Indulge in the exquisite taste of traditional Italian gnocchi, made with light, fluffy potato dumplings. This classic dish is a true comfort food, perfect for a cozy dinner or a special gathering. Serve with your favorite sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a truly authentic Italian experience.

Here's a basic recipe for traditional Italian gnocchi:

Ingredients:

 - 2 pounds (about 900g) russet potatoes

 - 1 1/2 to 2 cups (180-240g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting

 - 1 teaspoon salt

 - 1 large egg, beaten (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Potatoes:

1- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2- Wash the potatoes and pierce them several times with a fork.

3- Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake until tender, about 45-60 minutes.

4- Allow the potatoes to cool slightly, then peel them while they're still warm.

Mash the Potatoes:

1- Press the peeled potatoes through a potato ricer or mash them until smooth (avoid using a food processor, as it can make the potatoes gluey).

Make the Dough:

1- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with 1 1/2 cups of flour and the salt.

2- Mix until the dough comes together, adding more flour if necessary. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.

Form the Gnocchi:

1- On a floured surface, divide the dough into several portions.

2- Roll each portion into a long rope, about 1/2 inch (1 cm) in diameter.

3- Cut the ropes into 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces. You can leave them as is or roll them along a fork or gnocchi board to create ridges (which helps sauce cling to them).

Cook the Gnocchi:

1- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2- Working in batches, drop the gnocchi into the boiling water. Cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes.

3- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked gnocchi to a plate.

Serve:

1- Serve the gnocchi with your favorite sauce, such as marinara, pesto, or brown butter sage sauce.

2- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Italian gnocchi!

Nutritional Values :

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the main ingredients in the gnocchi recipe (per serving, assuming 4 servings):

Here's the nutritional information for each ingredient:

Russet Potatoes (2 pounds / about 900g):

  - Calories: 1,500

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 340 g

  - Protein: 8 g

Benefits: Rich in complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin B6. Potatoes provide energy and essential nutrients for overall health.

All-Purpose Flour (1 1/2 to 2 cups / 180-240g):

  - Calories: 680 - 900

  - Fat: 1.5 - 2 g

  - Carbohydrates: 140 - 190 g

  - Protein: 15 - 20 g

Benefits: Adds structure and texture. Provides additional carbohydrates and protein.

Salt (1 teaspoon):

  - Calories: 0

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Enhances flavor. Use in moderation to manage sodium intake.

Beaten Egg (optional, 1 large):

  - Calories: 70

  - Fat: 5 g

  - Carbohydrates: 1 g

  - Protein: 6 g

Benefits: Adds protein and helps with binding ingredients. Also adds richness and a golden color when used in the recipe.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.