POTATO GNOCCHI WITH PESTO

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Potato Gnocchi with Pesto image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h15m

Yield 4 to 6 main course servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

4 large waxy-style potatoes (about 2 1/2 pounds), peeled and cut into sixths
1-1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 large egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
Generous pinch freshly ground nutmeg
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 Basil Pesto recipe (about 1/3 cup), recipe follows
2 cups loosely packed basil leaves, washed and dried thoroughly
2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • In a medium saucepan, place the potatoes and cover with cold salted water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer, uncovered, until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain.
  • Using a ricer, rice the potatoes onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer (don't pile the riced potatoes into mounds). Set aside to cool.
  • Transfer the potatoes to a large bowl and, using a rubber spatula, gently mix in the flour, yolks, salt, nutmeg, and pepper until just combined and a soft dough is formed. Don't over mix the dough or the gnocchi will be unpleasantly dense.
  • On a well-floured work surface, turn out the potato dough, and divide into 6 equal parts. With the palms of both hands gently roll each part into a "rope" 3/4-inch in diameter. Using a sharp knife cut each "rope" on an angle into 3/4-inch-long pieces.
  • Shape the gnocchi: Hold a salad fork in one hand so it rests on the work surface at a 45-degree angle with the tines curving up. Place a piece of the dough at the top of the tines and hold it in place with your free thumb. In one gentle motion, quickly press and roll the dough along the tines. The gnocchi should have a small dent in one side and shallow grooves on the other, perfectly suited for holding a sauce. Repeat with the remaining pieces and transfer to a lightly floured baking sheet pan. Store in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours before cooking.
  • When ready to serve, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. In a medium skillet, over medium-high, heat the heavy cream until just hot. Remove from the heat and whisk in the pesto. Using a rubber spatula, scrape the pesto mixture into a large bowl. Set aside in a warm spot.
  • Add half the gnocchi to the boiling water and cook for 1 1/2 minutes or until they rise to the top. (Take care not to overcook the gnocchi or they can disintegrate during cooking.) Using a slotted spoon or strainer, transfer the gnocchi to the bowl with the pesto and toss. Repeat with the remaining gnocchi. If the sauce seems too "tight", add some of the cooking water a tablespoon at time until a saucy consistency is reached. Season with pepper to taste. Divide among warm bowls and serve immediately.
  • In a food processor, combine the basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and salt and puree. While the motor is running, drizzle in the oil until incorporated. Season with pepper to taste. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator with a piece of plastic wrap placed right on the surface of the pesto to prevent discoloration, for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.
  • Yield: about 2/3 cup

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