridged shape using the back of a fork or a gnocchi board.
7. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi in boiling water in several batches, to not overcrowd them. When the gnocchi float to the surface, they are ready. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain well.
8. From this point, you can season them with the sauce of your preference, such as a simple melted butter and sage or a light ragù.

Note: The amount of flour needed may vary slightly based on the moisture content of the sweet potatoes. Start with a lesser amount and add more flour if necessary until a workable dough is formed.

Curiosity

Sweet potato gnocchi, in addition to being very flavorful, are also rich in vitamin A and antioxidants, provided precisely by the sweet potatoes, making them not just a tasty dish but also nutritious.

Remember that, in line with the Italian tradition, you can add a sprinkle of Parmesan to further enrich the dish once plated.