Sweet Potato Gnocchi

The Washington Post, January 3, 2007

• • Cuisine: Italian
• • Course: Main Course
• • Features: Fast, Healthy, Meatless

Summary:

At Rock Creek restaurant, this main-course dish is served with wild mushrooms, a vegetarian demi-glace and crumbled feta cheese. White or yellow sweet potatoes may be used, but the latter look nicer in the red-wine glaze.

6 to 8 servings

Ingredients:

• • 2 cups (1 1/2 pounds) sweet potatoes, cooked and cooled
• • 1/4 teaspoon mace
• • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• • 3 cups flour, plus more for the work surface
• • 10 ounces pearl onions, peeled and blanched*
• • 1 sprig thyme, leaves-only
• • 1/4 cup dry red wine
• • 2 cups (2 ounces) packed arugula, leaves-only, washed and dried
• • Salt
• • Freshly cracked black pepper

Directions:

Fill a large stockpot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.

In a large bowl, combine the cooled sweet potatoes, mace and salt, mashing until no lumps remain. Slowly add the flour by hand, kneading to form the mixture into a ball of dough; it should be slightly dry. (You might have to add flour to make the dough come together; try to avoid adding too much, because it will make the gnocchi dense and heavy.) On a lightly floured work surface, divide the dough in half and roll each half into a rope about 3/4 inch in diameter and about 8 inches long. Cut or pinch into 3/4- inch segments to form the gnocchi. You can test a piece of the dough once the water has boiled; it will hold together and float to the top when done. Working in batches, cook the gnocchi in the boiling water; this should take about 3 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a large bowl and cover to keep warm.

When all the gnocchi are done, heat the oil in a large pan or skillet over medium to medium-low heat. Add the pearl onions, thyme and garlic, stirring to combine. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the onions are heated through and shiny and the garlic is fragrant. Add the red wine, which will deglaze the skillet. Add the gnocchi and arugula and mix well; season with salt and pepper to taste. Divide among individual plates and serve immediately.

*NOTE: To blanch and peel pearl onions, first cut a small X in the root end of each one. Cook in a large pot of boiling water for about 3 minutes, then drain and peel.

NOTE: T-Sac paper tea filters:

Large T-Sac paper tea filters can be ordered online at www.englishteastore.com.

Recipe Source:

Adapted from chef Frederic Przyborowski of Rock Creek restaurant.

233 calories, 2g fat, n/a saturated fat, n/a cholesterol, 552mg sodium, 46g carbohydrates, 3g dietary fiber, n/a sugar, 6g protein.