Leftover mashed potato gnocchi Recipe
Discover a delicious way to use up your leftover mashed potatoes with this step-by-step guide on making and serving leftover mashed potato gnocchi.
Introduction to Leftover Mashed Potato Gnocchi
Leftover mashed potato gnocchi is a variation of classic gnocchi that uses mashed potatoes instead of flour or whole-cooked potatoes. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes from previous meals.
It’s an excellent way to reduce food waste and create something new out of leftovers. You don’t need much additional work or effort to transform your leftover mashed potatoes into delicious homemade gnocchi.
This recipe is simple yet satisfying – perfect for quick family meals or dinner parties alike! In this article, we’ll show you how easy it is to make leftover mashed potato gnocchi and give you some serving suggestions, variations, and hacks to make the most of your leftovers.
Making the Gnocchi
Ingredients needed for leftover mashed potato gnocchi
The ingredients needed to make leftover mashed potato gnocchi are relatively simple and easy to find. The list includes 2 cups of cold mashed potatoes (preferably with no added milk or butter), 1 egg, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 to 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
The amount of flour needed will depend on the moisture content of your mashed potatoes. Additionally, you can add grated cheese or herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Step-by-step instructions on how to make gnocchi from leftover mashed potatoes
To start making your leftover mashed potato gnocchi, take a large mixing bowl and add the cold mashed potatoes. Make a well in the center and crack an egg into it. Add salt and mix everything together until they are well combined.
Next, add half a cup of flour to the mixture, stirring until everything is well blended—If the dough is still too sticky to work with, gradually add more flour (a tablespoon at a time) until it comes together as a pliable dough. Once your dough has come together, cut it into four equal pieces using a sharp knife and roll each portion into long ropes that are around half an inch thick.
Cut these ropes into small bite-sized pieces that you’ll roll by hand into small balls or little pillows. To shape each individual piece of gnocchi, lightly flour your hands so that they don’t stick while you’re working with them and gently press each piece with a fork tine or roll them around your finger giving them some grooves on one side while leaving them smooth on the other side.
Tips and tricks for making perfect gnocchi
Making perfect gnocchi requires some careful attention to detail. A few tips and tricks can help you ensure that your gnocchi turns out just right.
Firstly, when mixing the dough, be sure not to overwork it as this can make it tough. Secondly, use a light touch when rolling out the dough into ropes so that it doesn’t become too dense.
Thirdly, boil the gnocchi in salted water just until they rise to the surface – it shouldn’t take more than 2-3 minutes. This will keep them from becoming too mushy or falling apart.
Take care not to overload your sauce with ingredients or overpowering flavors that might mask the delicate flavor of your gnocchi. Subtle sauces like brown butter with sage or a simple tomato sauce can enhance rather than overpower the dish and let your work shine through in all its glory!
Serving Suggestions
1 – With a Simple Tomato Sauce
Leftover mashed potato gnocchi is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sauces. One classic and easy option is to serve it with a simple tomato sauce. To make the sauce, heat some olive oil in a pan and add garlic and diced onion.
Cook until the onion is translucent, then add canned tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until it thickens.
Season with salt, pepper, and fresh basil leaves. To serve, cook the leftover mashed potato gnocchi according to the instructions in boiling salted water until they float to the surface.
Drain them well and toss them with the tomato sauce. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a delicious meal.
2 – With Brown Butter and Sage
Another delicious way to serve leftover mashed potato gnocchi is by tossing it in brown butter and sage. Melt butter in a pan over medium-high heat until it starts to foam and turns brown (but not burnt).
Add fresh sage leaves to the pan and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant. Cook your leftover mashed potato gnocchi according to its instructions while waiting for your browned butter preparation; once done, place them into your serving dish.
Pour the sage-brown butter mixture over your gnocchi dish evenly before serving. The nutty flavor of brown butter combined with earthy sage complements perfectly with fluffy mashed potato gnocchi creating an elevated version of this classic Italian dish.
3 – As A Side Dish With Roasted Chicken or Beef
Leftover mashed potato gnocchi can also be served as an excellent side dish that pairs with well-roasted chicken or beef recipes. Simply sauté some chopped garlic in olive oil and add leftover mashed potato gnocchi. Cook them until they turn golden brown, then season with salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese.
For a complete meal, pair the sautéed gnocchi with your favorite roasted chicken or beef dish. The pillowy gnocchi combined with the savory flavors of roasted meat is an irresistible combination that everyone will love.
4 – In A Soup or Stew
Leftover mashed potato gnocchi can also be used in hearty soups and stews for a filling and comforting meal. You can add this gnocchi to tomato-based soups like minestrone or creamy stews like chowder for added texture.
To prepare, simply add the leftover mashed potato gnocchi to your soup or stew during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. The dumplings will absorb all the delicious flavors of the broth while adding a soft bite to each spoonful.
5 – As A Breakfast Dish With Fried Eggs And Meat
Who says you can’t have pasta for breakfast? Leftover mashed potato gnocchi is an excellent choice for a hearty breakfast dish when paired with fried eggs and crispy meat.
To make this dish, cook your leftover mashed potato gnocchi according to its instructions until they float to the surface; drain well then toss it in butter over medium heat until it becomes slightly crispy. Serve on plates topped with sunny-side-up eggs seasoned with salt and pepper on top alongside crisp meat strips for an indulgent yet straightforward breakfast meal that will leave you satisfied all morning long.
