Imagine transforming ordinary gnocchi into a culinary masterpiece that's crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and dripping with nutty brown butter and aromatic thyme. This isn't just another pasta dish - it's a gourmet experience that will elevate your home cooking from mundane to magnificent. Get ready to impress your dinner guests and indulge in a restaurant-worthy meal that's surprisingly simple to create!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound gnocchi
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1/2 cup toasted hazelnuts, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove gnocchi from packaging and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Ensuring gnocchi are completely dry is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. The pan should be large enough to allow gnocchi to sit in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Add gnocchi to the dry, hot skillet. Do not add any oil initially. Allow gnocchi to cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms on the bottom.
- Gently shake or flip the gnocchi to crisp other sides, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy on multiple surfaces.
- Reduce heat to medium and add unsalted butter to the skillet. Allow butter to melt and begin to foam, swirling the pan occasionally.
- As butter melts, it will start to turn a golden brown color and develop a nutty aroma. This is brown butter (beurre noisette) stage.
- Add chopped fresh thyme to the brown butter, allowing it to become fragrant for about 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle chopped toasted hazelnuts into the skillet, stirring to coat with the brown butter and thyme.
- Season the gnocchi with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, tossing to ensure even distribution.
- Transfer the crispy gnocchi to a serving plate, making sure to scrape all the brown butter, thyme, and hazelnuts over the top.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy, garnishing with additional fresh thyme if desired.
Tips
- Dryness is Key: The secret to achieving ultra-crispy gnocchi is ensuring they are completely dry before cooking. Use paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- Use the Right Pan: A non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan works best for even browning and preventing sticking.
- No Oil Needed: Start with a dry pan to help gnocchi develop a perfect golden crust.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook gnocchi in a single layer to ensure each piece gets crispy.
- Watch the Brown Butter: The transition from melted to brown butter happens quickly, so keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh thyme for the most vibrant flavor - dried herbs won't provide the same aromatic punch.
- Toast Hazelnuts Beforehand: Toasting enhances their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 45mg
