Squid Ink Gnocchi

Squid ink gnocchi are a sophisticated and tasty dish that combines the tradition of potato pasta with the sea flavor given by squid ink. Here’s how you can prepare them.

Ingredients

• 1 kg potatoes, preferably floury type
• 300 g 00 flour, plus a little for working
• 2 eggs
• Salt to taste
• Squid ink (can be found in sachets at specialty stores or fishmongers)

Preparation

1. Start by boiling the potatoes with their skins in salted water until they become soft. Once ready, drain them and let them cool slightly.
2. When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel them and pass them through the potato ricer, collecting the puree in a large bowl.
3. Add the eggs, a pinch of salt, and the squid ink to the potato puree. Knead well until you obtain a uniform color.
4. Gradually add the flour, continuing to knead until you obtain a homogeneous and not too sticky dough.
5. Sprinkle the work surface with a little flour and start forming cylinders with the dough, then cut them into pieces to form the gnocchi.
6. Cook the gnocchi in boiling salted water. When they rise to the surface, wait another minute before draining them with a slotted spoon.
7. For the seasoning, you can prepare a simple tomato sauce or a sauté of shrimp and parsley that will enhance the sea flavor of the gnocchi.
8. Season the gnocchi with the chosen sauce and serve them hot.

Fun Fact

Squid ink was already used in ancient times, not only in cooking but also for writing, thanks to its intense pigmentation. Adding squid ink to the gnocchi makes them decidedly unique both visually and in terms of taste, and represents a creative way to bring a touch of the sea into a traditional pasta dish.

Bon appétit!