4 large russet potatoes, 2 1/2 pounds
4 large egg yolks
Salt and pepper
Freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, a couple of handfuls
2 to 2 1/2 cups “00” flour or all-purpose flour (all-purpose has more of a bite)
1 fat tablespoon butter
Nutmeg, a few grates, to taste
Roast potatoes 45 minutes at 425°F or boil them in their jackets/skins until very tender, 25-30 minutes. Cool potatoes completely. Remove potatoes from their skins and pass them through a ricer. Arrange the riced potatoes on a large work surface with a well at the center. Place egg yolks in well with the cheese. Season the potatoes with salt, pepper and a little nutmeg. Work eggs and cheese into potatoes then sprinkle 2 cups flour over the potatoes and work it into the potatoes. If dough is sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour until the dough is firm enough to roll into ropes on a floured surface. Cut ropes into 1-inch pieces or pillows for basic dumplings or use a gnocchi tool to roll and mark the dumplings. Transfer gnocchi to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Boil in small batches of 2-3 portions in salted water until gnocchi floats and is cooked through. Carefully remove with a spider or slotted spoon to a warm serving bowl and repeat if necessary. Dress the gnocchi with butter and a little nutmeg and serve with sauce of choice.
Gnocchi is “gno” big deal to make. I’ve read countless recipes that warn cooks and make the process sound daunting, difficult and only for skilled cooks—it’s all hype. You’ll make it once or twice and get the feel for the right amount of flour for you but even first time out it will work, it will take less time than you imagined and the time will pass fast as the repetitive nature of rolling and pinching or cutting the gnocchi is so relaxing it becomes Italian Zen. These little pillows are a hug from inside out. –
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