Beetroot and Potato Gnocchi

Looking for a delicious, homemade twist on the classic Italian gnocchi? This Beetroot and Potato Gnocchi recipe combines earthy beetroot with creamy potatoes to create tender, flavourful pasta - and the bonus? THEY ARE SO EASY TO MAKE! Perfect for a comforting meal or as an impressive dish for special occasions, these gnocchi are sure to be a hit. Plus, making them from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and tailor the flavour to your liking.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium potatoes
• 2 medium beets
• Sea salt, to taste
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• Olive oil (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

1. Peel and halve the potatoes and beets. Place them in a pot and cover with water, about 1 inch above the vegetables.
2. Cover the pot and boil over high heat. Lower the heat to medium and simmer for 15 minutes, or until fork-tender.

2. Mash and Blend:

3. Drain the vegetables and let them steam dry for a few minutes.
4. Blend the beets in a food processor until mostly smooth, scraping the sides as needed.
5. Mash the potatoes in a large bowl. Add the blended beets and sea salt, and mix well.

3. Form the Dough:

6. Add 2 cups of flour to the beet-potato mixture, stirring until just combined. The dough will be sticky.
7. Lightly flour a work surface. Transfer the dough and sprinkle with more flour. Knead, adding more flour ½ cup at a time until the dough is slightly sticky and forms a ball.

4. Shape the Gnocchi:

8. Divide the dough into 4 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, adding flour as needed to prevent sticking. Roll each ball into a log about 1 inch thick.
9. Cut the logs into 1-inch pieces. Place the gnocchi on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch each other.

5. Cook the Gnocchi:

10. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add half of the gnocchi and cook until they float, about 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a bowl.
11. Repeat with the remaining gnocchi. Toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Serving Suggestions:

Enjoy your homemade beet and potato gnocchi with your favourite sauce or simply with a sprinkle of cheese and herbs. This recipe is a colourful twist on traditional gnocchi, making it a healthy and delicious choice. Happy cooking!