Sweet potato gnocchi are a simple three-ingredient meal that is Italian-inspired and takes only 30 minutes to prepare. They are excellent for preparing meals or for a simple weekday supper. Louise and I enjoy serving them with an attractive sauce, such as pesto, marinara, or classic butter and sage. Try them out and have fun!
Sweet potato gnocchi are not like other gnocchi in that they are wetter and require more careful shaping of the dough. In the end, the result is just always light and pillowy gnocchi. Once prepared, you could freeze, boil or even crisp them up in the oven for later. Non-traditional? Maybe. But with potatoes, anything goes!
What You’ll Need to Make Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Easy Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe for Beginners
Ingredients
Method
- Bake or microwave the sweet potatoes until soft.
- Allow to cool, peel, and mash until smooth.
- Mix mashed sweet potatoes with egg and salt.
- Gradually add flour until dough forms (it should be soft, not sticky).
- Lightly flour a surface and knead gently, using extra flour as needed.
- Divide dough into 4 portions. Roll each into a long rope.
- Cut into 1-inch pieces. Optionally, shape using a fork or gnocchi board.
- Bring salted water to a boil.
- Add gnocchi in batches. Cook until they float (about 2–3 minutes).
- Remove and drain.
- In a pan, melt butter and add garlic and sage.
- Sauté until fragrant. Add cream, broccoli rabe, and Parmesan.
- Toss gnocchi in sauce and serve hot.
Notes
Notes:
- Measure ingredients by weight for best results.
- Use kale or spinach if broccoli rabe isn’t available.
- Gnocchi dough can be made 1 day in advance.
Storage:
- Cooked Gnocchi: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days.
- Uncooked Gnocchi: Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 6 months.
- Sweet Potatoes: 20 ounces (about 2 medium-sized or 1 very large potato)
- Egg 1 large egg
All-Purpose Flour**:
– 200 grams (approximately 1 1/2 cups, plus additional as needed)
- – 60 grams (around 1/3 cup for kneading and rolling)
- Salt 1/2 tablespoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (can use 1 teaspoon if using Morton’s)
Additional Italian Dishes
If you tried this Sweet Potato Gnocchi recipe or any other recipe on our blog, please leave a star rating and let us know how it goes in the comments. We love hearing from you!
Pastina, mushroom risotto, broccoli pasta, ricotta pasta, spaghetti all’Assassina, minestrone soup, and vegetarian lasagna are some of our favorite Italian dishes! If you have tried making this sweet potato gnocchi recipe or explored any other recipe featured on our blog, we would appreciate it if you could leave us a star rating. We would also appreciate hearing your opinions in the comments area. We genuinely love hearing from our readers, and we value your opinions!
Importance of Measuring Ingredients by Weight
In my baking recipes, you’ll often find that I prefer using weight measurements for the sake of accuracy. However, when it comes to my non-baking recipes, I’m a bit more flexible with ingredient quantities. This flexibility exists because some recipes are largely based on individual taste preferences, allowing you to adjust ingredient amounts without significantly affecting the final outcome.
In this particular recipe, the gnocchi involves making a dough. For this reason, I recommend using weight measurements to help you achieve the best possible results! Although you can make the dough based on feel and get away with estimating ingredient amounts by eye, having a small kitchen scale on hand and measuring by weight is definitely the best practice.
Adding a Nutritional Edge
- Serve with broccoli rabe to increase the amount of nutrients and add sweetness.
- For a crisp and delicate texture, boil the broccoli rabe before cooking.
- The texture of broccoli rabe looks similar to that of spinach and broccoli.
- While the leaves simmer like spinach, the florets maintain a slight crunch.
- Broccoli rabe’s vibrant coloring add to the dish’s aesthetic attractiveness.
- Use spinach or kale in place of broccoli rabe if it’s not available.
- Kale or spinach can be added straight to the pan.
- As an alternative, eat the gnocchi by itself without any additional veggies.
Serving Ideas for Your Homemade Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Once you have prepared the gnocchi, several avenues for utilization present themselves. Below are three preferred methods for enjoying homemade sweet potato gnocchi:
1. Boiling and Serving as Traditional Pasta: Much like any conventional pasta recipe, gnocchi pairs excellently with quality sauces. Consider enhancing its natural flavors with a brown butter sauce, a vibrant pesto, or a creamy lemon ricotta sauce, complemented by pasta water and butter for a luxurious finish.
2. Boil and Bake: This method is exemplified in my crispy gnocchi and cucumber salad recipe. By initially boiling and subsequently crisping the gnocchi, you introduce a delightful texture that enriches any dish, offering a more satisfying and hearty meal experience.
3. Freezing for Later Use: Should you wish to reserve the gnocchi for future consumption, it can be conveniently frozen. This approach allows for easy thawing and utilization at a later time, with the gnocchi maintaining quality in the freezer for up to six months.
Sauce and Other Ingredients:
Five cups of chopped up broccoli rabe (stems, leaves, and florets)
– 8 tablespoons butter
– 1/3 cup heavy cream
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 5–6 sage leaves
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
– 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Additional Sweet Potato Dishes
Love sweet potatoes? You’ve ended up at the perfect spot! For you, we offer a variety of recipes:
Discover a huge collection of mouthwatering sweet potato recipes that Louise has carefully selected, including more than 25 simple recipes. Jump in and have fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it possible to substitute ordinary potatoes with sweet potatoes?
Yes, regular potatoes can be used in place of the more traditional gnocchi. Keep in mind that the sweetness and flavor will change.
2. What is the best way to determine if the gnocchi are cooked through?
It’s time to take the gnocchi out of the boiling water when they float to the top. Usually, this takes two to three minutes.
3. Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, you may make the dough a day before the time. For the best texture, shape and cook the gnocchi on the same day.
4. What kind of sauce is most appropriate for sweet potato gnocchi?
A range of sauces, such brown butter, sage pesto, or creamy Alfredo, go nicely with sweet potato gnocchi. Each provides a unique way to balance the gnocchi’s earthy richness.
5. Can sweet potato gnocchi be made without gluten?
Yes, just substitute ordinary flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure that every other ingredient is also gluten-free.
6. How should leftover gnocchi be preserved?
Any leftover cooked gnocchi can be stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to three days. Uncooked gnocchi can be frozen for up to 6 months.
