Gnocchi with sauce

Gnocchi with creamy onion and garlic sauce

If you are looking for a delicious and comforting recipe that adds a touch of flavor to your kitchen, look no further! Gnocchi with creamy onion and garlic sauce is the perfect choice. This dish is not only a true feast for the taste buds but also a recipe that combines culinary tradition with simple ingredients, leaving room for creativity at every step.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients for gnocchi:
- 6 medium potatoes (approximately 800 g)
- 2 eggs
- A pinch of salt
- Flour (approximately 200-300 g, depending on humidity)

Ingredients for the sauce:
- 1 medium onion
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 50 g butter
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 500 ml milk
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Dried basil for flavor

Step by step in making the gnocchi:

1. Boiling the potatoes: Start by washing the potatoes well and boiling them in their skins. This method retains moisture and flavor, resulting in tastier gnocchi. Boil them until a fork easily pierces them, about 20-30 minutes, depending on their size.

2. Cooling and peeling: After boiling, remove them from the water and let them cool slightly. Excess heat can make the peeling process more complicated. Peel them and grate them to obtain a fine puree.

3. Preparing the dough: In a bowl, add the potato puree, eggs, salt, and flour gradually. Mix well until you obtain a sticky dough that comes away from your hands. The amount of flour is variable, so adjust it according to the moisture of the potatoes.

4. Shaping the gnocchi: On a well-floured surface, take a portion of the dough and roll it into a cylinder about 2 cm in diameter. Cut the cylinder into 2 cm pieces and, using a fork, shape each piece to give it the characteristic texture.

5. Boiling the gnocchi: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Carefully add the gnocchi and let them boil for 6-7 minutes, or until they rise to the surface. This is a sign that they are ready! Remove them with a slotted spoon and drizzle with a little oil to prevent sticking.

Preparing the sauce:

1. Sauté the onion and garlic: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and chopped garlic, sautéing until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

2. Add the flour: Sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. This will help thicken the sauce.

3. Incorporate the milk: Start adding the milk gradually, stirring constantly. Continue to cook until the sauce begins to thicken. It should be creamy and smooth.

4. Final touches: Finally, add the sour cream, salt, and pepper to taste. If you want to enhance the flavor, sprinkle a little dried basil.

Serving and presentation suggestions:

To serve this dish, place the gnocchi on a deep plate, generously pour the sauce over the top, and garnish with a few fresh basil leaves if available. You can accompany this dish with a fresh green salad or a crusty baguette to soak up the delicious sauce.

Nutritional benefits:
- Potato gnocchi are a good source of carbohydrates, providing you with the energy needed for an active day.
- Onion and garlic are known for their antioxidant properties and benefits for the cardiovascular system.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I substitute potatoes with other vegetables? Yes, you can experiment with zucchini or carrots, but the result will be different.
- How can I store gnocchi? You can freeze the raw gnocchi on a tray, then transfer them to an airtight container. Boil them directly from the freezer without thawing.

Possible variations:
- Add cottage cheese to the gnocchi mixture for a richer texture.
- Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- You can enrich the sauce with mushrooms or spinach for added nutrients.

This recipe for gnocchi with creamy onion and garlic sauce is not just a dish but a culinary experience that can bring family and friends together. Whether you prepare it for a special dinner or simply to indulge yourself, it is sure to bring smiles and appreciation to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!