Double Pumpkin Gnocchi: A Cozy Fall Delight

Introduction:

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that embodies the flavors of fall, this Double Pumpkin Gnocchi is perfect for you. Featuring pumpkin in both the gnocchi and a rich, spiced sauce, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to warm you up on a chilly day. This recipe combines the earthiness of pumpkin with the richness of cream and parmesan, creating a deliciously unique dish.

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Sauce:

• 5 oz (140g) pumpkin, peeled and deseeded
• ½ tablespoon butter (5g)
• ¼ cup (60ml) light stock
• 2 tablespoons cream
• 2 tablespoons parmesan, finely grated
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Pumpkin Gnocchi:

• 12 oz (340g) pumpkin, peeled and deseeded
• 1 ½ cups (210g) all-purpose flour
• 1 egg yolk
• ¼ cup (11g) parmesan, finely grated

Directions

For the Pumpkin Sauce:

1. Prepare the Pumpkin: Cut the peeled pumpkin into chunks and steam for about 15 minutes until tender. Puree the pumpkin until smooth.
2. Make the Sauce: In a small pan, melt the butter over medium heat until it turns slightly brown for a nutty aroma. Add the pumpkin puree and cook for a minute. Stir in the stock, cream, parmesan, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Set aside or refrigerate if making ahead.

For the Pumpkin Gnocchi:

1. Cook the Pumpkin: Cut the pumpkin into chunks and steam until tender, about 15 minutes. Puree or blend until smooth, then let it cool.
2. Make the Gnocchi Dough: Mix the cooled pumpkin puree with flour, egg yolk, and parmesan. The dough will be soft but manageable.
3. Shape the Gnocchi: Flour your hands and work surface. Take spoonfuls of the dough, roll into logs, and cut into ½-¾ inch sections. Shape each piece into a ball and place on a floured surface.
4. Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a wide, shallow pan of water to a boil. Drop a few gnocchi at a time into the boiling water. Once they rise to the surface, remove them with a slotted spoon. If they don’t rise after a few minutes, gently nudge them with a spoon as they may have stuck to the bottom.

Assemble the Dish:

1. Warm the Sauce: While the gnocchi is cooking, gently warm the pumpkin sauce.
2. Serve: Toss the cooked gnocchi in the pumpkin sauce. Top with more parmesan and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 3-4
• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the pumpkin sauce for a spicy twist.
• Herbs: Incorporate fresh sage or thyme into the sauce for added flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the gnocchi gluten-free.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover gnocchi and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the gnocchi and sauce in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or stock to loosen the sauce if needed.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe? Yes, you can use canned pumpkin puree instead of fresh pumpkin for convenience. Ensure it’s 100% pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.
2. What if my gnocchi dough is too sticky? If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until it’s manageable.
3. How do I know when the gnocchi is cooked? Gnocchi is done when it rises to the surface of the boiling water.
4. Can I freeze the gnocchi? Yes, freeze uncooked gnocchi on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
5. Can I make the gnocchi ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the gnocchi and freeze them. Cook them from frozen by boiling until they float.
6. What type of pumpkin is best for this recipe? Sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins are ideal for their sweetness and texture.
7. Can I substitute the cream in the sauce? Yes, you can use milk or a non-dairy milk alternative, though the sauce may be less rich.
8. What can I serve with this dish? A simple green salad or sautéed greens make great side dishes.
9. Is this dish suitable for vegetarians? Yes, this recipe is vegetarian.
10. How can I make this dish dairy-free? Use a dairy-free butter substitute, non-dairy milk, and vegan parmesan.

Conclusion

Double Pumpkin Gnocchi is a delightful fall dish that brings together the comforting flavors of pumpkin in both the gnocchi and a creamy, spiced sauce. With its blend of savory and slightly sweet notes, it’s an excellent choice for a cozy meal. Whether you’re enjoying it as a special dinner or serving it to impress guests, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite. Enjoy the rich flavors and hearty textures of this autumn-inspired meal!

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