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    Home » Mains

    Sweet Potato Gnocchi

    Published: Aug 24, 2022 · by Nico

    Jump to Recipe

    Our 3-ingredient sweet potato gnocchi is a delicious, comforting, and cozy Italian-inspired dish you'll want to make every night.

    You can make this simple and tasty recipe in about 30 minutes and have it for a lovely dinner with your family. Really, they are easier than you think!

    sweet potato gnocchi with butter and sage
    On this page:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Serving suggestions
    • Variations
    • Storage
    • Questions
    • More Sweet Potato Recipes
    • Recipe

    Check out our Best Sweet Potato Recipes

    Sweet potato gnocchi is one of our favorite sweet potato recipes, and they fall into our definition of healthy-ish comfort food.

    They have a chewy and irresistible texture, they cook in 1 minute, and you can serve them with your favorite sauce - butter and sage, cream and mushrooms, lentil bolognese or arugula pesto.

    Also, they are so easy to make you'll be surprised. All you need are sweet potatoes, flour, and salt.

    To prepare them, we cook the sweet potatoes in the microwave - it takes 10 minutes max. We then scoop out the flesh, mash it with a fork, and mix it with flour and salt in a mixing bowl for minimal mess - no flour flying around the kitchen.

    We roll the dough into long rope-like pieces, cut it into 1-Inch long pillows with a knife, and optionally give them those cute cozy ridges with the back of a fork.

    And the best thing is that gnocchi cook in about 1 to 2 minutes in boiling water. You can cook them immediately or refrigerate or freeze them for later.

    Our favorite sauces for this sweet potato gnocchi recipe are classic butter and sage sauce (we use dairy-free butter), earthy creamy mushroom sauce, and lentil or tempeh bolognese. Let's see how to make them!

    This sweet potato gnocchi recipe is without egg and dairy-free and is suitable for the whole family.

    sweet potato gnocchi with creamy mushroom sauce

    Ingredients

    ingredients for sweet potato gnocchi

    Sweet Potatoes

    We recommend using orange sweet potatoes for this recipe. You can find those in most supermarkets.

    In some stores in the US, sweet potatoes are incorrectly labeled as yams, so you might find them under that name.

    Flour

    We use all-purpose four for this recipe, and it works wonderfully. You can use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour replacement to make gluten-free sweet potato gnocchi.

    Salt

    A teaspoon of salt (sea salt or kosher salt) is all that's needed to make sweet potato gnocchi delicious.

    You'll also need some salt to add to the cooking water.

    Butter and Sage Sauce

    This is the simplest way of serving homemade sweet potato gnocchi.

    butter and sage sweet potato gnocchi on a plate

    Sage

    Sage is incredible with most orange-colored vegetables such as pumpkin, butternut squash, and sweet potatoes.

    Its earthy and aromatic flavor is the perfect flavor to match this dish. To enhance its aroma, fry it in butter or olive oil for a couple of minutes.

    Other fresh herbs you could use are rosemary and parsley.

    Butter

    We went for dairy-free butter. There are so many alternatives these days, and most are delicious. However, you can use any unsalted butter for this recipe.

    Black Pepper

    A few twists of freshly ground black pepper to go with the sage and the butter and add a fragrant peppery aroma.

    Parmesan

    Optionally, you can add some regular or dairy-free shaved or grated parmesan on top.

    sweet potato gnocchi with butter, sage, and parmesan

    Instructions

    Step 1: Make the gnocchi dough

    Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork and microwave them at full power for 7 to 10 minutes until tender.

    To check for doneness, pierce them with a knife. The blade should slide in easily.

    Cut the sweet potatoes in half, scoop out the flesh and add it to a large bowl.

    Note: If you don't have a microwave, bake the sweet potatoes whole in the oven at 400°C or 200°C for 50 minutes, or until soft.

    microwaved sweet potato

    Mash the sweet potatoes with a fork while they are still hot, or pass them through a potato ricer.

    mashed sweet potato in a bowl

    Add all-purpose flour and salt, and mix with a spatula to combine the ingredients.

    mixing flower and mashed sweet potato

    Transfer the dough onto a cutting board and knead for just a minute to make sure the potatoes and the flour are well combined and a soft dough forms.

