There’s just something magical about making homemade spinach gnocchi! The way the soft, fluffy dumplings practically melt in your mouth is pure joy. I remember the first time I made them—my kitchen was a delightful mess, flour everywhere, and I was laughing with my friends as we rolled out the dough. It felt like a fun culinary adventure! Trust me, when you take that first bite of these little green pillows, you’ll understand why I keep coming back to this recipe. Plus, you can’t beat the fresh flavor of the spinach mixed in with the potatoes. It’s a beautiful combination that not only tastes amazing but also makes you feel great about eating your greens. So, let’s dive into making some unforgettable homemade spinach gnocchi together!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups fresh spinach (washed and chopped)
- 2 medium potatoes (peeled)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 large egg
- Salt to taste
How to Prepare Homemade Spinach Gnocchi
Boil the Potatoes
First things first, let’s get those potatoes boiling! Place the peeled potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt—this is going to help flavor the gnocchi. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce it to a simmer and let the potatoes cook for about 15–20 minutes or until they’re fork-tender. You’ll know they’re ready when a knife slides in easily. Once done, drain them and let them cool a bit before handling.
Blanch and Prepare Spinach
While the potatoes are on the stove, it’s time to tackle the spinach! Bring a small pot of water to a boil, and once it’s bubbling, add the washed spinach. Blanch it for just 1 minute—this quick cook helps brighten the color and retain the nutrients. After that minute, drain the spinach and immediately plunge it into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, chop it finely. This step is crucial to ensure even distribution in the gnocchi!
Make the Dough
Now, let’s get to the fun part! In a large bowl, mash the cooled potatoes until they’re smooth and free of lumps. Add the chopped spinach, 1 cup of flour, the egg, and a sprinkle of salt. Mix everything together until a soft dough starts to form. If the dough feels too sticky, don’t panic! Just add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s manageable but still soft. You want it to be easy to work with but not too dry!
Shape the Gnocchi
Once your dough is ready, divide it into manageable pieces. Roll each piece into a long log about ¾ inch thick. Then, using a knife or bench scraper, cut the logs into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch long. Here’s where the magic happens! Take a fork and gently press down on each piece, rolling it slightly to create those delightful ridges. These ridges are perfect for holding onto your sauce later!
Cook the Gnocchi
Now it’s time to cook these little pillows of joy! Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Carefully drop the gnocchi into the water, being sure not to overcrowd the pot. They’re done when they float to the surface—usually in about 2–4 minutes. Once they’re floating, scoop them out with a slotted spoon and transfer them to your serving dish. Now, they’re ready to be tossed with your favorite sauce or simply drizzled with olive oil. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners!
- Deliciously fluffy texture that just melts in your mouth.
- Packed with nutrients from fresh spinach, making it a healthy choice.
- Versatile with various sauces—try it with marinara, pesto, or even a simple butter and sage sauce!
- Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests with your homemade pasta skills.
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your homemade spinach gnocchi turns out perfectly? Here are some of my best tips to help you along the way!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh spinach and good-quality potatoes. The flavor of fresh ingredients makes a world of difference in this dish, adding vibrant taste and color!
- Adjust the Flour: Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of flour you use. Depending on how wet your mashed potatoes are, you might need a little more or less. The dough should be soft but not sticky—just keep adding flour a little at a time until you reach that perfect consistency!
- Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Keep an eye on those little dumplings as they boil! Once they float, they’re ready to come out. Overcooking can make them mushy, so scoop them out with a slotted spoon right away.
- Make a Test Batch: If you’re unsure about your dough, you can always cook a small test batch first. This way, you can taste and see if you need to tweak the seasoning or flour before cooking the entire batch.
- Freeze for Later: If you want to make these gnocchi ahead of time, you can freeze them! Just lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a bag. Then, you can cook them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a gnocchi-making pro in no time! Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your delicious homemade spinach gnocchi ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! First off, a light salad is always a great companion—think crisp greens tossed with a zesty vinaigrette. The freshness will balance out the richness of the gnocchi perfectly!
If you’re feeling indulgent, garlic bread is a must! Just imagine dipping a warm, buttery piece of garlic bread into your favorite sauce. Yum! Speaking of sauces, I highly recommend trying it with a classic marinara, a creamy Alfredo, or even a bright pesto. Each brings its own unique flavor that pairs beautifully with the fluffy gnocchi.
For a touch of elegance, consider tossing the gnocchi with a simple butter and sage sauce. Just melt some butter in a pan, add fresh sage leaves, and let them infuse the butter before tossing in the gnocchi. It’s a flavor explosion that feels fancy but is super easy to whip up!
Lastly, don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese on top. It adds a wonderful salty richness that takes your dish to the next level. Enjoy your meal, and don’t be surprised when everyone comes back for seconds!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional information for my homemade spinach gnocchi! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 6g
With all the goodness from the spinach and potatoes, this dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! Enjoy your homemade spinach gnocchi guilt-free, knowing you’re treating yourself to something wholesome and satisfying.
FAQ Section
Can I freeze homemade spinach gnocchi?
Absolutely! Freezing is a great way to save some gnocchi for later. Just lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. You can cook them straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to the boiling time!
How do I store leftover gnocchi?
If you have any leftovers (though I doubt it!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat them gently in a pan with a little bit of sauce to bring them back to life!
What sauces go well with gnocchi?
Oh, so many options! Homemade spinach gnocchi pairs beautifully with marinara, pesto, or a simple brown butter sauce with sage. You can even keep it classic with Alfredo or just toss them in olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan. Get creative!
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
While fresh spinach gives the best flavor and texture, you can definitely use frozen spinach in a pinch! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before adding it to the dough.
What if my dough is too sticky?
Don’t worry! If your dough feels sticky, just sprinkle in a bit more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a soft but manageable consistency. It’s all about finding that perfect balance!
Homemade Spinach Gnocchi: 5 Steps to Joyful Cooking
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade spinach gnocchi is a soft and fluffy Italian pasta made with spinach and potatoes.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 medium potatoes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes until tender.
- While potatoes are boiling, blanch the spinach in hot water for 1 minute.
- Drain and chop the spinach finely.
- Peel the potatoes and mash them in a bowl.
- Add spinach, flour, egg, and salt to the mashed potatoes.
- Knead until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough and roll into logs, then cut into small pieces.
- Shape each piece with a fork to create ridges.
- Boil the gnocchi in salted water until they float.
- Serve with your favorite sauce.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for better flavor.
- Adjust flour quantity based on dough consistency.
- Cook gnocchi immediately or freeze for later use.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: homemade spinach gnocchi, Italian pasta, spinach recipe