autumn/ mains + sides/ recipes/ season

Harissa-Spiced Pumpkin Gnocchi w/ Parsley and Mint Pesto

This post is going to be full of a lot of awesome things – first, because it’s part of a #VirtualPumpkinParty with some other rockstar bloggers, and second because I got to make this recipe with a secret weapon – my best friend!!

Backtracking… It was my birthday at the end of September, but I wasn’t looking forward to it very much. I always have a bit of bad luck on my birthdays. Something bad has happened on that day for as long as I can remember. But actually, this year turned out to be quite nice! Despite everything going on at work, my friends really cheered me up and we all had a great time. But the best part of my birthday wasn’t to come until a few days later. I had just come back from grocery shopping with my friend Jon, and we were walking down the corridor to get to my apartment. I turned the corner and saw something that took me a few moments to register…. it was my best friend in the world, Alex!!

Harissa-Spiced Pumpkin Gnocchi w/ Parsley and Mint PestoHarissa-Spiced Pumpkin Gnocchi w/ Parsley and Mint Pesto | Well and Full Harissa-Spiced Pumpkin Gnocchi w/ Parsley and Mint PestoHarissa-Spiced Pumpkin Gnocchi w/ Parsley and Mint Pesto | Well and Full Harissa-Spiced Pumpkin Gnocchi w/ Parsley and Mint PestoHarissa-Spiced Pumpkin Gnocchi w/ Parsley and Mint Pesto | Well and Full

I wish could have gotten a picture of my face at that moment because it was so funny. I’m pretty sure my jaw hit the floor. Alex lives in Rochester, NY – which is over five hours away from me. We used to live 10 minutes away from each other in high school, and having her so far away now has been hard for me. But there she was, standing outside my door, with a gift bag and a huge smile.

It took me a good five minutes to process that she was actually here. Then, once it hit me, I just burst into tears – so grateful that she was here, so overwhelmed to be reminded that our friendship was still true, so happy that I would be able to spend the day with her.

Alex and I were trying to figure out what we wanted to do together that day, and I was telling her about my blog and the Virtual Pumpkin Party I was part of. I told her that I wanted to do something a bit different, savory, and was thinking about making pumpkin gnocchi. She immediately loved the idea and said she would help – which turned out to be quite fortuitous, as Alex is half Italian and has grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins over in Italy. She said she would teach me how to make gnocchi like her nonna – who, of course, is the HOLY GRAIL of cooking knowledge.

So that’s what we did! We made gnocchi, talked, laughed, cooked, and gobbled it all up. :)

Harissa-Spiced Pumpkin Gnocchi w/ Parsley and Mint PestoHarissa-Spiced Pumpkin Gnocchi w/ Parsley and Mint Pesto | Well and Full

Now about the Virtual Pumpkin Party – when Sara of Cake Over Steak asked me if I was interested in taking part of this online celebration, I felt like one of the cool kids had just told me I could sit at their table in the cafeteria. Seriously!! I feel like I’m still a fairly new blogger, and I’ve never been invited to a virtual party or roundup before. And Sara is one of the coolest bloggers out there – she actually makes these kickass illustrations to go along with her recipes, which really sets her apart.

My offering to the party is this pumpkin gnocchi with a reallllllly good parsley and mint pesto (seriously I could eat that pesto by the spoonful). I was going to put “Italian Best Friend” on the list of ingredients, but if you don’t have one of those lying around, just try to send all the positive vibes + love into those little pumpkin dumplings…. trust me, it makes it taste way better. ;)

Harissa-Spiced Pumpkin Gnocchi w/ Parsley and Mint PestoHarissa-Spiced Pumpkin Gnocchi w/ Parsley and Mint Pesto | Well and Full

Harissa-Spiced Pumpkin Gnocchi w/ Parsley and Mint Pesto

An autumn twist on an Italian classic, this pumpkin gnocchi is made with love, and paired with a perfectly delicious parsley and mint pesto. RECIPE EDIT made August 2018. My apologies, I mixed up two of the measurements.
5 from 6 votes
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients
  

Gnocchi

  • 1 1/2 Cups Pumpkin Purée or 1 can
  • 2 Cups Flour
  • 2 Tbs Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 3 Tsp Harissa Powder
  • 1 1/2 Tsp Salt

Parlsey + Mint Pesto

  • 1 Cup Parsley packed
  • 1/3 Cup Spearmint packed
  • 5-6 Cloves Garlic
  • Juice from 1 Lemon and a little zest
  • Juice from 1 Orange and a little zest
  • 1/4 Tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 3/4 Tsp Sea Salt
  • 3/4 Tsp Black Pepper

