Make tender, homemade sweet potato gnocchi without ricotta. Toss these soft dumplings in a rich maple brown butter sage sauce for the ultimate fall comfort food.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1/4 cup fresh sage leaves
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
Bake the sweet potatoes until completely soft. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes until very tender. Let them cool slightly, then scoop the flesh out and measure 1 1/2 cups. Mash the flesh until smooth.
Make the dough. In a large bowl, combine the 1 1/2 cups of sweet potato puree, the beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the flour, mixing gently with a fork until a shaggy dough forms. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly, just until it comes together into a smooth ball. Do not overwork the dough.
Shape the gnocchi. Divide the dough into four equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about 3/4 inch thick. Cut each rope into 3/4-inch pieces. You can leave them as small pillows or roll them over the back of a fork or a gnocchi board to create ridges. Place the finished gnocchi on a baking sheet dusted with flour or cornmeal.
Cook the gnocchi. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the gnocchi into the boiling water in batches. They are done when they float to the surface, usually after 2 to 3 minutes. Remove them immediately with a slotted spoon.
Prepare the sauce. While the gnocchi cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh sage leaves. Cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter foams, then browns, and smells nutty (about 5 to 7 minutes). Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Finish the dish. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the maple syrup and a pinch of nutmeg. Add the cooked, drained gnocchi directly to the skillet. Gently toss to coat the sweet potato gnocchi in the maple brown butter sage sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
For the best texture, ensure your sweet potato puree is cool before mixing it with the other ingredients. Warm puree can make the dough too sticky.
If you prefer a savory sauce, skip the maple syrup and add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the butter sauce at the end.
You can freeze uncooked gnocchi. Place them in a single layer on a floured tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to the boiling time.