The aroma of pumpkin gnocchi wafting through the kitchen is enough to make anyone weak in the knees. Imagine biting into those pillowy little dumplings, perfectly coated in a sage butter sauce that dances on your palate like a delightful tango. It’s a dish that feels like a cozy embrace, perfect for chilly evenings or festive gatherings.

I remember the first time I attempted to make pumpkin gnocchi. My kitchen turned into a flour-covered battleground, and I may have even declared it an Olympic event. Friends and family cheered as I triumphantly served them my creation, which was met with a chorus of delighted taste buds and happy faces. It was one of those moments you want to bottle up and keep forever—delicious food and laughter shared around the table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This pumpkin gnocchi recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly flavorful
- The vibrant colors and enticing aromas will impress your guests
- It’s versatile enough for any occasion, from cozy dinners to holiday feasts
- Plus, you can customize it with various sauces to keep things interesting
There’s something about homemade pumpkin gnocchi that makes it feel so special. The way it melts in your mouth and evokes warm memories makes every bite worth savoring.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Pumpkin Puree: Use fresh or canned pumpkin puree; just make sure it’s not pie filling for the best results.
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All-Purpose Flour: A must-have for binding the ingredients; add more if needed to reach the right texture.
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Eggs: These help bind everything together; choose large eggs for optimal consistency.
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Salt: Essential for flavor; don’t skip this step unless you want bland dumplings.
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Sage Leaves: Fresh sage adds depth; consider using dried if fresh isn’t available.
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Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over seasoning; brown it slightly for extra flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Workspace: Start by clearing off your counter space and gathering all ingredients. This ensures a smooth cooking experience without any last-minute scrambling.
Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, flour, eggs, and salt until you form a soft dough. Avoid overworking the dough to keep it light and fluffy.
Shape the Gnocchi: Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Divide the dough into small sections and roll each into long ropes about one inch thick before cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
Create Indentations: Use a fork to gently press down on each piece of gnocchi, forming ridges that will hold onto your sauce beautifully. This step adds both character and functionality!
Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop in the gnocchi; they’re ready when they float to the surface—about 2-3 minutes is all it takes.
Sauté with Sage Butter: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat until bubbly. Add fresh sage leaves and cook until they crisp slightly before tossing in the cooked gnocchi until they’re golden brown.
Now you’re ready to plate up your masterpiece! Garnish with grated cheese or extra sage if desired, then sit back and enjoy compliments flying your way from friends and family alike!
Enjoying homemade pumpkin gnocchi will surely become one of your favorite culinary experiences!
You Must Know
- Mastering pumpkin gnocchi will impress your guests and elevate your dinner parties
- These fluffy, pillowy delights are not only delicious but also bring a hint of autumn to your table
- The sweet aroma of roasted pumpkin fills the air, setting the mood for a cozy meal
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by roasting the pumpkin until tender, then mash it before mixing with flour and egg. Roll into logs, cut into pieces, and cook until they float. This sequence ensures that you maximize flavor and texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out pumpkin for butternut squash or add spices like nutmeg or sage for an extra kick. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top can elevate the dish beautifully!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a pan with a bit of olive oil until warmed through to maintain texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Using fresh pumpkin yields a sweeter taste than canned varieties; always opt for seasonal ingredients when possible
- Avoid over-kneading the dough to keep gnocchi light and airy
- Dust with flour to prevent sticking while shaping and cooking
Cooking pumpkin gnocchi was a game-changer for my family dinners; everyone raved about it, and I felt like a culinary wizard whipping up such deliciousness.
FAQ
Can I freeze pumpkin gnocchi?
Yes, freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to an airtight bag.
What sauce pairs well with pumpkin gnocchi?
Brown butter sage sauce complements it beautifully with its nutty flavor.
How do I know when the gnocchi is cooked?
Gnocchi is done when they float to the surface of boiling water; this usually takes around two minutes.
Pumpkin Gnocchi
Pumpkin gnocchi is a delightful autumn dish that combines the sweet, earthy flavor of pumpkin with a light, pillowy texture. Coated in a fragrant sage butter sauce, these homemade dumplings are perfect for cozy dinners or holiday feasts. With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can impress your guests and savor the essence of fall in every bite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp salt
- 6 fresh sage leaves
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by clearing the counter and gathering all ingredients.
- In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, flour, egg, and salt to form a soft dough; avoid overworking.
- Lightly flour your surface, then divide the dough into sections and roll each into one-inch thick ropes. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Use a fork to create ridges on each piece for sauce adherence.
- Boil salted water in a pot; add gnocchi and cook until they float (about 2-3 minutes).
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat with sage leaves until crispy. Add cooked gnocchi and sauté until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 70mg