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Homemade Gnocchi with Sausage and Butternut Squash

Estate Dinners

Homemade Gnocchi with Sausage and Butternut Squash

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The Strategy:

Preparing homemade gnocchi is a therapeutic labor of love that fills the kitchen with anticipation and sets a relaxed, welcoming pace for the evening. By pairing these tender potato pillows with savory Italian sausage and sweet butternut squash, you create an elegant, deeply satisfying centerpiece that feels like a warm embrace. It is a comforting yet sophisticated dish that lets you slow down and savor the process of cooking for those you care about.

Book: Canvas & Cuisine Page: 209 Category: SAUSAGE & BRATS

Ingredients

Gnocchi

  • 1 ½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
  • 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, peeled and diced
  • 1 ½ pounds mild Italian sausage
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced, about 2 tablespoons
  • 2 cups butternut squash chunks, cut into ½-inch squares
  • ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup homemade chicken stock or prepared low sodium broth
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
  • 4 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated about 1 cup
Raw cooking ingredients for Homemade Gnocchi with Sausage and Butternut Squash arranged beautifully on a clean kitchen counter.

Instructions

  1. Boil the whole potatoes until they are soft, about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on their size.
  2. Remove the potatoes and cool slightly. When they are cool enough to handle, peel the potatoes and pass them through a food mill, potato ricer, or pulse them in the bowl of a food processor and place into a large bowl.
  3. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  4. Place ice and cold water into a separate large bowl.
  5. Make well in center of the potatoes and sprinkle all over with the flour.
  6. Place the egg and salt in center of well. Use a fork to stir the egg into the flour and potatoes.
  7. Bring the dough together by kneading gently to form a ball and then continue kneading until the dough is dry to the touch, about 4 to 5 minutes more. Break off a baseball-size piece of dough.
  8. Roll first into a ball and then into a log about ¾-inch in diameter.
  9. Cut the log into 1-inch long pieces.
  10. Roll one piece over the back of the tines on a fork, pushing down slightly. This creates the little ridges that gnocchi are famous for.
  11. Place the gnocchi onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Continue the process until all the dough has been used. Once all the gnocchi are formed, drop them in batches into the boiling water. When they float to the top, the gnocchi are done.
  12. Use a slotted spoon, to transfer the cooked gnocchi to an ice water bath, to stop the cooking process. Once all the gnocchi have been cooled in the bath, use a slotted spoon to remove them to a platter and discard the water.
  13. Set aside while you make the sauce, or you can toss with a bit of olive oil and store in an airtight container for up to 48 hours in the refrigerator.
  14. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  15. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  16. Add the sausage and cook until crumbled and brown.
  17. Transfer the sausage and onion to a bowl.
  18. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in the same skillet.
  19. Add the garlic and butternut squash.
  20. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg.
  21. Add the wine and cook until the liquid is reduced, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  22. Pour in the chicken broth and continue cooking until the squash is fork tender, about 5 to 8 minutes more.
  23. Add the sausage and onion back to the skillet.
  24. Stir in the gnocchi and parsley.
  25. Cook until the gnocchi are warmed through.
  26. Sprinkle the cheese over the top.
  27. Serve the dish right from the skillet!
Home cook prepared steps for assembling and cooking Homemade Gnocchi with Sausage and Butternut Squash.

The Heart of the Table

The cozy aroma of sweet butternut squash and savory sausage simmering on the stovetop draws everyone to the kitchen, creating an immediate sense of home and belonging. Placed in the center of the table, this dish invites guests to linger over their plates, sharing stories and laughter as they savor each pillowy bite. It is a heartwarming centerpiece that celebrates the simple joy of gathering around a comforting, home-cooked meal.

An appetizing, fresh serving of cooked Homemade Gnocchi with Sausage and Butternut Squash displayed beautifully on a styled dining table.

The Art of the Host

  • a teardrop weighted stainless steel bar spoon with a twisted stem
  • a solid copper balloon whisk to perfectly aerate ingredients
  • a wide, copper-plated wire cooling rack to ensure perfect airflow
  • a pair of professional-grade stainless steel locking kitchen tongs
  • a flexible stainless steel slotted turner with a walnut handle

Neighborly Grace

  • THE PRESENTATION: Serve this comforting pasta right from a warmed, wide ceramic serving bowl, garnished with a generous grating of fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano and a sprinkle of bright Italian parsley to show off the vibrant colors of the squash.
  • THE POUR: A dry, light-bodied Italian red wine like Chianti Classico, or a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay that balances the sweet butternut squash and rich sausage.
  • THE VIBE: Cozy Kitchen Table: The warm glow of low lighting and soft acoustic music sets a relaxed, intimate mood where everyone feels instantly at ease.
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