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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!