Sweet potato gnocchi with arugula sauce

Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Arugula Sauce

If you've never tasted sweet potato gnocchi, get ready for a culinary surprise! This captivating recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a vibrant arugula sauce, creating a delicious and healthy dish. Gnocchi are a type of Italian pasta, but this version adds a touch of originality and flavor. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 1 kg sweet potatoes
- 350-400 g organic whole wheat flour
- 1 free-range egg
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon Berbere spice mix
- sea salt
- ground white pepper
- white flour for dusting
- 80 g butter
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
- 4-5 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- 3 teaspoons sesame seeds
- 100 g arugula

Preparation:

1. Boiling the sweet potatoes
Start by washing the sweet potatoes thoroughly. You can choose to boil them with the skin on or peel and cut them into cubes, just like for mashed potatoes. If you opt for the skin-on version, it will help retain the flavors, but it will require a longer boiling time.

2. Boiling
Place the potatoes in cold salted water and let them boil for 15-20 minutes. Be careful, sweet potatoes cook faster than white ones, so check them frequently. The goal is for them to be tender but not too soft, to achieve perfect gnocchi.

3. Potato mash
Once the potatoes are ready, mash them with a fork or a potato masher. Add the egg, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and Berbere spice mix. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous composition.

4. Adding the flour
Start gradually incorporating the flour into the potato mixture, stirring continuously. It's important to adjust the amount of flour according to the moisture of the potatoes. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour, but be careful not to overdo it, as the gnocchi can become tough.

5. Shaping the gnocchi
On a surface dusted with white flour, divide the dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a cylinder about 2 cm thick. Use a knife to cut pieces about 2 cm long. Optionally, with the back of a fork, create indentations on each gnocchi – these will help the sauce stick better.

6. Boiling the gnocchi
Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. When the water is boiling, add the gnocchi and wait for them to float to the surface. Once they rise, they are ready to be removed with a slotted spoon. Let them drain in a colander and add a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

7. Sautéing the gnocchi
In a large pan, melt the butter. Add the boiled gnocchi and let them sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become golden and crispy. In the meantime, you can prepare the arugula sauce.

8. Preparing the arugula sauce
Wash the arugula and dry it with a paper towel. Finely chop it in a blender or with a knife. In a bowl, combine the chopped arugula, grated Parmesan, sesame seeds, olive oil, sea salt, and pepper. Mix well until you obtain a smooth and creamy sauce.

9. Serving
The best gnocchi are served warm, drizzled with the arugula sauce and sprinkled with grated Parmesan on top. This dish can be accompanied by a fresh salad or a refreshing drink, such as a dry white wine or herbal tea.

Variations and useful tips:
- If you don't have sweet potatoes, you can successfully use white potatoes.
- Experiment with the sauce: instead of arugula, you can make a sauce with basil or spinach, adding a splash of lemon for a fresher taste.
- This dish is perfect for a family meal or to impress guests at a special dinner.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to sweet potatoes which contain antioxidants and fiber. Each serving of gnocchi has approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of sauce and Parmesan used. It is an excellent choice for a healthy meal, offering a combination of complex carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I freeze the gnocchi?
Yes, the gnocchi can be frozen before being boiled. Make sure to place them on a tray in the freezer to avoid sticking together, then transfer them to an airtight container.

2. Can I use gluten-free flour?
Sure! You can experiment with rice flour or other gluten-free alternatives, but keep in mind that the texture may vary.

3. How can I reheat the gnocchi?
To reheat the gnocchi, you can sauté them in a pan with a little olive oil or butter until they are warm and crispy.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Arugula Sauce is not only a delicious choice but also an unforgettable culinary experience. Enjoy every bite and cherish the time spent in the kitchen!