Starting Monday off with gnocchi might seem a little indulgent, but in the fall, anything goes, and it’s all about the cozy recipes. Plus, this gnocchi is really just like eating a plate full of colorful vegetables…because the two main ingredients are cauliflower and pumpkin. So you see? A plate full of vegetables with a side of whipped ricotta cheese…and nutty sage brown butter sauce too. Best kind of Monday (health) food.
Watch Me Make This Gnocchi on Instagram:
OK. That might be a stretch but just go with me on this. Every last ounce of this homemade pumpkin gnocchi recipe is mouth-watering delicious and you need it in your life. Today…
All the details you need to know…
First, this gnocchi recipe is easier than you think and worth any extra time spent in the kitchen. Trust me on this. Second, to sum this up real quick, you’re basically mixing pumpkin puree with steamed and mashed cauliflower, flour, parmesan, and eggs. Yes, this gnocchi has just 5 ingredients. And while it takes some hands-on time, it’s really fairly simple to make. For whatever reason, gnocchi gets a bad rap for being difficult. But it’s actually simple and always so much better when made at home. At least in my opinion. The soft dough comes together in no time. Once you’ve mashed the cauliflower, just mix everything else in. Then it’s time to shape the gnocchi. When it comes to forming the gnocchi, I keep it very, very simple. I like to roll the gnocchi dough into a long rope and then just cut that rope into pieces. And that’s it. No fancy tools, no fancy rolling method. Just keeping it simple. Once you’ve rolled and shaped the gnocchi they can be covered and kept in the refrigerator for a day or so. Then just boil them off before you’re ready to eat.
Here’s what I have to say about this fall recipe. You do not taste the cauliflower, but you do indeed taste the pumpkin. So, this isn’t anything like Trader Joe’s Cauliflower gnocchi, though that was where I drew inspiration from. Nope, this is a very unique gnocchi that feels lighter and airier (is that a word?) than most. It’s different, but GOOD.
Now, for that sauce. It’s a nutty hazelnut and sage browned butter sauce. It’s truly the best sauce you’ll ever toss your gnocchi with. Browned butter, garlic, sage, nutmeg, and hazelnuts. 5 ingredients, but when put together they create a rich, warming butter sauce that pairs so well with the pumpkiny flavors in the gnocchi. You could stop here and the recipe would be great….
But it’s ME, and you all know I like to add in that “extra special” finishing touch to all of my recipes. Enter the whipped ricotta cheese. Not necessarily needed, but 100% DELICIOUS. If you’re new to whipped ricotta, it’s just what it sounds like, ricotta cheese that has been whipped in the food processor. It’s so creamy, light, and airy, and it makes for the BEST base for pasta of any kind. I first tested this out with my broccoli pesto pasta, but you know what?
I’m pretty sure it’s actually better with this pumpkin gnocchi. Maybe it depends on your mood, but seeing as I’m currently embracing all things fall, this recipe is at the top of my list, and the whipped ricotta is what seals the deal. When the warm, nutty, buttery, gnocchi is spooned over the light, creamy whipped ricotta, the cheese melts into a sauce, mixing with the butter and gnocchi. Oh my…SO GOOD!
To recap this fall pumpkin cauliflower gnocchi is…
…extra soft and pillowy. …has hints of sweet pumpkin throughout. …is made healthier with the addition of mashed cauliflower. …tossed in an addicting hazelnut and sage butter sauce. …spooned over whipped ricotta cheese. …and topped with crispy, fried sage. Every last bite is mouth-watering. I’d go on to say more, but really that’s all you need to know. Make this tonight, this weekend, just sometime this fall. It’s one of the best autumn pasta dishes you can enjoy. Tip? Pour yourself a glass of wine or make your favorite cocktail and cozy up by the fire with a bowl full of pumpkin gnocchi and your favorite fall TV show. Perfect night.
If you make this fall pumpkin cauliflower gnocchi with nutty browned butter and whipped ricotta, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
