Zucchini Gnocchi Recipe
Category: First Courses
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes | 550g |
| Salt | to taste |
| Sweet Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Eggs | 57g (about 1 egg) |
| Grana Padano Cheese (DOP) | 60g |
| All-Purpose Flour | 320g |
| Zucchini | 550g |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Thyme | 5 sprigs |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | to taste |
| Black Pepper | to taste |
| Salt | to taste |
Instructions:
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Start by boiling the potatoes. Place them in a pot of water and cook for about 50 minutes, or until they are soft. To check for doneness, pierce them with a fork. When the fork slides in easily, the potatoes are ready.
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While the potatoes are boiling, wash the zucchini thoroughly, trim off the ends, and slice them into rounds. You should have around 515g of sliced zucchini.
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Heat some extra virgin olive oil in a pan over medium heat, add the garlic clove and let it infuse the oil for a minute. Then, add the sliced zucchini to the pan. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Sauté for 10-15 minutes, or until the zucchini softens and releases moisture.
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Remove the garlic and transfer the cooked zucchini to a tall container. Use a hand blender or a regular blender to puree the zucchini until smooth.
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In a large bowl, combine the pureed zucchini, sweet paprika, and a pinch of salt. Add the egg and mix well.
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Gradually add the Grana Padano cheese and all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring as you go. You’ll end up with a soft, delicate dough. Be gentle but thorough as you mix.
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Once the dough is ready, pinch off small pieces and roll them into long ropes, about 2 cm thick. Cut these ropes into small bite-sized pieces to form the gnocchi.
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Dust a clean kitchen towel with flour and lay the gnocchi on it, making sure they are spaced out so they don’t stick together.
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Once all the gnocchi are shaped, it’s time to cook them. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and gently drop the gnocchi in. When they float to the surface, they are ready, usually after about 3-4 minutes.
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Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi from the water and serve them with your favorite sauce, whether it’s a simple butter and sage sauce, a rich tomato sauce, or something else you love.
Enjoy your homemade, light, and flavorful zucchini gnocchi! Perfect for any occasion and a delightful twist on traditional gnocchi.
This recipe features fresh zucchini, making it a fantastic vegetarian option that still delivers the comforting texture of gnocchi. The addition of Grana Padano cheese and paprika adds depth and a subtle kick to the dish. Enjoy experimenting with different sauces and pairings to make this recipe your own!
