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Gnocchi with Sage Brown Butter: Easy Cozy Italian Christmas Recipe

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This cozy Italian gnocchi recipe features pillowy homemade potato dumplings tossed in a fragrant, nutty sage brown butter sauce. It’s a festive, comforting dish perfect for Christmas gatherings or any chilly evening.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs russet potatoes (about 4 large potatoes)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 12–15 fresh sage leaves (or 1 tsp dried sage)
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt (for butter sauce)
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or vegetarian Parmesan)
  • Extra sage leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place potatoes (skin on) in a pot of cold salted water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20-25 minutes until fork-tender.
  2. Drain potatoes and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Peel while still warm. Pass through a potato ricer into a large bowl or mash thoroughly.
  3. Sprinkle flour, salt, and nutmeg (if using) over the potatoes. Gently mix with your hands until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Add more flour if needed.
  4. Dust work surface with flour. Divide dough into 4 pieces. Roll each into a rope about 3/4-inch thick. Cut into 1-inch pieces.
  5. Roll each piece over the tines of a fork for classic grooves (optional).
  6. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop gnocchi in batches. Cook until they float to the top, about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a tray.
  7. In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. When it foams and smells nutty (about 3 minutes), add sage leaves. Cook until butter is golden and sage is crisp, 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.
  8. Add cooked gnocchi to the skillet, gently toss to coat in the sage brown butter. Let them sizzle for 1 minute for a golden finish.
  9. Transfer to a serving platter. Top with Parmesan and extra sage leaves if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a 1:1 GF flour blend. For vegan, use plant-based butter and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Sticky dough is good—just flour your hands while shaping. Freeze uncooked gnocchi for easy make-ahead. Pan-fry boiled gnocchi for a crispy exterior. Add toasted walnuts or pine nuts for crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: gnocchi, sage brown butter, Italian Christmas, comfort food, potato gnocchi, holiday recipe, vegetarian, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/gnocchi-with-sage-brown-butter-easy-cozy-italian-christmas-recipe/