Sweet potato gnocchi is a delicious twist on classic Italian potato gnocchi. These little dumplings are made primarily from sweet potatoes, which impart a slightly sweet flavor and bright orange hue. The nature of sweet potatoes means that the resulting gnocchi are often a little sweeter and more flavorful than their regular potato counterparts.
Because of its distinctive flavor, sweet potato gnocchi can be served with a variety of sauces. A brown butter and sage sauce complements their earthy sweetness. Other options include creamy blue cheese, simple garlic and olive oil, or even a light tomato sauce. They also pair well with flavors like spinach, goat cheese, walnuts, and crispy sage.
The process is somewhat similar to traditional potato gnocchi. Sweet potatoes are first cooked (baked or boiled), then mashed. Flour and seasonings are added to form a dough. This dough is then rolled into thin logs, cut into bite-sized pieces and shaped using a fork or gnocchi board.
They are then boiled briefly in salted water. When they come to the surface, they are ready to be drained. Many prefer to take the extra step of pan-searing them for a crispy exterior.
Raw sweet potato gnocchi can be frozen on a tray before transferring it to a bag, allowing you to cook it straight from the freezer when needed.
