Gnocchi with Homemade Basil Pesto

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Gnocchi with basil pesto is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for a summertime meal. It is light, fresh, and bursting with flavor. The soft and pillowy gnocchi is paired with a vibrant and aromatic homemade basil pesto, made with fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmigiano Reggiano, and olive oil. This recipe includes instructions on how to make the gnocchi from scratch using potatoes, but you can also use store-bought gnocchi if you prefer. Either way, this recipe is easy to follow and is sure to impress your friends and family.

Gnocchi with Homemade Basil Pesto

Gnocchi with basil pesto is a delicious and fresh Italian dish that is perfect for a summertime meal. Soft and pillowy gnocchi is paired with a vibrant and aromatic homemade basil pesto, made with fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmigiano Reggiano, and olive oil.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours

Ingredients

For the basil pesto:

  • 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup Pine nuts
  • 1/2 cup Parmigiano Reggiano Grated
  • 1/2 cup Extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves Garlic
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the homemade gnocchi:

  • 2 pounds Russet potatoes
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour plus more as needed
  • 1 Egg beaten
  • salt and pepper to taste

For the dish:

  • 2 tbsp Butter

Instructions

  • If making the gnocchi from scratch, begin by cooking the potatoes. Wash and prick the potatoes with a fork, then place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for about 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender. Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly.
  • Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel them and pass them through a potato ricer or a food mill. Spread the riced potatoes out on a clean work surface and let them cool completely.
  • Once the potatoes are cool, make a well in the center and add the flour, egg, salt, and pepper. Using your hands, mix the ingredients together until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add more flour as needed.
  • Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece of dough into a long rope about 1/2 inch in diameter. Cut the rope into 1/2 inch pieces.
  • To form the gnocchi, use a fork to gently press down on each piece of dough, creating a small indentation. Place the gnocchi on a lightly floured baking sheet as you work.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until they float to the surface. Remove the gnocchi from the water with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  • While the gnocchi are cooking, make the basil pesto. Add the basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmigiano Reggiano, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper to a blender or food processor. Pulse until a smooth and creamy sauce forms.
  • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cooked gnocchi and the basil pesto to the skillet. Toss to coat the gnocchi in the pesto.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve hot and enjoy!
Author: Jeremy Sciarappa
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: gnocchi, homemade gnocchi, pesto

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