Instructions
 

Gnocchi

  • To make the gnocchi, first mix together the flour, harissa powder, and salt until evenly combined. Then, add in pumpkin purée and olive oil. Mix together with a spoon until clumps form, then start kneading with your hands.
  • Knead the gnocchi dough until evenly mixed. Be careful not to overknead - it will make gnocchi tough. When done, dough should be malleable but not falling apart. If it's too dry, add a little bit more olive oil. If it's too loose, add a little bit more flour.
  • To make gnocchi shapes, roll out the pasta into little "snakes", about 1/2 inch wide. Cut the gnocchi at 3/4 inch intervals. Keep repeating this process until you are out of dough.
  • This next step is optional but recommended - using a fork upside down, roll gnocchi down, applying slight pressure, so that little indentations are made. (See photos for reference). This is a very time-consuming and laborious process, but I think it really makes a difference!
  • Once gnocchi are all done being formed, bring a big pot of water to boil. Cook the gnocchi in batches for 4-5 minutes each, or until they float to the top of the water. I cooked mine in about four batches, but this will depend on the size of your pot.
  • This next step is again optional, but highly recommended - bring a little olive oil in a pan to medium heat. Fit as many gnocchi in the pan as you can without them overlapping, and sauté in olive oil until the edges are slightly browned. This adds a nice little crunch and greatly helps with the texture!

Parsley + Mint Pesto

  • To make the pesto, combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until leaves are finely chopped.

Putting It All Together

  • To serve, take as much gnocchi as desired and drizzle or toss with pesto. Enjoy!

Harissa-Spiced Pumpkin Gnocchi w/ Parsley and Mint PestoHarissa-Spiced Pumpkin Gnocchi w/ Parsley and Mint Pesto | Well and Full

P.S.

If you make this recipe, be sure to tag me on Instagram @wellandfull so I can see your creations!

60 Comments

  • Reply
    pumpkin pie martini with coconut cream + homemade pumpkin spice syrup | holly & flora
    October 21, 2015 at 6:44 am

    […] Well and Full • Harissa-Spiced Pumpkin Gnocchi […]

  • Reply
    Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
    October 21, 2015 at 11:11 am

    That’s fantastic! (I always have something bad happen on my birthday too though, I never look forward to it anymore), at least it turned out great!!
    And I just made my first gnocchi last week…obsessed! I’ve missed that dish for so many years!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 21, 2015 at 12:30 pm

      Bad luck birthday twins ;) haha. I hope your next birthday is wonderful though, dear. <3

  • Reply
    Ana @ The Awesome Green
    October 21, 2015 at 11:12 am

    5 stars
    This looks great, Sarah! Love the idea of pumpkin gnocchi, and the pesto looks so creamy and delicious! I was thinking to recreate this using chestnut flour for a gluten-free version of gnocchi, I’m really curious how they turn out. Lovely photos :)

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 21, 2015 at 12:30 pm

      Oooh chestnut flour sounds so cool!! I will be on the lookout for that recipe ;)

  • Reply
    Ruchama
    October 21, 2015 at 11:17 am

    I love gnocchi but can’t find them vegan and kosher so this recipe is very welcome. Is it possible to make these a day before and cook them up the following day? Or boil them and then do the reheating in the pan the following day? How long does it take to get them ready to boil? My time is limited on Fridays but I’d so love to serve them for a Friday night dinner. Can they be kept warm for a couple of hours?

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 21, 2015 at 12:33 pm

      Yes to all of your questions!! I actually have a bunch of these leftover in my freezer right now ;) This is how you do it… when you make these gnocchi, I would recommend boiling all of them, at least quickly, so they’re cooked. If you freeze them in raw dough form, they’ll stick together! So boil them, let dry a little bit, then pop them right in the freezer! When you’re ready to thaw, stick them back in some boiling water for 5-10 minutes, or until they’re thawed. They can also keep in the fridge for a week! :D Hope this helps!

      • Reply
        Ruchama
        October 21, 2015 at 1:52 pm

        Yes a big help; I may use squash puree instead, but I’ll definitely be making these. thanks!!!

        • Reply
          Sarah
          October 21, 2015 at 2:31 pm

          Awesome!! Thanks for stopping by, Ruchama!! :D

  • Reply
    Grace
    October 21, 2015 at 11:17 am

    Yay for best friends and pumpkin gnocchi – these look fabulous with the harissa and mint pesto! Yum! Happy pumpkin party day!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 21, 2015 at 12:34 pm

      Thanks Grace!! Happy Pumpkin Party to you too ;)

  • Reply
    Erica
    October 21, 2015 at 11:28 am

    Looks PERFECT! I love your pasta posts <3 That gnocchi sounds perfect, especially with the pesto! I'm getting super hungry.

