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Simple Recipes for Every Day

Cauliflower Gnocchi

cauliflower gnocchi in a bowl with a spoon.
  • Serves:  4
  • Prep Time:  35 min
  • Cook Time:  25 min

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds cauliflower florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Your favorite pasta sauce, for serving

Method

  1. Fill a large pot fitted with a steamer basket with 2 inches of water. Place the cauliflower in the steaming basket. Bring the water to a simmer over high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and steam the cauliflower until very tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 20 minutes. Drain.
  2. Transfer the hot cauliflower to a clean kitchen towel and let cool for about 15 minutes, until cool enough to handle. Tightly gather the edges of the towel around the cauliflower and twist to form a bundle. Over the sink, wring out as much moisture as possible. 
  3. Transfer the cauliflower to a food processor. Add the flour, and salt. Pulse until the mixture comes together and forms a slightly sticky dough, about 20 pulses. 
  4. Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface. With floured hands, gently form the dough into a ball and cut into 8 equal pieces. Working with one piece at a time, roll each portion into a ½-inch-thick log (the dough will be quite soft and loose). Cut each log into 1-inch pieces. If desired, gently roll each piece over the tines of a fork to create ridges.
  5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Working in batches if necessary, add the gnocchi and return to a boil. Cook until the gnocchi float to the surface, about 3 minutes. Drain. 
  6. Divide the gnocchi among 4 bowls and top with sauce. 

Notes

For crispy gnocchi, skip the boiling and sauté instead. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add a generous amount of olive oil or cooking spray. Add the gnocchi in a single layer (working  in batches if needed) and cook, until golden brown and tender. If the gnocchi is not tender enough, add water 2-3 tablespoons at a time and cook, covered, until tender.