Variations on the Recipe
Leftover mashed potato gnocchi is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes and preferences. By adding herbs, spices, cheese, or vegetables to the dough, you can create a range of delicious dishes that are perfect for any occasion. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Adding Different Herbs and Spices to the Dough
One of the easiest ways to add flavor to leftover mashed potato gnocchi is by incorporating herbs and spices into the dough. Some popular options include:
- Chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme
- Dried herbs like rosemary, oregano, or sage
- Spices like garlic powder, paprika, or cumin
To add these ingredients to the dough, simply mix them in with the flour before adding them to the mashed potatoes. Start with small amounts and taste as you go until you achieve the desired flavor.
Using Different Types of Cheese in the Recipe
Cheese is another great way to add flavor and texture to leftover mashed potato gnocchi. You can use almost any type of cheese that melts well, but some popular choices include:
- Parmesan cheese for a nutty flavor
- Mozzarella cheese for a gooey texture
- Gorgonzola cheese for a tangy taste
To add cheese to your gnocchi dough, mix it in with the flour before adding it to the mashed potatoes. Be sure not to overdo it – too much cheese can make your gnocchi heavy and dense.
Adding Vegetables Like Spinach or Roasted Garlic
If you want to add some extra nutrition and flavor to your leftover mashed potato gnocchi, consider adding vegetables like spinach or roasted garlic. These ingredients not only taste great but also add color and visual interest to your dish.
To incorporate vegetables into your gnocchi dough, puree them in a food processor or blender before adding them to the mashed potatoes. Alternatively, you can finely chop them and mix them directly into the dough.
Leftover Mashed Potato Gnocchi Hacks
Tips on how to store leftover mashed potato gnocchi
One of the great things about leftover mashed potato gnocchi is that it can be easily stored in the fridge or freezer for later use. The key to storing it properly is to make sure it’s not exposed to air, which can dry out the gnocchi and make it tough.
To keep your leftover mashed potato gnocchi as fresh as possible, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also sprinkle a little water on top of the gnocchi before sealing it up to help keep moisture in.
If you plan on storing your leftover mashed potato gnocchi for more than a few days, consider freezing it instead of refrigerating it. To freeze, place the gnocchi on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid.
Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and label them with the date. Frozen leftover mashed potato gnocchi will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
How to reheat leftover mashed potato gnocchi properly
Reheating leftover mashed potato gnocchi is easy if you do it right. The key is not to overcook them, as they will become mushy and lose their shape.
There are several ways you can reheat your leftovers:
1) Microwave: Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water or chicken broth. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
2) Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
3) Stovetop: Heat some olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the leftover gnocchi and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
How long can leftover mashed potato gnocchi be kept in the fridge or freezer?
Leftover mashed potato gnocchi can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you don’t plan on using it within that time frame, freeze it instead. Frozen gnocchi will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
When storing your leftovers, make sure to label them with the date so you know how long they’ve been in the fridge or freezer. It’s important to note that while leftover mashed potato gnocchi can be safely stored and reheated, its quality may deteriorate over time.
The texture may become gummy or mushy, and the flavor may not be as fresh as when it was first made. For best results, try to use your leftovers within a few days of making them.
Discover How to make Gnocchi from scratch.
Conclusion
Summary of key points about leftover mashed potato gnocchi
Leftover mashed potato gnocchi is a versatile and delicious dish that can be made with just a few simple ingredients. By using leftover mashed potatoes, you can create a dish that is both tasty and budget-friendly.
Making the gnocchi from scratch may seem intimidating at first, but with practice, it becomes easier and more enjoyable. One of the best things about leftover mashed potato gnocchi is its versatility.
You can serve it as a main dish or as a side dish, and there are countless serving suggestions to choose from. Whether you prefer it with a simple tomato sauce or as a breakfast dish with fried eggs and meat, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy this delicious meal.
Final thoughts on why this recipe is great for using up leftovers
Not only is leftover mashed potato gnocchi a great way to use up excess potatoes, but it also saves you time in the kitchen. By repurposing leftovers into something new and exciting, you can reduce food waste while also creating delicious meals for your family.
Additionally, making your own gnocchi from scratch allows you to control the ingredients that go into your meals, giving you the ability to cater to specific dietary needs or preferences. Leftover mashed potato gnocchi is an excellent dish that should not be overlooked when looking for ways to use up leftover ingredients.
With its simplicity and versatility, it offers both flavor and convenience without breaking the bank. So next time you have some extra mashed potatoes lying around in your fridge, give this recipe a try – your taste buds will thank you!
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Ingredients
Instructions
Take a large mixing bowl and add the cold mashed potatoes.
Create a well in the center of the mashed potatoes and crack an egg into it. Add salt to the bowl.
Mix everything together until the mashed potatoes, egg, and salt are well combined.
Gradually add half a cup of flour to the mixture, stirring until everything is well blended. If the dough is still too sticky to work with, add more flour gradually (a tablespoon at a time) until it forms a pliable dough.
Once the dough has come together, use a sharp knife to cut it into four equal pieces. Take one portion of the dough and roll it into a long rope that is about half an inch thick.
Repeat the process with the remaining three portions of dough, creating four long ropes in total. Cut each rope into small bite-sized pieces.
Flour your hands lightly to prevent sticking, and shape each piece of gnocchi by rolling it between your palms to form small balls or little pillows.
To create texture on the gnocchi, gently press each piece with a fork tine or roll them around your finger, giving them grooves on one side while keeping the other side smooth.
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