Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Sweet potato gnocchi are a delicious variant of traditional gnocchi, adding a touch of sweetness and a vibrant color to the dish. The sweet potato gnocchi recipe is quite simple and similar to that of classic potato gnocchi, with the main difference being that sweet potatoes will be used.

Ingredients

• 600 g sweet potatoes
• 200-250 g soft wheat flour (amount to adjust based on dough consistency)
• 1 egg (optional, some prefer not to use it for gnocchi)
• Salt to taste
• Nutmeg (optional)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C. Wash the sweet potatoes, prick the skin with a fork and wrap them in aluminum foil. Bake them in the oven for about an hour or until tender.
2. Once cooked, let them cool slightly, then peel and pass them through a potato ricer or sieve to obtain a fine puree.
3. Place the sweet potato puree on a floured work surface and let it cool to lukewarm. Add a bit of salt and grated nutmeg to flavor, if desired.
4. Incorporate the egg into the puree if you decide to use it, and then add the flour little by little. Knead gently until the dough becomes compact but still soft and slightly sticky. Be careful not to overwork the dough to avoid making the gnocchi too heavy.
5. Divide the dough into pieces and roll each into long, thin ropes. Cut the ropes into pieces to form the gnocchi.
6. If desired, you can give the gnocchi the classic ridged shape using the back of a fork or a gnocchi board.
7. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi in boiling water in batches, without overlapping them. When the gnocchi rise to the surface, they are ready. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain well.
8. From this point, you can season them with your preferred sauce, such as simple melted butter and sage or a light ragù.

Note: the amount of flour needed may vary slightly depending on the moisture content of the sweet potatoes. Start with a smaller amount and add more flour if necessary, until you get a workable dough.

Trivia

Sweet potato gnocchi, in addition to being very flavorful, are also rich in vitamin A and antioxidants, provided by the sweet potatoes themselves, making them not only tasty but also nutritious.

Remember that, in line with Italian tradition, you can add a sprinkle of Parmesan to further enrich the dish once plated.