    Add more flour if needed. You should obtain a compact yet soft and slightly moist gnocchi dough. Do not over-knead.

    gnocchi dough ball

    Step 2: Shape the gnocchi

    There are several ways to shape gnocchi; we'll show you three. When you shape the gnocchi, sprinkle your work surface with flour as the dough might get moist as it touches your hands.

    You can shape the gnocchi on a wooden surface, a cutting board, or any clean floured surface, including marble and steel.

    Simple gnocchi pillows

    This is the most common method for shaping homemade gnocchi because it is the fastest. We recommend using this method if you make large quantities of gnocchi.

    Cut the dough into four pieces, then roll each piece into a long rope-like shape.

    Now cut the rope into 1-inch long pieces, and your pillow-shaped gnocchi is ready.

    pillow shaped gnocchi

    Shape with a gnocchi board

    For this method, you'll need to get yourself a gnocchi board, which you can find for a few dollars online.

    Dust your thumb and the gnocchi pillows with flour. Next, roll each gnocchi pillow down the gnocchi board, applying gentle pressure with your thumb. Keep the gnocchi board inclined at a 45° angle.

    This method requires more time, as you must go through all pieces individually. We recommend doing this if you make 2 to 4 portions of gnocchi.

    The advantage of making ridged gnocchi is that 1) they look prettier, and 2) the ridged surface and the cavity from your thumb makes the sauce stick better.

    sweet potato gnocchi shaped with a gnocchi board

    Shape with a fork

    You can use a fork if you don't have a gnocchi board but want to make ridged gnocchi.

    Dust your thumb and the gnocchi pillows with flour. Next, roll each gnocchi pillow down the back of the fork, applying gentle pressure with your thumb.

    sweet potato gnocchi shaped with a fork

    Step 3: Cook the gnocchi

    Fresh gnocchi cooks fast, in about 1 minute. So make sure you have your sauce ready before you start boiling them.

    Boil the gnocchi in a large pot of water, salted (just like pasta) until they float to the surface. When they are all floating, scoop them out with a spider, strainer, or slotted spoon and toss them straight into the pan with the sauce.

    We recommend cooking the gnocchi in batches, two servings at a time.

    gnocchi boiling in salted water

    Serving suggestions

    Try sweet potato gnocchi as a main dish with a simple butter, sage, and black pepper sauce.

    To a large skillet, melt butter and pan fry a few leaves of fresh sage for a couple of minutes.

    We use dairy-free butter; consider about two tablespoons of butter per portion of gnocchi.

    butter and sage sweet potato gnocchi

    Toss in the boiled gnocchi, and pan fry on medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with a few twists of black pepper and a pinch of salt, and serve.

    Optionally you can add parmesan cheese or dairy-free cheese.

    butter and sage sweet potato gnocchi on a plate

    For a side dish to serve with gnocchi, we recommend a simple side salad or one of our veggie side dishes such as:

    • green bean salad with mustard dressing and crumbled feta
    • air fryer green beans - super easy and tender-crisp
    • simple side salad - fresh, light, and crunchy
    • air fryer asparagus or grilled asparagus
    • buttery and nutty steamed artichokes
    • air fryer cauliflower with a squeeze of lemon and parsley
    • Mediterranean-inspired lentil cauliflower salad
    • Oven roasted broccoli
    • Green Bean Salad
    • Air Fryer Green Beans
    • Side Salad
    • Air Fryer Asparagus
    • Steamed Artichokes
    • Air Fryer Cauliflower
    • Cauliflower Lentil Salad
    • Roasted Broccoli

    Variations

    Creamy mushroom sauce

    In a non-stick pan on high heat, cook chopped mushrooms for 5 minutes with olive oil, a crushed clove of garlic, salt, and black pepper.

