Tuesday, December 16, 2008

EZ Homemade Gnocchi


I love Gnocchi. I hate that I can't find it "easily" in the south. I have been scared to attempt making it until I found this recipe in an old Pampered Chef cookbook. Seriously, it was easy. I have never made instant mashed potatoes so I was a little leary of using them. Much to my surprise the Gnocchi tasted wonderful. I couldn't tell a difference in these made with instant mashed potatoes & those made with fresh potatoes.

Ingredients
1 1/2 c. prepared instant mashed potatoes, cooled
1 egg
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2-2 c. flour
1 cup Marinara sauce (for my recipe click here)

Directions
Combine mashed potatoes, egg and salt and mix well. Add 1 1/2 (approx) cups of flour and mix until dough begins to form into a ball. Turn dough out onto smooth side of lightly floured cutting board. Knead lightly until smooth. Sprinkle additional flour over surface as needed to form a dough that is not sticky or dry. In large stockpot, bring water to boil. Divide dough into six equal portions, roll each portion into a 1/2 inch thick log across full length of cutting board (see pictures below). Using a pizza cutter cut each log into 3/4 inch pieces, forming pillow shaped gnocchi. Carefully drop gnocchi into boiling water. Once gnocchi rise to the surface, cook 2 minutes (about 4-5 minutes total) Drain in large colander and serve warm!

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