    • Reply
      Erica
      October 21, 2015 at 11:38 am

      P.S. You may be fairly new, but you take photos and blog like someone with years of experience!! Total admiration :)

      • Reply
        Sarah
        October 21, 2015 at 12:34 pm

        Oh my gosh I have the HUGEST smile on my face right now!! That is such a nice compliment :D :D Thanks so much Erica :)

  • Reply
    Sara @ Cake Over Steak
    October 21, 2015 at 12:59 pm

    Awwww this post makes me so happy! I seriously almost cried during the story about your friend showing up. It’s so cool that she used her Italian wisdom to help you with this dish. It turned out wonderfully, and I’m so glad you could be a part of the party!!! xoxo

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 21, 2015 at 2:36 pm

      Aww thanks Sara!! You’re so sweet! I’m so thrilled to have been a part of the #VirtualPumpkinParty! <3

  • Reply
    Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
    October 21, 2015 at 1:08 pm

    Oh man, loving that mint pesto!! This looks GREAT!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 21, 2015 at 2:31 pm

      Thanks Katrina!! :D

  • Reply
    Amber | Loves Food, Loves to Eat
    October 21, 2015 at 2:19 pm

    Wow I love the flavor combo here… I’m so used to seeing the classic sage/nutmeg/cream flavors with pumpkin & gnocchi. This is so fun!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 21, 2015 at 2:37 pm

      Thanks Amber!! I love anything spicy so Harissa was an obvious choice for me ;)

  • Reply
    danielle is rooting the sun
    October 21, 2015 at 2:41 pm

    5 stars
    oh sarah this is so excellent! what an amazing pumpkin contribution – so creative and delicious and I am completely inspired. i really cherish the included story – all of those positive vibrations really do feed into food like that, and therein deliver themselves in taste. beautiful photography and flavors. ♥

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 21, 2015 at 11:10 pm

      Thank you so much Danielle! I’m a firm believer than when food is cooked with love, it tastes way better ;)

  • Reply
    Sarah @ Bourgeois Essence
    October 21, 2015 at 4:29 pm

    5 stars
    pumpkin harissa and gnocchi! I think that says it all – great ingredients, great flavors, great recipe! I wish I could eat this right now :)

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 21, 2015 at 11:10 pm

      Thanks Sarah!! :D

  • Reply
    Amber | Quite Good Food
    October 21, 2015 at 5:40 pm

    What a stunning dish, in both colour and flavours. I’ll definitely be making this!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 21, 2015 at 11:11 pm

      Thank you Amber!! Let me know how it goes :D

  • Reply
    Sarah
    October 21, 2015 at 6:42 pm

    5 stars
    These are gorgeous Sarah! I made gnocchi a few days ago but didn’t quite get the shape right. Should have waited a few days to learn from you! :)

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 21, 2015 at 11:12 pm

      Aww thanks Sarah!! But I personally think gnocchi are delicious in any shape ;)

  • Reply
    Kathryn @ The Scratch Artist
    October 21, 2015 at 8:06 pm

    These gnocchi look amazing, Sarah! Your story about your friend was so sweet. These types of stories about coming together over cooking a meal are what makes me love food, cooking, and now this food blogging community. It’s so funny what you said about receiving the invitation to the pumpkin party. I felt the same way! Haha!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 21, 2015 at 11:13 pm

      Hahaha!! But we’re newbie blog twins, right? ;) As we just discovered today!!

  • Reply
    Liz @ Floating Kitchen
    October 21, 2015 at 9:22 pm

    Your surprise visitor and day of gnocchi making sounds amazing! What a great way to spend your birthday! I’m a big harissa fan, so I now I’m going to love this recipe!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 21, 2015 at 11:14 pm

      Thanks Liz!! It was a great birthday surprise :D

  • Reply
    Leslie @ flora foodie
    October 22, 2015 at 11:48 am

    These look CRAZY good! I have got to make them. And hooray for such an exciting birthday surprise, that is so stinking sweet of your friend!!! :)

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 22, 2015 at 2:46 pm

      I know, she’s the best!! :D

  • Reply
    Sophie | The Green Life
    October 22, 2015 at 12:31 pm

    Aw…so sweet that your boyfriend organized the whole thing and that you got to spend the whole day with your best friend! It looks like you’ve put lots of love into your recipe because these gnocchi sound pretty amazing!! I love the pesto and harissa addition. YUM. Such a great idea!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 22, 2015 at 2:48 pm