    Lower the heat to medium, add dairy-free cream or cream cheese, a ladleful of the gnocchi cooking water, and simmer for a few minutes until you get a creamy sauce.

    creamy mushroom sauce

    Add finely chopped parsley and toss in the boiled gnocchi. Finish cooking them on the pan for two minutes until they are coated in the sauce.

    gnocchi in mushroom sauce

    Serve on a plate with freshly chopped parsley and freshly ground black pepper.

    sweet potato gnocchi with creamy mushroom sauce

    Storage

    Store cooked gnocchi in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

    Reheat on a pan with olive oil or a dash of water.

    Can I make gnocchi ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare the gnocchi ahead of time and freeze them straight after you shape them. Alternatively, you can store them uncooked in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

    How to freeze sweet potato gnocchi?

    To freeze sweet potato gnocchi, arrange them on a single layer on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

    Freeze them on the tray; then, after one hour, when they are hard, transfer them into a freezer-friendly bag to save space in your freezer.

    You can keep them frozen for up to 3 months.

    How to cook frozen sweet potato gnocchi?

    Add the frozen sweet potato gnocchi to a large pot with salted boiling water and cook them until they float on the water.

    Questions

    What is in sweet potato gnocchi?

    Sweep potato gnocchi contains sweet potatoes, flour, and salt.

    Some variations include eggs, ricotta cheese, and parmesan, but our favorite is the most basic recipe with three ingredients.

    What does sweet potato gnocchi taste like?

    Sweet potato gnocchi has a mildly sweet, earthy, and pleasant flavor.

    They are not overly sweet at all because the flour balances out the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.

    What sauce for sweet potato gnocchi?

    You can serve sweet potato gnocchi with a simple butter and sage sauce, arugula pesto, a creamy mushroom sauce, or a lentil bolognese.

    More Sweet Potato Recipes

    If you are looking for other wholesome and delicious sweet potato recipes, check out our:

    • Easy sweet potato muffins
    • Air fryer sweet potato (diced, hole, and fries)
    • Roasted sweet potatoes and sweet potato wedges
    • Mediterranean-inspired lentil sweet potato salad
    • Tasty and nutritious sweet potato salad with mustard dressing
    • Crispy and game night-friendly Sweet Potato Chips
    • Microwave sweet potatoes - the easiest sweet potatoes ever!
    • Mexican-inspired black bean salad with corn and roasted sweet potato cubes
    • Sweet Potato Muffins
    • Air Fryer Sweet Potato
    • Sweet Potato Wedges
    • Lentil Sweet Potato Salad
    • Microwave Sweet Potato
    • Sweet Potato Salad
    • Black Bean Salad
    • Sweet Potato Chips

    Recipe

    sweet potato gnocchi with butter and sage

    Sweet Potato Gnocchi

    Author: Nico
    Our 3-ingredient sweet potato gnocchi is a delicious, comforting, and cozy Italian-inspired dish you'll want to make every night.
    You can make this simple and tasty recipe in about 30 minutes and have it for a lovely dinner with your family. Really, they are easier than you think!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share Recipe
    5 from 4 votes
    Prep Time 30 mins
    Cook Time 2 mins
    Total Time 32 mins
    Course Main, pasta
    Cuisine American Italian
    Servings 2 servings
    Calories 576 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    FOR THE SWEET POTATO GNOCCHI

    • 1 pound sweet potatoes
    • 1 cup all-purpose flour + ¼ cup if needed*
    • 1 teaspoon salt

    FOR THE BUTTER AND SAGE SAUCE

    • 15 leaves sage
    • 3 tablespoons butter (we used dairy-free)
    • 2 twists black pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Prick the sweet potatoes with a fork and microwave them at full power for 7 to 10 minutes until tender.
      To check for doneness, pierce them with a knife. The blade should slide in easily.
      Cut the sweet potatoes in half, scoop out the flesh and add it to a large bowl.
      microwaved sweet potato
    • Mash the sweet potatoes with a fork while they are still hot.
      mashed sweet potato in a bowl
    • Add all-purpose flour and salt, and mix with a spatula to combine the ingredients.
      mixing flower and mashed sweet potato
    • Transfer the dough onto a cutting board and knead for just a minute to make sure the potatoes and the flour are well combined and a soft dough forms.
      Add more flour if needed. You should obtain a compact yet soft and slightly moist gnocchi dough. Do not over-knead.
      gnocchi dough ball

