Gnocchi is a delicious Italian dish that is loved by many. Made from fluffy potato dumplings, gnocchi can be served with a variety of sauces and ingredients. One variant that stands out is Parmesan gnocchi with hazelnuts and mushroom cream sauce.
This dish combines the rich flavors of grated Parmesan, toasted hazelnuts, and creamy mushroom sauce, resulting in a mouthwatering combination that will leave you craving for more. In this article, we will explore the recipe for Parmesan gnocchi with hazelnuts and mushroom cream sauce in detail, providing step-by-step instructions to help you recreate this exceptional dish in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients needed to make Parmesan gnocchi with hazelnuts and mushroom cream sauce:.
For the gnocchi:.
- 600g potatoes, boiled and peeled
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 100g grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the mushroom cream sauce:.
- 250g mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the hazelnut topping:.
- 1/2 cup hazelnuts, toasted and chopped
Step 1: Prepare the Gnocchi Dough
To start, mash the boiled and peeled potatoes in a large bowl until they are smooth and free of lumps. Add the beaten egg, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to the mashed potatoes. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined.
Step 2: Add the Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the potato mixture while continuously kneading the dough. The dough should come together and be slightly sticky. If it feels too wet, add a little more flour.
Step 3: Shape the Gnocchi
On a floured surface, divide the dough into smaller portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 1 inch in diameter. Cut the ropes into bite-sized pieces, around 1 inch in length.
If desired, you can gently press the back of a fork onto each piece to create ridges that will hold the sauce better.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the gnocchi into the boiling water and cook until they float to the surface, which should take about 2-4 minutes.
Remove them from the water using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a plate or bowl.
Step 5: Prepare the Mushroom Cream Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until the mushrooms have softened and released their moisture. This process should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 6: Add Cream and Vegetable Broth
Once the mushrooms are cooked, pour in the heavy cream and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly.
Step 7: Season the Sauce
Season the mushroom cream sauce with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Remember to taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 8: Toss the Gnocchi in the Sauce
Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the mushroom cream sauce and gently toss them together until all the gnocchi are well coated with the sauce. Make sure every dumpling is fully immersed in the creamy goodness.
Step 9: Toast and Chop the Hazelnuts
In a separate pan, toast the hazelnuts over medium heat until they become fragrant and golden brown. Remove them from the heat and let them cool slightly. Once cooled, chop the hazelnuts into smaller pieces.
Step 10: Serve and Garnish
Plate the Parmesan gnocchi with hazelnuts and mushroom cream sauce in individual serving dishes. Sprinkle the toasted and chopped hazelnuts on top as a delightful garnish.
You can also add an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the cheesy flavor.
Now, you can indulge in the heavenly combination of fluffy Parmesan gnocchi, creamy mushroom sauce, and nutty hazelnuts. This dish is a true celebration of flavors and textures, guaranteeing a gastronomic experience you won’t soon forget.