Gnocchi with Bolognese sauce

Gnocchi with Bolognese sauce – A recipe that blends tradition with delicious flavors

If you're looking for a savory, comforting, and easy-to-make recipe, gnocchi with Bolognese sauce is the perfect choice. These fluffy and flavorful potato dumplings, served with a rich and hearty sauce, are ideal for a family dinner or a special meal. Additionally, making them can be a pleasant activity to share with loved ones. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of nostalgia in every bite.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients

For the gnocchi:
- 3 large potatoes (approximately 800 g)
- 2 large eggs
- 400 g wheat flour (may vary depending on the humidity of the dough)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 pinch of pepper
- 1-2 tablespoons of dried parsley (optional)
- 50 ml olive oil (for cooking)

For the Bolognese sauce:
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 200 g minced meat (beef or a mix of meats)
- 100 ml homemade ketchup (preferably, but you can also use regular ketchup)
- 200 ml tomato juice
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Fresh or dried thyme, to taste (optional)

Step by step – Preparing the gnocchi

1. Boiling the potatoes: Start by boiling the potatoes with their skins in salted water until they become soft (about 30-40 minutes, depending on size). It's important to boil them with the skin to prevent excessive water absorption, which can make the gnocchi sticky.

2. Cooling and mashing: After boiling the potatoes, remove them from the water and let them cool slightly. Peel them and mash them with a blender or potato masher until you achieve a smooth paste. This step is essential, as a well-made paste will make the gnocchi fluffier.

3. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the eggs, salt, pepper, and dried parsley to the potato puree. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Then, gradually add the flour, kneading with your hands until you obtain an elastic and homogeneous dough. Avoid adding too much flour to prevent weighing down the texture of the gnocchi.

4. Shaping the gnocchi: Divide the dough into two or three equal parts. Roll each part into long ropes about 2 cm thick, then cut them into pieces of 2-3 cm. Depending on your preference, you can shape them oval or leave them plain.

5. Boiling the gnocchi: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt. When the water is boiling, add the gnocchi. They are ready when they float to the surface, which usually takes 2-3 minutes. Remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain in a colander. Rinse them quickly with cold water to prevent sticking.

Preparing the Bolognese sauce

1. Sautéing the onion: In a deep skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Adding the meat: Add the minced meat to the skillet and sauté until it browns evenly. Make sure to break it up well with a spatula to avoid large clumps.

3. Seasoning the sauce: Deglaze the meat with the homemade ketchup and tomato juice. Add salt, pepper, and thyme to taste. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.

Assembling and serving

1. Mixing the gnocchi with the sauce: Once the Bolognese sauce is ready, add the gnocchi to the skillet and gently mix to coat them evenly with the sauce. You can add a splash of water from boiling the gnocchi if the sauce is too thick.

2. Serving: Serve the gnocchi with Bolognese sauce on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley leaves. For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top.

Useful tips and variations

- Flavoring the gnocchi: You can add herbs into the gnocchi dough, such as basil or oregano, to give them a unique taste and aroma.
- Alternative sauces: Instead of Bolognese sauce, you can try a cream sauce with mushrooms or a pesto sauce for a lighter option.
- Fried gnocchi: A delicious variation is to fry the gnocchi in a skillet with a bit of butter and olive oil after boiling them. They will become crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Nutritional information

Gnocchi with Bolognese sauce is a hearty meal, rich in carbohydrates from potatoes and protein from meat. A 250 g serving can contain approximately 600 calories, depending on the type of meat and exact quantities used. Additionally, this recipe provides a good source of fiber and vitamins from vegetables, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use sweet potatoes for gnocchi?
Yes, you can use sweet potatoes, but the recipe will require adjustments to the amount of flour, as sweet potatoes have a higher moisture content.

2. How can I store leftover gnocchi?
Unused gnocchi can be frozen. Make sure they are completely dry before placing them in a freezer bag. When you want to use them, boil them directly from the freezer.

3. What are the best drinks to accompany this dish?
A dry red wine or a pale beer pairs perfectly with the Bolognese sauce. If you prefer non-alcoholic drinks, an herbal tea or a mineral water with lemon would be an excellent choice.

Gnocchi with Bolognese sauce are more than just a simple meal; they are a culinary experience that brings together tradition and modernity. So, take your time to savor each step of the preparation, and the result will surely be worth the effort. Enjoy your meal!