We are bringing you a matcha green tea gnocchi recipe that is sure to become a home favorite!
There are a few different versions of gnocchi (some with or without eggs), but we felt like traditional potato gnocchi (using eggs) would be best to match with the flavor of a high-quality matcha green tea powder.
You can make homemade gnocchi, and we promise it's not that hard. We believe in you! Not only can you make homemade gnocchi, but you can also make homemade matcha green gnocchi that is delicious, pillowy, and full-flavored.
What is gnocchi?
Gnocchi (pronounced NYOW-kee) is an Italian pasta, the most common of which is made from potatoes, flour, and egg.
Ingredients you will need for your matcha gnocchi:
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp black pepper
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1 large egg
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2 cups of flour
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2 lbs. russet potatoes
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1 ½ tablespoon culinary grade matcha
9 Steps for making easy and delicious matcha green tea gnocchi
- Peel and cut your potatoes in half. Place your potatoes cut into a pot of cold water with salt. Boil your potatoes until they are easily pierced by a fork but not overdone to where they fall apart.
- Drain your potatoes and mash with a fork until small coarse crumbs form. (We're not making mashed potatoes, so don't over-mash them, but ensure no big pieces are left.)
- When potatoes are cool enough to touch, form them into a mound on your work surface. (Think of using a big cutting board or block)
- Add flour, matcha powder, salt, and pepper to your potatoes. Make a well in the center and crack your egg.
- Using a pastry scraper or metal spatula, work your flour/potato mixture until incorporated enough to knead.
- Knead the dough until smooth. As flour is needed, your dough should be dry to the touch and not sticky but hold together.
- Split the dough into several smaller, workable pieces and roll each into about ½ inch thick, long rope-like logs or "snakes."
- Cut each into about ¾-inch pieces to form your pillows.
- If you'd like, you can roll each piece of gnocchi down the back of a fork to form a design or leave them as is.
Directions to cook your matcha gnocchi:
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Bring a pot of water to a boil, then turn down the heat. Drop gnocchi into the water piece by piece so they don't stick.
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Cook for a few minutes- once they float to the surface, they're done. Don't overcook! Remove with a slotted spoon.
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Mix gnocchi with a sauce of your choice. Enjoy!
- If you wish to save your gnocchi for later, place your matcha gnocchi in an airtight container, and toss it with a small amount of olive oil to keep the gnocchi from sticking together. Your gnocchi will stay fresh for 2-3 days in the fridge with or without sauce.
How long will my homemade matcha gnocchi stay fresh? What if I want to freeze my matcha gnocchi?
Your gnocchi will stay fresh for about two to three days. If your gnocchi is already in a sauce and you are storing leftovers after eating, simply put it in an airtight container to store. It will last up to three days if stored properly.
If you freeze your gnocchi, be sure to freeze your matcha gnocchi uncooked as soon as they are shaped into tiny pillows. Arrange your matcha gnocchi in a single layer on a baking pan and place the pan in a level position in the freezer. Freeze until solid, about 3 hours.
Then gather your frozen gnocchi into resealable freezer bags appropriate to serving size. You can store frozen gnocchi for up to 2 months time.
When you do finally decide to cook and prepare your gnocchi, just remember not to allow your matcha gnocchi to thaw - throw them directly into boiling water to avoid the gnocchi from sticking together.
More tips to keep in mind when making your matcha gnocchi:
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Make sure to use a starchy potato so that your dough sticks together.
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Avoid overworking your dough. You don't need to knead for long.
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The flour you use will depend on how wet your potatoes are after cooking. The dough should be dry to the touch (not sticky) but still, hold together.
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Let the steam evaporate from your potatoes after cooking them so you don't wind up with soggy gnocchi.
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Gnocchi doesn't need to cook for long. A few minutes at most! Be careful not to overcook. Once they rise to the surface and float, you know they're done. Place gnocchi individually in your boiling water to avoid sticking.
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Cut your dough into smaller, workable pieces and use the palm of your hand, instead of your fingers, to roll each piece into "snakes."
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If you have a pastry scraper, you can use that to bring the dough together and cut your pillows. A metal spatula or butter knife will work fine if you don't have a dough knife.
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If you'd like to add a "design" to your gnocchi, you can roll the little pillows down the back of a fork.
What sauces work best with matcha gnocchi?
We think the sky is the limit here! Some sauces that work particularly well are:
- Sage and brown butter
- Creamy sauce
- Olive oil and cheese
- Miso butter
- Orange and brown butter
- Tomato sauce
- Butternut squash sauce
Feel free to add any veggies you like as well! Some ideas might be snow peas, zucchini, asparagus, broccoli, or sautéed onion.
The bottom line: Make some matcha gnocchi for your next dinner party!
Prepare to wow your friends and family with this homemade matcha gnocchi recipe. And before you feel too stressed out by the mere thought of homemade pasta, know that the answer is YES!
Check out more of our savory and sweet recipes using matcha
This post and recipe is By Diana Weil, Matcha.com's Integrative Nutritionist and Food Relationship Specialist.
If you want a standout dish for your next dinner, make this dish! The matcha gives the gnocchi a subtle umami flavor and turns what is already one of your favorite kinds of pasta into a truly outstanding and health-packed meal. You can whip up some fresh gnocchi fairly quickly, and you'll be blown away by how good it tastes.