If you’re craving a comforting, delicious dish that’s surprisingly light and packed with wholesome ingredients, this White Bean Gnocchi Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine pillowy soft gnocchi made from creamy white beans instead of traditional potatoes, bringing a lovely protein boost and a smooth, tender bite that’s pure magic. It’s quick to whip up, requiring just a handful of simple pantry staples, yet delivers that comforting satisfaction of homemade gnocchi with a fresh twist that you and your loved ones will savor every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this White Bean Gnocchi Recipe are wonderfully straightforward, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Using common yet quality elements ensures your gnocchi turns out easy and irresistible.
- Canned White Beans: These beans are the heart of the dish, offering a creamy base and a hearty dose of protein that makes the gnocchi special.
- Flour: Just enough all-purpose flour to bind everything together and give your gnocchi their iconic pillowy texture.
- Egg: Helps hold the dough together and adds a tender bite that feels just right on your palate.
- Olive Oil: Adds a gentle richness and ensures the dough is smooth and workable without being sticky.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple but essential seasonings that bring out the flavor beautifully from within.
- Fresh Herbs (Optional): Rosemary or thyme lend a fragrant, fresh note if you want a little extra flair.
How to Make White Bean Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
Start by draining and rinsing your canned white beans thoroughly. This removes excess salt and any canning liquid that might dilute the flavor. Then, mash the beans with a fork or pulse in a food processor until they form a smooth, creamy paste. This smooth base is crucial because it creates the tender texture you want in your gnocchi.
Step 2: Make the Dough
Transfer the mashed beans to a large mixing bowl and introduce the next ingredients — flour, egg, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until a dough begins to form. It might be a little sticky at first, so sprinkle in a bit more flour if needed, but don’t overwork it; you want the dough to be soft and tender, not tough. The balance here is key.
Step 3: Roll and Shape the Gnocchi
Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough into long logs approximately 1 inch thick. Once you have your logs, cut them into 1-inch pieces. If you’re feeling creative, roll each piece over the back of a fork to create those classic ridges that help sauces cling beautifully to each gnocchi.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully drop the gnocchi in batches, making sure not to crowd the pot, which ensures they cook evenly. When they rise to the surface, that’s your cue—let them cook for one or two more minutes, then scoop them out with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Step 5: Sauté the Gnocchi
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked gnocchi and sauté for three to four minutes until they turn golden and develop a little crispness on the edges. This step adds a wonderful textural contrast that elevates the dish from simple to sensational.
How to Serve White Bean Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
A simple drizzle of good-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme make the perfect finishing touch. You can also add some freshly grated Parmesan or a dusting of cracked black pepper for extra flavor layers.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides like sautéed greens, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. Their freshness provides a perfect foil to the richness of the gnocchi, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn your White Bean Gnocchi Recipe into a meal with flair? Serve it nestled alongside a roasted garlic cream sauce or tossed with browned butter and sage leaves. For a touch of indulgence, you might add toasted pine nuts or caramelized shallots on top. The possibilities are endless and deliciously inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though you might not), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days. To keep them from sticking together, toss them with a little olive oil before refrigerating.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked gnocchi by laying them out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freezing until solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Cook them directly from frozen—just add a minute or two to the boiling time.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftover gnocchi by sautéing them in a skillet with a bit of olive oil until heated through and crisped. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them rubbery and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beans instead of white beans?
While white beans like cannellini or Great Northern beans are ideal for their mild flavor and creamy texture, you could experiment with other mild beans. Just keep in mind that stronger-flavored beans might alter the final taste of your gnocchi.
Do I have to use an egg in the dough?
The egg acts as a binder and helps the dough hold together. If you prefer a vegan option, you might try replacing the egg with a flax egg or mashed potatoes, but the texture may differ slightly.
Why is my gnocchi dough sticky?
Bean moisture levels can vary, so a stickier dough usually means you need to add a touch more flour. Sprinkle it in gradually until the dough is manageable but still soft.
Can I skip the sautéing step?
Absolutely! You can serve the gnocchi straight from boiling water with your favorite sauce. Sautéing just adds a lovely golden crispness that takes the dish up a notch.
What sauces go well with this White Bean Gnocchi Recipe?
This gnocchi is very versatile—simple olive oil and herbs work beautifully, as do tomato-based sauces, pesto, or even creamy mushroom sauce. Pick your favorite flavors and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
This White Bean Gnocchi Recipe is a wonderful way to bring homemade comfort food to your table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. It’s light, nourishing, and absolutely delicious—a dish you’ll want to keep coming back to. Give it a try, and watch it become one of your all-time favorites to share with family and friends.
Print
White Bean Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade White Bean Gnocchi recipe features pillowy, tender gnocchi made from creamy white beans, flour, and egg. The beans add protein and a smooth texture, while sautéing the cooked gnocchi in olive oil gives them a delicious golden crisp on the outside. Perfect for a comforting and wholesome meal that pairs well with your favorite sauce or fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans (cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for sautéing
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional
- 1–2 teaspoons chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme
Instructions
- Prepare the Beans: Drain and rinse the canned white beans thoroughly. Place them in a food processor and pulse until smooth and creamy, resembling a paste. Alternatively, mash by hand with a fork until no large chunks remain.
- Make the Dough: Transfer the mashed beans to a large mixing bowl. Add the flour, egg, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir with a spoon until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, gradually add a little more flour, being careful not to overwork the dough to keep it tender.
- Roll and Shape the Gnocchi: Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Roll the dough into a long log approximately 1 inch thick. Cut the log into 1-inch pieces using a knife or bench scraper. For traditional gnocchi shapes, gently roll each piece over the back of a fork to create indentations.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Working in batches, gently drop the gnocchi into the water, avoiding overcrowding. When the gnocchi float to the surface, let them cook for 1-2 more minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and set aside to drain.
- Sauté the Gnocchi: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked gnocchi and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they develop a golden, slightly crispy exterior.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the gnocchi hot, topped with your favorite sauce, a drizzle of olive oil, and optionally fresh herbs for extra flavor. Enjoy these comforting, tender bites made with wholesome ingredients.
Notes
- Adjust flour quantity as needed to achieve a workable dough; too much flour can make gnocchi dense.
- If the dough is sticky, chill it for 15 minutes before rolling to make shaping easier.
- Fresh herbs are optional but add a lovely aromatic element.
- Gnocchi are best consumed fresh but can be refrigerated and gently reheated by sautéing.
- Use gentle handling when boiling gnocchi to prevent breaking.