      Thanks Sophie!! It was one of my best birthdays yet! :D

  • Reply
    Brandon @ Kitchen Konfidence
    October 22, 2015 at 2:35 pm

    Lovely dumplings!! I’m sure I could eat a whole bowl of them :)

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 22, 2015 at 2:48 pm

      Thanks Brandon!! :D

  • Reply
    Audrey @ Unconventional Baker
    October 22, 2015 at 10:24 pm

    Harissa is one of my favorite spice mixes in the world. I love the sound of this pesto so much <3

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 23, 2015 at 7:44 am

      Thanks Audrey!! :D

  • Reply
    Katalina @ Peas & Peonies
    October 22, 2015 at 11:08 pm

    5 stars
    These are so good looking, I love the pumpkin flavor, and great pics by the way :)

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 23, 2015 at 7:44 am

      Thank you Katalina!! :)

  • Reply
    Jayme | holly & flora
    October 23, 2015 at 2:51 am

    5 stars
    I’m finally getting to actually and truly read through all of the great posts we all shared on Wednesday. Sarah, your words brought tears to my eyes, as did the thoughtfulness of your boyfriend and friends. Those moments are so few and so precious; they’re meant to be cherished and shared. And that’s what the blogging community is all about. SHARING. I’m loving and envious of the fact that you got some serious hands-on training from a pro on the gnocchi topic! I want a hands-on tutorial! :-) These look amazing, and I think the mint pesto plays well with the savory, rich flavors. I just made some parsley and basil pesto with the remaining herbs from my garden, and I’m dreaming of a gnocchi situation like this one. XO!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 23, 2015 at 7:45 am

      Aww thank you Jayme!! I had a blast making something delicious with my best friend and I’m so glad I got to share that experience with all of you :)

  • Reply
    Sus // roughmeasures.com
    October 23, 2015 at 3:53 pm

    What an awesome surprise! I hope you had a day that you will cherish forever with her :) And who better to help you make this lovely gnocchi creation, it was clearly meant to be! The virtual pumpkin party round up is full of so many mouth watering recipes!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 23, 2015 at 7:12 pm

      Thanks Sus!! It was such a great day and I’m so grateful for it! :D

  • Reply
    Alana
    October 23, 2015 at 7:36 pm

    That is the sweetest story! I was already thinking how awesome these gnocchi sounded but now!? Even better. And what a sweet BF!!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 25, 2015 at 12:25 am

      Thank you so much Alana!! I’m such a huge fan of Fix Feast Flair and I’m so thrilled you stopped by!! :D :D

  • Reply
    Cindy
    October 24, 2015 at 1:30 am

    Surprise friend visits are the best. Seriously, so wonderful. This gnocchi looks amazing!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 25, 2015 at 12:25 am

      Thanks so much Cindy!! :D

  • Reply
    Pumpkin Link Love // 9 Vegan Pumpkin Eats! | Live Eat Learn
    October 24, 2015 at 8:09 am

    […] Here’s a different take on pumpkin gnocchi than what we did here at Live Eat Learn, this one being pure pumpkin, vegan, and with a zing! […]

  • Reply
    genevieve @ gratitude & greens
    October 25, 2015 at 3:52 pm

    Aww surprises are the best and it was so sweet of her to show up! I have a knack of ruining surprises for myself (lol) but this is just super sweet and makes my heart melt. I have a soft spot for gnocchi- it’s so fun to roll out but I never make my own because I have a go to place in Toronto where they make the fluffiest gnocchi in the world. I’ve been taking advantage of all the pumpkin while I can and this sounds scrumptious!

  • Reply
    dixya | food, pleasure, and health
    October 26, 2015 at 1:04 pm

    this is awesome in every level!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 26, 2015 at 1:54 pm

      Thanks Dixya!!

  • Reply
    Sherrie
    October 26, 2015 at 9:39 pm

    This sounds goooooood girl!!

    • Reply
      Sarah
      October 26, 2015 at 9:46 pm

      Thank you so much Sherrie!! I’m a huge huge fan of With Food and Love and I’m so excited you stopped by!! :D :D

  • Reply
    Spiced Pumpkin Scones with Maple Butter – InHappenstance
    October 24, 2016 at 1:01 am

    […] years list of recipes and they were INSANE. We are talking about pumpkin cookies, pumpkin waffles!, pumpkin gnocchi and pumpkin pie martinis just to name a few. It is basically a day when a whole lot of amazing […]

  • Reply
    Spicy Chipotle Pumpkin Hummus | Well and Full
    October 24, 2016 at 9:57 am

    […] This is my second year participating, but I’m still dreaming of the insanely delicious pumpkin gnocchi I made last year. However, this year I decided to go for the savory route again, and made an easy, […]

  • Leave a Reply

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.