A classic Italian dish featuring homemade gnocchi served with a rich Napoletana sauce, garnished with Parmesan cheese.
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Wash the potato and pierce a few holes with a fork to let moisture out while cooking. Place the potato in a small pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil. Cook the potato until cooked to the center. Remove from the water and refrigerate until cold. This will ensure that the potato firms up, enabling it to be grated.
Once the potato is cold, remove the skin and grate the potato using a fine grater. If you have a potato ricer, use that instead.
Place the finely grated potato into a large mixing bowl. Add the egg and olive oil blend, then mix with a spoon.
Add salt and pepper to taste, then add the flour and mix well.
Mix the dough with your hands until well combined, forming a smooth dough.
Remove the dough from the bowl and place it onto a floured surface. Knead the dough with the palm of your hand until you end up with a smooth, soft ball of pasta. Place the dough back into the bowl and cover with a lid to rest for 10 minutes.
Once your dough has rested, break the dough into equal balls. Roll each ball into a thin tube on a floured surface. The tube should be about 1.5 cm thick and even. Repeat until you have formed tubes with all the balls.
Cut the tubes into 'nuggets' about 2 cm in length. Use a fork to indent lines on the top of each nugget, being careful not to press too hard.
Heat a medium pot half-filled with water and add a little vegetable oil. Bring the water to a boil, then cook the gnocchi in batches. Do not overcrowd the pot to prevent clumping. Ensure the water boils rapidly. The gnocchi will float to the top once cooked, which takes about 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Repeat the process until all the gnocchi is cooked.
Heat a saucepan and add the olive oil blend. Add the onions and sauté until golden brown. Season with salt and pepper.
Add the chopped tomatoes and garlic. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Add the basil chiffonade and simmer for a further 5 minutes, then turn off the heat. For a smooth sauce, blend with a stick blender.
Heat a large pan or wok until smoking hot. Add the olive oil blend, then add the gnocchi.
Add the butter, salt, and pepper to taste. Sauté the gnocchi until golden brown on all sides.
Add the Napoletana sauce and mix well until the sauce coats all the gnocchi.
Serve on a platter & sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Ensure the potato is completely cold before grating to achieve the best texture for the gnocchi.
Do not overcrowd the pot when boiling the gnocchi to prevent them from sticking together.
For a smoother sauce, use a stick blender to blend the Napoletana sauce.
How do I make homemade gnocchi from scratch?
To make homemade gnocchi, start by cooking a large potato until tender, then refrigerate it until cold. Grate the potato and mix it with an egg, olive oil, salt, and flour to form a smooth dough. Roll the dough into tubes, cut into nuggets, and indent with a fork before boiling them in salted water until they float.
What are some dietary substitutions for gnocchi with Napoletana sauce?
For a gluten-free version of gnocchi, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends. If you're looking for a vegan option, replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
How should I store leftover gnocchi and Napoletana sauce?
Store leftover gnocchi and Napoletana sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the gnocchi before cooking; just spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen when ready to eat.
What can I pair with gnocchi and Napoletana sauce for a complete meal?
Gnocchi with Napoletana sauce pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A light Italian white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, complements the dish well, enhancing the flavors of the sauce.
What is the best way to cook gnocchi to avoid clumping?
To avoid clumping when cooking gnocchi, make sure to boil them in a large pot of rapidly boiling salted water. Cook them in small batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. The gnocchi will float to the top when they are done, which usually takes about 2 minutes.
I have been a professional South African chef for 18 years, now teaching kids & adults how to cook by using their instincts. I am self-taught and have an extreme passion for various international cuisines. I have fallen in love with teaching others the skills that I have learnt, inspiring them through creative cooking.
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