The BEST Butternut Squash Gnocchi

This recipe for The BEST Butternut Squash Gnocchi is a delightful and comforting meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for friends or a special family gathering, this dish will impress everyone at the table. The combination of roasted butternut squash and garlic creates a rich sauce, while crispy pancetta and creamy mozzarella add depth and flavor. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of this hearty dish that brings together the best of American and Italian cuisines.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful: The roasted butternut squash paired with garlic offers a sweet and savory taste that is simply irresistible.
• Comforting: This dish provides a warm, hearty meal, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little comfort food.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can create this delicious gnocchi without stress.
• Versatile: Serve it as an elegant main course or a side dish; it adapts well to various occasions and complements many proteins.
• Nutritious: Packed with vitamins from the butternut squash, this gnocchi dish is not only tasty but also healthy.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools to make preparing The BEST Butternut Squash Gnocchi smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor or blender
• Baking tray
• Medium frying pan with high sides
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor or blender: Essential for creating a smooth purée from the roasted vegetables, ensuring an even texture.
• Baking tray: Provides ample space for roasting the butternut squash and garlic evenly.
• Medium frying pan with high sides: Ideal for simmering the gnocchi without spills while allowing for easy stirring.

Ingredients

For the Gnocchi

• 500 g butternut squash (peeled and chopped into 2.5 cm cubes)
• 3 sprigs rosemary (leaves picked and finely chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (peeled)
• 1 yellow onion (finely sliced)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 500 g shelf-stable gnocchi
• 50 g parmesan (grated)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 30 g walnuts (roughly chopped (2 tablespoons))
• 75 ml milk
• 50 g pancetta or prosciutto (chopped)
• 1 ball of fresh mozzarella (torn into 4-6 pieces)

How to Make The BEST Butternut Squash Gnocchi

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180ºC.

Step 2: Prepare the Squash and Vegetables

• Place the butternut squash cubes, sliced onion, and peeled garlic on a baking tray.
• Sprinkle with rosemary and drizzle with olive oil.

Step 3: Roast the Vegetables

Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes until onions are golden, garlic is tender, and squash is soft.

Step 4: Make the Purée

Transfer the roasted vegetables to a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth, adding water if needed to achieve a thick consistency.

Step 5: Cook the Pancetta or Prosciutto

In a medium frying pan with high sides:
1. Heat 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Fry pancetta or prosciutto until crispy.
3. Transfer to a small bowl along with rendered fat.

Step 6: Prepare the Gnocchi

In the same frying pan:
1. Spoon in the butternut squash purée.
2. Add 75 ml of water and milk; stir in gnocchi.
3. Simmer uncovered for about 8–10 minutes until tender.

Step 7: Finish the Sauce

Stir in parmesan cheese and lemon juice, adjusting seasoning as needed. Add half of the crispy pancetta or prosciutto along with some reserved fat.

Step 8: Melt the Mozzarella

Place torn mozzarella pieces on top of gnocchi. Put under grill (broiler) for about 5 minutes until melted.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Top with remaining pancetta or prosciutto, cracked black pepper, walnuts, and fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious plate of The BEST Butternut Squash Gnocchi!

How to Serve The BEST Butternut Squash Gnocchi

Serving The BEST Butternut Squash Gnocchi can elevate your meal experience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, these suggestions will enhance the dish’s flavors and presentation.

Pair with Fresh Greens

• Arugula Salad: A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a peppery contrast to the sweetness of the gnocchi.
• Spinach and Feta Salad: Mixed greens topped with feta cheese and walnuts create a refreshing balance.

Add a Crunch

• Toasted Pine Nuts: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Crispy Sage Leaves: Fry sage leaves until crispy to add an aromatic touch that complements the dish beautifully.

Incorporate Extra Protein

• Grilled Chicken Breast: Serve alongside sliced grilled chicken for added protein and heartiness.
• Pan-Seared Shrimp: Lightly seasoned shrimp can bring a delightful seafood twist.

Finish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
• Basil Leaves: Torn basil leaves provide a fragrant aroma that enhances the overall taste.

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How to Perfect The BEST Butternut Squash Gnocchi

Perfecting The BEST Butternut Squash Gnocchi is all about technique and fresh ingredients. Follow these tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Use fresh butternut squash: Fresh squash yields better flavor than pre-packaged options, enhancing your gnocchi.
• Don’t overwork the dough: Mix just until combined; overworking can lead to tough gnocchi.
• Adjust water when blending: Add water gradually while blending the roasted vegetables to achieve the desired consistency.
• Cook gnocchi until they float: This indicates they are cooked through; be careful not to overcook them.
• Season well at each step: Taste as you go—season the purée, pasta water, and final dish for balanced flavors.
• Experiment with toppings: Try different cheeses or herbs to customize your gnocchi experience.

Best Side Dishes for The BEST Butternut Squash Gnocchi

Complementing your butternut squash gnocchi with the right side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some delightful options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread provides a perfect vehicle for any extra sauce.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrients, pairing wonderfully with the richness of gnocchi.
3. Creamy Polenta: A side of creamy polenta offers a comforting texture that blends well with the sauce.
4. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad brings crunch and acidity, balancing out the creamy elements of your dish.
5. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Crispy Brussels sprouts add a savory note that complements the sweet squash beautifully.
6. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes and mozzarella drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a refreshing contrast in flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making The BEST Butternut Squash Gnocchi, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to avoid for the best results:

• Not roasting enough: Failing to roast the butternut squash and garlic properly can result in a bland dish. Ensure they are tender and caramelized for maximum flavor.
• Overcooking the gnocchi: Cooking the gnocchi for too long can make them mushy. Follow the cooking time closely to maintain their texture.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments: Neglecting to taste and adjust seasoning can lead to a dull flavor. Always sample your dish before serving and add salt or pepper as needed.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Compromising on ingredients, like cheese or olive oil, can affect the overall taste. Use fresh and high-quality items for the best outcome.
• Not blending enough: If the purée isn’t smooth, it can affect the sauce’s consistency. Blend thoroughly until you achieve a creamy texture.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow cooling completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing The BEST Butternut Squash Gnocchi

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Consider portioning it into meal sizes before freezing for easier thawing.

Reheating The BEST Butternut Squash Gnocchi

• Oven: Preheat to 180ºC and heat covered with foil for about 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts (1 minute at a time) until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop: Warm gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of butternut squash is best for gnocchi?

For The BEST Butternut Squash Gnocchi, use fresh butternut squash that is firm and heavy. Avoid any soft spots or blemishes.

Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi instead of shelf-stable ones. Just adjust cooking time as needed according to package directions.

How do I customize The BEST Butternut Squash Gnocchi?

You can add ingredients like spinach or kale for extra nutrition or swap out pancetta for mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Certainly! Replace cheese with nutritional yeast and use plant-based milk and oil instead of butter or dairy products.

How long does it take to prepare The BEST Butternut Squash Gnocchi?

Preparation takes about 20 minutes, while cooking adds another 40 minutes, totaling around 60 minutes from start to finish.

Final Thoughts

The BEST Butternut Squash Gnocchi is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with different proteins or vegetables based on your preferences. This comforting dish is perfect for cozy dinners and is sure to impress your family and friends. Give it a try and enjoy its rich flavors!