Homemade Gnocchi with Pepperoni Sauce

Have you ever imagined surprising your family or friends with a delicious homemade gnocchi with pepperoni sauce made by you? This irresistible combination combines the softness of homemade gnocchi with the intense flavor of calabresa sausage, creating a dish that will win over everyone at the table. And the best part: it's easier than it seems.

In this article, we will show how to prepare homemade gnocchi with pepperoni sauce in a practical and tasty way. We will also provide tips for getting the dough just right, suggestions for side dishes and answers to the most common questions. If you want to master this recipe and impress, keep reading.

Why make homemade gnocchi?

Prepare homemade gnocchi with pepperoni sauce brings a unique experience that goes far beyond the simple act of cooking. The soft texture and unmistakable flavor of homemade gnocchi far surpass any industrialized version.

Additionally, you can customize the dish to your taste by choosing fresh ingredients and controlling the seasoning.

Another positive point is the cost-benefit. Doing homemade gnocchi with pepperoni sauce It's much cheaper than buying it in restaurants or specialty stores, and it makes generous portions for the whole family.

Ingredients for Homemade Gnocchi

Before getting your hands dirty, separate the ingredients:

• 1 kg of asterix potatoes (or other good quality potatoes)
• 1 large egg
• 1 and 1/2 cups of wheat flour (approximately)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt to taste
• Grated nutmeg to taste (optional)

Ingredients for the Calabresa Sauce

To further enhance the flavor of your homemade gnocchi with pepperoni sauce, prepare a special sauce:

• 300g smoked calabresa sausage
• 1 can of peeled tomatoes or 4 chopped ripe tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, black pepper and oregano to taste
• Green smell to finish

How to Make Homemade Gnocchi

1. Cook the potatoes

Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly. Cook them whole, with their skins on, in boiling, salted water until they are soft. This prevents the potatoes from absorbing too much water. Once cooked, drain, peel them while they are still hot and mash them using a potato masher or fork.

2. Prepare the dough

While the potatoes are still warm, add the butter, egg, salt and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix well.

Then, gradually add the flour until you obtain a smooth, homogeneous dough, but still soft. Note: use the least amount of flour possible so that the gnocchi are light.

3. Shape the gnocchi

Divide the dough into small portions, roll them into rolls and cut into pieces of about 2 cm. If you want, pass each piece with a fork to form those traditional marks.

4. Cooking the gnocchi

In a large pot of boiling, salted water, place the gnocchi little by little. As soon as they rise to the surface, remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

How to make Calabresa Sauce

1. Prepare the pepperoni

Cut the calabresa sausage into small cubes or thin slices. In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil and brown the calabresa until crispy.

2. Sauté the seasonings

Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan. Sauté until golden brown.

3. Add the tomato

Add the peeled tomatoes (or chopped tomatoes) and stir well. Season with salt, black pepper and oregano. Cook over low heat for about 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens.

4. Finish

Add the chives and turn off the heat. Your sauce is ready. homemade gnocchi with pepperoni sauce is ready to be served.

Plate assembly

Place the cooked gnocchi on a serving platter, top generously with the pepperoni sauce and top with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Homemade Gnocchi

• Choose the right potatoes: drier potatoes, such as asterix, are ideal for the homemade gnocchi with pepperoni sauce. They absorb less water, ensuring a firmer dough.
• Don't overdo the flour: the less flour, the softer the gnocchi will be.
• Work with the warm dough: makes modeling easier.
• Cook in plenty of water: and never put too many gnocchi at once to avoid them sticking together.

Recipe Variations

If you want to vary the flavor of your homemade gnocchi with pepperoni sauce, here are some ideas:

• Replace part of the potato with cassava (taro) for an even more aromatic gnocchi.
• Add some grated parmesan cheese to the dough.
• Make a mixed sauce, using pepperoni and bacon together.
• For a spicy version, add Calabrian chili peppers to the sauce.

Side Dishes for Homemade Gnocchi

THE homemade gnocchi with pepperoni sauce It's already a complete dish, but if you want to complement it, some options are:

• Light green salad
• Italian bread to soak up the sauce
• Dry red wine or whole grape juice

How to store and freeze

If there is any left homemade gnocchi with pepperoni sauce, know that it can be stored in a practical way:

• Cooked gnocchi: store in a closed jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Raw gnocchi: Freeze the cut and floured gnocchi on a baking sheet. Once firm, transfer to plastic bags and keep frozen for up to 3 months.
• Pepperoni sauce: It can also be frozen separately in airtight containers.

When ready to eat, simply heat the sauce and pour over the cooked gnocchi or heat everything together.

Benefits of making your own gnocchi

Prepare homemade gnocchi with pepperoni sauce at home brings several benefits:

• You choose fresher, healthier ingredients.
• You can adapt the dish to specific diets, such as gluten-free or lactose-free versions.
• Preparation becomes a special moment to share with family.
• It saves a lot compared to buying ready-made meals.

Furthermore, cooking is a therapy, a way to relax and connect with flavors and traditions.

Now that you have learned all the steps to do it homemade gnocchi with pepperoni sauce, it's time to put the recipe into practice and delight everyone around your table.

Remember to follow the tips to ensure light gnocchi and a very tasty sauce.

With just a few ingredients and a lot of care, you can create a dish worthy of the best restaurants, but with that special touch of home-made food.

Experiment, adapt to your taste and discover the pleasure of cooking your own homemade gnocchi with pepperoni sauce.