    STEP 2: SHAPE THE GNOCCHI

    • Cut the dough into four pieces, then roll each piece into a long rope-like shape.
      Now cut the rope into 1-inch long pieces, and your pillow-shaped gnocchi is ready.
      Tip: When you shape the gnocchi, sprinkle your work surface with flour as the dough might get moist as it touches your hands.
      pillow shaped gnocchi
    • Optional: if you like ridged gnocchi you can shape them with a fork or gnocchi board.
      Dust your thumb and the gnocchi pillows with flour. Next, roll each gnocchi pillow down the back of the fork, applying gentle pressure with your thumb.
      sweet potato gnocchi shaped with a fork

    STEP 3: COOK THE GNOCCHI

    • To a large skillet, melt butter and pan fry a few leaves of fresh sage for a couple of minutes.
      butter and sage on a pan
    • Cook the gnocchi in a large pot of salted boiling water. They are ready when they float to the surface.
      Cook max two portions of gnocchi at a time.
      gnocchi boiling in salted water
    • Scoop gnocchi out of the boiling water with a slotted spoon and toss them in the pan with the butter and sage sauce.
      butter and sage sweet potato gnocchi
    • Fry for two minutes, then serve on a plate with freshly ground black pepper, and optionally some parmesan or dairy-free cheese.
      butter and sage sweet potato gnocchi on a plate

    Video Recipe

    Sweet Potato gnocchi | it's easier than you think!

    Notes

    * Depending on the water content of your sweet potatoes you might need a little more flour.
    ** If you don't have a microwave, bake the sweet potatoes whole in the oven at 400°C or 200°C for 50 minutes, or until soft.
    Nutrition information is an estimate for 1 large serving out of 2.

    Nutritional Values

    Nutrition Facts
    Sweet Potato Gnocchi
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 576 Calories from Fat 162
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 18g28%
    Saturated Fat 3g19%
    Trans Fat 0g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 5g
    Monounsaturated Fat 8g
    Cholesterol 0mg0%
    Potassium 850mg24%
    Carbohydrates 94g31%
    Dietary Fiber 9g38%
    Sugar 10g11%
    Protein 10g20%
    Vitamin A 32181IU644%
    Vitamin B6 1mg50%
    Vitamin C 5mg6%
    Vitamin E 2mg13%
    Vitamin K 22µg21%
    Calcium 85mg9%
    Folate 140µg35%
    Iron 4mg22%
    Manganese 1mg50%
    Magnesium 73mg18%
    Zinc 1mg7%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Did you like this recipe?We are not much on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Leave us a comment below instead, it would mean the world to us 🙂
    « Air Fryer Cauliflower
    Sweet Potato Chips »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Barbara

      January 31, 2023 at 8:54 pm

      5 stars
      So very easy, quick and very tasty. Thank you for this recipe.

      Reply
      • Louise

        February 01, 2023 at 5:19 am

        Super happy you liked it, Barbara!
        Thanks so much for your comment, have a fantastic week!
        Kindest, Louise

        Reply
    2. Anonymous

      September 16, 2022 at 3:19 am

      5 stars
      Sounds so nice and easy. Will try this - thank you

      Reply
      • Anonymous

        November 20, 2022 at 10:55 pm

        5 stars
        Amazing recipe!!! Great way to use leftovers!! Thank you!

        Reply
        • Nico

          November 21, 2022 at 5:45 am

          I'm delighted you liked the gnocchi! Thanks for coming back to leave a comment. Cheers, Nico

          Reply

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    Nico and Louise founders of the Plant-Based School.

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