Homemade Gnocchi with Sage Butter and Toasted Hazelnuts

by | May 2, 2026 | 0 comments

4.6 (42 reviews)
A plate of soft homemade potato gnocchi tossed in a fragrant, golden sage butter sauce
Prep time : 45 minutes
Cooking Time : 15 minutes
Total Time : 60 minutes
Nutrition : 480 Calories
Difficulty : Medium
Cuisine :

Italian

Category : Pasta

Ingredients :

  • 1 kg Russet potatoes, uniform in size
  • 250 g Type 00 flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 1 Large egg, lightly beaten
  • 10 g Fine sea salt
  • 115 g Unsalted high-fat butter
  • 20 Fresh sage leaves
  • 60 g Hazelnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
  • 50 g Parmigiano-Reggiano, finely grated
  • 1 pinch Freshly grated nutmeg

Method :

1. Boil whole unpeeled potatoes in heavily salted water until tender; drain and peel immediately while hot using a clean towel to hold them.
2. Pass the hot potatoes through a ricer onto a clean work surface, spreading them out to allow steam to escape and moisture to evaporate for 5 minutes.
3. Create a well in the center of the potatoes, add the beaten egg, nutmeg, and half of the sifted flour.
4. Gently fold the ingredients together by hand, gradually adding the remaining flour until a soft, non-sticky dough forms; do not overwork or the gnocchi will become gummy.
5. Divide the dough and roll into long ropes approximately 2cm thick on a lightly floured surface.
6. Cut the ropes into 2cm segments and optionally roll them over a gnocchi board to create ridges for holding sauce.
7. In a wide stainless steel skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, whisking occasionally until the milk solids turn golden brown and smell nutty.
8. Add the sage leaves to the brown butter and fry until crisp, then remove from heat and stir in the toasted hazelnuts.
9. Cook the gnocchi in a large pot of boiling salted water; once they float to the surface, let them cook for 30 additional seconds.
10. Use a slotted spoon to transfer gnocchi directly into the brown butter skillet, add a splash of pasta water, and toss gently with Parmigiano-Reggiano to emulsify before serving.

Recipe Notes :

Always use starchy potatoes like Russets and ensure they are dry before adding flour. The secret to lightness is minimal handling of the dough.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I ensure my homemade gnocchi remain light and pillowy?

The key is to avoid overworking the dough and to use riced potatoes that have been cooled, as excess flour or moisture can make the dumplings dense.

Can I prepare the gnocchi dough in advance?

Yes, you can shape the gnocchi ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator on a floured baking sheet for up to two hours before boiling.

What is the best way to tell when the gnocchi are fully cooked?

The gnocchi are done when they float to the surface of the boiling water, which typically takes about two to three minutes.

Why We Love This Recipe ?

Hand-crafted potato dumplings featuring a light, pillowy texture and a sophisticated brown butter finish. The dish balances earthy sage aromatics with the textural crunch of toasted hazelnuts and sharp Parmigiano-Reggiano.


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