Gnocchi help

[ingestiblebulk]

ever since i had some chicken and gnocchi at olive garden, i wanted to try my own version. it keeps turning out really well, except for the gnocchi, which is awful. it's always sticky and soggy. does anyone have any good tips to keep this from happening? if i ever get it to work, i'll put up the recipe for the dish.

 

[Mimizkitchen]

An educated guess would be not enough flour, and potatoes were to watery... Please post the recipe when you get a chance and we can go from there...

 

[Alix]

You are likely not adding enough flour to your gnocchi dough. It needs to be very stiff. Like playdoh.

 

[ingestiblebulk]

thank you, i'll try that.

 

[Mimizkitchen]

How did you cook your potatoes?

 

[ingestiblebulk]

just a few minutes; i didn't really time them.

 

[Mimizkitchen]

Did you peel them and then boil? What kind of potatoes were they?

 

[Andy M.]

There is a huge difference in moisture content between boiled/steamed potatoes and baked potatoes that can ruin your gnocchi.

 

[Mimizkitchen]

I always use baking potatoes, in their jackets, boil them drain them then put them back in the pot over heat to dry them... I then peel them and proceed...

 

[LPBeier]

There is a huge difference in moisture content between boiled/steamed potatoes and baked potatoes that can ruin your gnocchi.

I have always baked my potatoes for gnocchi. I make them three different ways but always use baked potatoes. Then I don't have to use too much flour. But if they are sticky before cooking then add more flour.

 

[ingestiblebulk]

thanks for all the advice. i think i'll try baking the potatoes and see where that gets me. how long does one bake a potato for for this sort of endeavor?

 

[Andy M.]

Russets bake at 400F for about 45-60 minutes. Take them out when they're cooked through - use a knife to test.

 

[Alix]

I usually bake the potatoes for potato skins then use the insides for gnocchi. Bake like Andy suggests.

 

[CharlieD]

I always use baking potatoes, in their jackets, boil them drain them then put them back in the pot over heat to dry them... I then peel them and proceed...

I do the same thing. Works like a clock for me.

 

[BreezyCooking]

You can also "bake" them in your microwave to save a lot of time. I do two large Idaho potatoes - pierced in several places to allow steam to escape - for 7 minutes on High. Then turn them over & do another 7 minutes. Then wrap them in a kitchen towel to rest for another 7 minutes. Perfect taters every time.

 

[BreezyCooking]

Oh - & if you're microwaving those taters for plain old baked potatoes - make your "piercings" in one longitudinal line on just one side. Makes for easy splitting.

 

[mollyanne]

Olive Garden has been generous enough to post their recipe on their website for Chicken & Gnocchi...including how to make the gnocchi from scratch. Here's their link:
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant - Recipes - Recipe Search

...and here's a cut&paste of the gnocchi part of Olive Garden's recipe:

Gnocchi
2 qt water
6 oz all-purpose flour
2 eggs
2 lbs russet potatoes
2 tsp salt
OR
1 lb gnocchi (potato dumplings), cooked according to package directions

Procedures
NOTE: You may make your own gnocchi by following the steps below, or you may purchase them already made.

1. WASH potatoes and place in water. Cook potatoes until soft (cook time will depend on size of potatoes). Remove potatoes from water and cool in refrigerator.
2. PEEL cooled potatoes and push them through a fine grater (rice grater) until mashed; do not over-mash potatoes or they will get tough.
3. COMBINE potatoes, flour and eggs in a mixing bowl. Mix well until dough does not stick to hands (add small amounts of flour at a time if needed).
4. DIVIDE dough into 4 sections. Roll out each section into a long rope. Cut each rope into ½” pieces. Push fork tines on each piece for the classic gnocchi appearance.
5. BRING water to a boil in a sauce pot. Drop in gnocchi and cook until they float.