Potato Gnocchi with Pesto
- 4 large waxy-style potatoes (about 2 1/2 pounds), peeled and cut into sixths
- 1 -1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- Generous pinch freshly ground nutmeg
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 BASIL PESTO recipe (about 1/3 cup), recipe follows
- 2 cups loosely packed basil leaves, washed and dried thoroughly
- 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
- 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper
- In a medium saucepan, place the potatoes and cover with cold salted water by 1 inch.
- Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer, uncovered, until tender, about 10 minutes.
- Drain.
- Using a ricer, rice the potatoes onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer (don't pile the riced potatoes into mounds).
- Set aside to cool.
- Transfer the potatoes to a large bowl and, using a rubber spatula, gently mix in the flour, yolks, salt, nutmeg, and pepper until just combined and a soft dough is formed.
- Don't over mix the dough or the gnocchi will be unpleasantly dense.
- On a well-floured work surface, turn out the potato dough, and divide into 6 equal parts.
- With the palms of both hands gently roll each part into a "rope" 3/4-inch in diameter.
- Using a sharp knife cut each "rope" on an angle into 3/4-inch-long pieces.
- Shape the gnocchi: Hold a salad fork in one hand so it rests on the work surface at a 45-degree angle with the tines curving up.
- Place a piece of the dough at the top of the tines and hold it in place with your free thumb.
- In one gentle motion, quickly press and roll the dough along the tines.
- The gnocchi should have a small dent in one side and shallow grooves on the other, perfectly suited for holding a sauce.
- Repeat with the remaining pieces and transfer to a lightly floured baking sheet pan.
- Store in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours before cooking.
- When ready to serve, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- In a medium skillet, over medium-high, heat the heavy cream until just hot.
- Remove from the heat and whisk in the pesto.
- Using a rubber spatula, scrape the pesto mixture into the a large bowl.
- Set aside in a warm spot.
- Add half the gnocchi to the boiling water and cook for 1 1/2 minutes or until they rise to the top.
- (Take care not to overcook the gnocchi or they can disintegrate during cooking.)
- Using a slotted spoon or strainer, transfer the gnocchi to the bowl with the pesto and toss.
- Repeat with the remaining gnocchi.
- If the sauce seems too "tight", add some of the cooking water a tablespoon at time until a saucy consistency is reached.
- Season with pepper to taste.
- Divide among warm bowls and serve immediately.
- Cook's Note: If rolling the gnocchi is intimidating, skip the shaping the gnocchi with a fork.
- Cooking them unshaped produces a fine gnocchi as well.
- In a food processor, combine the basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and salt and puree.
- While the motor is running, drizzle in the oil until incorporated.
- Season with pepper to taste.
- Use immediately or store in the refrigerator with a piece of plastic wrap placed right on the surface of the pesto to prevent discoloration, for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.
- Yield: about 2/3 cup
potatoes, flour, egg yolks, salt, generous, freshly ground black pepper, heavy cream, recipe, basil, nuts, garlic, kosher salt, extravirgin olive oil, freshly ground black pepper
Taken from www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/potato-gnocchi-with-pesto-recipe.html (may not work)