Gnocchi with Thyme Butter

Gnocchi with Thyme Butter is a delicious and delicate dish that features homemade gnocchi with a delightful butter and thyme flavor. If you’ve never attempted to make gnocchi from scratch before, this recipe is the perfect opportunity to try. The tender and flavorful gnocchi are a wonderful accompaniment to your favorite meat or seafood dishes. Whether served as a side dish or as the star of the meal, these homemade gnocchi are sure to impress.

The recipe requires 70 minutes of preparation time and 10 minutes of cooking time. It yields approximately 5 servings. To make the gnocchi, russet potatoes are boiled, mashed, and combined with all-purpose flour, egg, salt, and pepper. The dough is then shaped into ropes, cut into small pieces, and rolled with a fork to create the signature gnocchi shape. The gnocchi are boiled until they float, removed with a slotted spoon, and kept warm.

In a separate saucepan, butter is melted and fresh thyme leaves are added. The cooked gnocchi are gently stirred into the thyme butter sauce to coat them evenly. For an extra touch of flavor, the dish can be sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1½ pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 4 quarts water
• ½ cup butter, cubed
• 4 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

PREPARATION:

1. Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover them with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pan.
2. Over very low heat, stir the potatoes for 1-2 minutes or until the steam has evaporated. Press the potatoes through a potato ricer or strainer into a small bowl. Allow them to cool slightly.
3. Using a fork, make a well in the potatoes and sprinkle them with flour. Whisk the egg, salt, and pepper together, then pour into the well. Stir until blended. On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough 10-12 times until it forms a soft dough.
4. Divide the dough into four portions. On a floured surface, roll each portion into ½-inch-thick ropes, then cut into ¾-inch pieces. Press and roll each piece with a lightly floured fork.
5. In a Dutch oven, bring the water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi in batches for 30-60 seconds or until they float. Remove them with a slotted spoon and keep them warm.
6. In a large heavy saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thyme and gnocchi, stirring gently to coat. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

YIELD: 5 servings

PREP TIME: 70 minutes

COOK TIME: 10 minutes

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Be careful not to overwork the dough while kneading to avoid a dense texture.
• Cook the gnocchi in batches to ensure they have enough space to float freely in the boiling water.
• Keep the cooked gnocchi warm while preparing the thyme butter sauce to maintain their temperature.

TIPS:

• Serve Gnocchi with Thyme Butter as a side dish to complement your favorite meat or seafood dishes.
• Consider adding additional herbs or spices to the thyme butter sauce, such as garlic or red pepper flakes, for added flavor variation.
• Garnish the dish with additional fresh thyme leaves for a visually appealing presentation.

Gnocchi with Thyme Butter is a delightful dish featuring homemade gnocchi with a delicate butter and thyme flavor. Although making gnocchi from scratch may seem intimidating, this recipe provides a great opportunity to try it out. The tender and flavorful gnocchi are not only delicious but also versatile, making them a perfect accompaniment to various meat or seafood dishes.