Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Gnocchi - Add your Favorite Dressing or Sauce

For anyone who loves pasta but follows a gluten-free diet, Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Gnocchi is a wonderful alternative to traditional pasta dishes.

This delicious recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the fluffy, pillowy texture of gnocchi, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Not only is it gluten-free, but it’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to pair it with a variety of sauces and toppings.

Whether you're new to gluten-free cooking or a seasoned pro, Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Gnocchi is a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

An Excellent Source of Vitamins and Minerals

There are many reasons to love Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Gnocchi. For one, sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition to any meal.

They’re high in vitamin A, which supports eye health, and are a good source of fiber and antioxidants, which promote digestive health and help reduce inflammation.

Sweet potatoes also provide a natural sweetness, which gives the gnocchi a unique flavor profile that pairs well with savory sauces.

Additionally, choosing gluten-free options is important for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

By using gluten-free flours such as almond or rice flour, this recipe ensures that everyone can enjoy gnocchi without the discomfort that gluten might cause.

Even if you don’t follow a strict gluten-free diet, this recipe offers a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional potato-based gnocchi while maintaining all the flavor and texture you love.

Ingredients

Making it at home is easier than you might think. You only need a handful of ingredients, most of which are pantry staples. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

For the Gnocchi:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup gluten-free flour (such as almond flour, rice flour, or a gluten-free flour blend)
• 1/2 cup tapioca flour (for elasticity)
• 1 egg (or a flax egg for a vegan option)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for added flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Sauce (Optional):

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh herbs (such as sage or rosemary)
• Parmesan cheese (optional, or a dairy-free alternative for vegan)

Instructions

While the process of making Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Gnocchi involves a few steps, it’s quite straightforward. The key is in properly preparing the sweet potatoes and ensuring the dough has the right consistency. Here’s how you can make this delightful dish at home:

Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Start by boiling or steaming the sweet potato cubes until they’re tender, about 10-15 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess water and allow the sweet potatoes to cool slightly before mashing them. You want the potatoes to be smooth and free of lumps, so using a potato masher or fork works best. Make sure there’s no excess moisture in the potatoes, as this can affect the texture of the gnocchi.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with the gluten-free flour, tapioca flour, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. If you’re using an egg, crack it into the mixture and stir to combine. If you’re making a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water). Mix the dough until it comes together into a soft, slightly sticky ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the gnocchi dense.

Step 3: Shape the Gnocchi

Lightly flour a clean surface with gluten-free flour and turn the dough out onto it. Divide the dough into four sections. Roll each section into a long rope, about 1 inch in diameter, and cut the rope into 1-inch pieces. These pieces will be your gnocchi. If you want the traditional gnocchi look, you can roll each piece along the tines of a fork to create ridges, but this step is optional.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Working in batches, drop the gnocchi into the water. The gnocchi are done cooking when they float to the surface, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked gnocchi and transfer them to a plate or bowl.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

While the gnocchi are cooking, you can prepare a simple sauce. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and fresh herbs, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. For extra flavor, you can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan or a vegan cheese alternative. Once the sauce is ready, toss the cooked gnocchi in the skillet to coat them evenly.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Gnocchi hot, garnished with extra herbs or cheese, if desired. The gnocchi are light, tender, and slightly sweet, making them a perfect complement to the savory, garlicky sauce.

Hacks for Making this Dish

Making homemade gnocchi can be a bit tricky, but with a few tips, you can ensure that your Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Gnocchi turns out perfect every time:

• Choose the right sweet potatoes: Make sure to use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, as they provide the best texture and flavor for gnocchi. These are also known as garnets or jewel yams in some stores.
• Don’t overwork the dough: Overworking the dough can make the gnocchi tough. Mix the ingredients just until they come together, and handle the dough as little as possible when shaping the gnocchi.
• Adjust the flour as needed: Depending on the moisture content of your sweet potatoes, you may need to add a little more or less flour. The dough should be soft but not too sticky to handle. Add flour gradually to avoid a heavy dough.
• Use tapioca flour for elasticity: The addition of tapioca flour helps give the gnocchi a bit of chewiness and holds the dough together. This is especially important when working with gluten-free flours, which can sometimes be more crumbly.

Paleo Option

For those following a paleo diet, replace the gluten-free flour with a combination of almond flour and arrowroot flour. This will give the gnocchi a light texture that’s still compliant with paleo guidelines.

Brown Butter Sage Sauce

For an extra indulgent touch, try tossing the gnocchi in a brown butter sage sauce. To make this sauce, simply melt butter in a pan and cook it until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Add fresh sage leaves and a pinch of salt, and toss the gnocchi in the sauce before serving.

Pesto

For a fresh, herbaceous twist, serve the gnocchi with a dairy-free pesto made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil. The bright flavors of the pesto pair perfectly with the sweet, earthy gnocchi.

Serving Suggestions

Is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sauces and sides. Here are a few serving ideas to try:

• With a side salad: Pair the gnocchi with a fresh green salad to add some crispness and balance to the meal.
• With roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, or zucchini make a delicious and colorful accompaniment to the gnocchi.
• With a creamy sauce: For a richer meal, you can toss the gnocchi in a dairy-free Alfredo sauce made from cashews or coconut milk.

A Perfect Comfort Meal

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Gnocchi from scratch. The combination of the tender gnocchi with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and the versatility of the sauces makes this dish perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight meal or as a special treat for guests, this gluten-free gnocchi is a delicious and healthy comfort food that everyone can enjoy.

It’s a great way to enjoy pasta without the gluten, while still indulging in all the warmth and flavor of a traditional Italian meal.

Enjoy this Easy video tutorial

Source: Good Food & Wine Show

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