Introduction
Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter offers a delightful fusion of autumn flavors and classic Italian comfort food. This dish elevates the humble potato gnocchi, traditionally made with russet potatoes, by introducing creamy butternut squash for an added sweetness that beautifully complements its savory counterparts.
Tips for this recipe
- For a smoother dough texture, use cold ingredients and work quickly to prevent over-mixing the squash with flour.
- Boiling water is essential; ensure it’s at a rolling boil before adding gnocchi for optimal cooking results.
Why you will love this recipe
This dish promises a symphony of flavors that delight the palate. The rich, nutty taste of butternut squash, paired with the earthiness of sage and the indulgence of brown butter, creates an irresistible combination. Moreover, gnocchi’s tender texture makes it ideal for absorbing all these delectable flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 1-pound butternut squash
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 12-to 14-ounce russet potato, peeled, quartered
- 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg, beaten to blend
- 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups (or more) all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
- Potato ricer
Adviced equipments
- Stand Mixer – For combining ingredients effectively, especially when working with dough.
- Chef’s Knife – A versatile tool for chopping vegetables like squash and sage leaves.
- Cutting Board – Essential surface to chop vegetables on safely.
- Pot or Saucepan – Needed for boiling the gnocchi in water or broth.
- Skillet – For browning butter, creating a rich flavor base.
- Wooden Spoon – Useful for stirring ingredients and cooking.
- Measuring Cups – To accurately measure out the squash, flour, eggs, etc.
- Mixing Bowls (2-3) – For mixing dough and preparation of individual servings.
- Baking Sheet – If you opt for baking gnocchi instead of boiling them directly after cooking the butter mixture.
- Silicone Spatula – Useful for scraping bowls clean and ensuring ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
History of the recipe
Gnocchi have roots in Italian cuisine, dating back to medieval times. This particular variation emerged from the evolution of traditional potato-based gnocchi, incorporating butternut squash as a novel ingredient that reflects the seasonal bounty and culinary experimentation prevalent in modern cooking.
Fun facts about this recipe
In addition to its rich flavor profile, Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter is noteworthy for its health benefits. The squash is a nutrient-dense food high in vitamins A and C, while the gnocchi provides complex carbohydrates from potatoes, creating a meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.