Basil Gnocchi Recipe

Ingredients for Basil Gnocchi

• 2 tablespoons butter (plus 1/2 cup for optional browned butter topping)
• Plain Flour
• 1 lb potatoes
• Sea Salt
• Fresh Basil
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh Ground Black Pepper

How to Make Basil Gnocchi

1. Peel 1 lb of potatoes and cut into chunks. Steam or boil until cooked through and tender (about 15-20 minutes).
2. While potatoes cook, blend 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves with 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil in a food processor until smooth.
3. Once potatoes are cooked, mash them with a fork. Add 2 tablespoons of butter, salt, and pepper to taste. Mash until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.
4. Set aside for a few minutes to cool slightly, until the potatoes are warm but not too hot to handle.
5. Stir in the basil and olive oil mixture.
6. Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
7. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for 5 minutes, adding more flour as needed until the dough is soft, pliable, and not sticky.
8. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long, thin rope (about 1/2 inch thick). Cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces.
9. Fill a large saucepan with 6 quarts of water and bring to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.
10. Gently add half of the gnocchi to the boiling water. Cook for 1-2 minutes after they float to the surface.
11. Remove the cooked gnocchi with a slotted spoon and set aside, keeping them warm. Repeat with the remaining gnocchi.
12. Serve immediately with your favorite sauce, or try the browned butter method: Melt 1/2 cup butter in a pan until nutty brown, then toss the cooked gnocchi until crispy.
13. Enjoy your delicious homemade Basil Gnocchi!