Gluten Free Cauliflower Gnocchi

What is gnocchi?

Step into the realm of gastronomic innovation, where tradition meets dietary inclusivity. Our Gluten-Free Cauliflower Gnocchi is a tribute to the classic Italian dish, transforming it into a health-conscious masterpiece. Gnocchi, originating from the kitchens of Italy, typically marries wheat flour and potato in a culinary dance that has stood the test of time. Gnocchi, deriving its name from the Italian word “nocca,” meaning knuckle, has been a beloved dish since the Roman era. Traditionally crafted with a mix of wheat flour and potato, these dumplings have graced tables across Italy, each region adding its own touch to the timeless recipe. It’s a dish that transcends generations, a culinary legacy passed down with pride. This gluten free cauliflower gnocchi not only swaps potato for a cauliflower but swaps traditional wheat flour for a gluten free flour. Finally, a nutritious gnocchi that gluten free folks can appreciate too!

Is gluten free cauliflower gnocchi healthy?

Our Gluten-Free Cauliflower Gnocchi offers a healthier twist on the traditional dish, thanks to its nutritious ingredients. By swapping potato flakes for cauliflower, we’ve not only reduced calories but also enhanced the dish’s nutritional profile. Cauliflower is rich in vitamins C, K, and B6, along with folate and fibre, supporting immunity, bone health, and digestion. Additionally, our use of gluten-free flour ensures that the gnocchi is suitable for those with gluten sensitivities and coeliac disease, making it a versatile and inclusive option. Indulge in this gluten free delight, knowing you’re nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients.

Do you have a diet restriction?

• Vegan
• Vegetarian
• Gluten Free
• Dairy Free
• Nut Free
• Low Fat
• Ultra Processed Food Free

Ultra processed food free recipes are recipes that use ingredients where no additives have been used. This will include ingredients that can be made at home to be UPF free such as stock cubes, sauces and seasonings.

Step 1: Cook cauliflower

To start making the gluten free cauliflower gnocchi, boil, steam or microwave 500g of cauliflower florets. I used frozen cauliflower for convenience but you can also use fresh if you would prefer. I usually try to avoid cooking with frozen vegetables as they can often go soggy and not maintain their shape but the cauliflower in this recipe will be blended up anyway so it really doesn’t matter. If boiling, boil for 5-10 minutes until soft and then drain.

Step 2: Strain cauliflower

Now, we need to get any excess moisture out of the cauliflower. Using a cheesecloth, strain all of the water out of the cooked cauliflower. If you do not have cheesecloth on hand, kitchen paper works as an alternative, but be prepared to use a full roll to absorb the excess moisture. This step is really important because we need to create a dough that’s malleable and you’d be really surprised how much water cooked cauliflower holds, if we don’t do this step then our gluten free cauliflower gnocchi dough will be far too thin to work with.

Step 3: Mix gnocchi dough

Once all of the water has been squeezed out of the now unrecognisable cauliflower you can add it to a blender or a food processor along with 1 cup of gluten free flour and a pinch of salt and pepper. There are many different brands of gluten free flour, all varying in ingredients and useability. I’ve tried several gluten free flours over the last couple of years and I’ve found those containing buckwheat such as Doves Farm and Freee seem to work the best for most dishes. One of the things I love about gluten free flours containing buckwheat is that they seem to firm up and thicken doughs really well so its a great choice for this recipe.

Step 4: Shape the gluten free cauliflower gnocchi

Once your gluten free cauliflower gnocchi dough looks like a thick, smooth paste its ready to be transformed into gnocchi. The dough will look like it needs a lot more flour but don’t add anything to the mix. Instead, cover a clean surface in flour as well as your hands and place a large dollop of the dough onto the well floured surface. Gently roll the dough into a long sausage before cutting into smaller gnocchi sized pieces. The gluten free flour will dry out the outside of the dough enough for it to maintain its shape whilst keeping the inside soft and moist. Repeat for the rest of the dough.

Step 5: Cook the cauliflower gnocchi

Heat a frying pan with a generous drizzle of oil. When hot, add the gnocchi to the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes turning regularly. Cook to your desired level of crispness. As you can see, I like them really crispy. Once cooked your gnocchi can be added to your favourite gnocchi dish towards the end of cooking. Do not boil this gnocchi before or after cooking. The gnocchi can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days if not using immediately.

Gluten Free Cauliflower Gnocchi Variations:

1. Herb Infusion: Enhance the flavor of your gluten-free cauliflower gnocchi by adding freshly chopped herbs such as basil, parsley, or thyme. These herbs not only add a burst of freshness but also complement the delicate flavor of the gnocchi.
2. Cheesy Delight: Indulge in the rich taste of cheese by sprinkling grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano over your cooked gluten-free cauliflower gnocchi. The cheesy goodness adds a savory touch to the dish, elevating its taste.
3. Spicy Kick: Add a hint of spice to your gluten-free cauliflower gnocchi by incorporating red pepper flakes or chili powder. The spicy flavor adds excitement to the dish, awakening your taste buds with each bite.

Gluten Free Cauliflower Gnocchi

HealthyHeartyWholesome

Savour the deliciousness of gluten-free cauliflower gnocchi, a healthier rendition of the traditional dish. Tender cauliflower blended with gluten-free flour forms pillowy gnocchi, crispy on the outside and fluffy within. Versatile and satisfying, serve with your preferred sauce or toppings for a delightful meal that caters to dietary needs without compromising on taste.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 minutes mins

Total Time 28 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine British, Italian

Servings 4

Calories 125 kcal

Equipment

• 1 food processor

Ingredients

  

• 500 g cauliflower florets fresh or frozen
• 1 cup gluten-free flour
• Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

 

• Cook the cauliflower until fork-tender, either by boiling, steaming, or microwaving. If boiling, aim for around10 minutes.
• Drain the cauliflower and thoroughly strain, ensuring to remove as much excess moisture as possible. You can use cheesecloth or kitchen paper for this step.
• Transfer the drained cauliflower to a blender or food processor. Add the gluten-free flour, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend the mixture until it forms a thick, smooth paste, resembling dough.
• Dust a clean surface thoroughly and your hands with additional gluten-free flour. Take a portion of the dough and roll it into a long sausage shape. Cut the dough into smaller pieces to form gnocchi.
• Heat a frying pan with a generous drizzle of oil. Once hot, add the gnocchi to the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes, turning regularly, until crispy and golden brown on the outside.
• Serve the gluten-free cauliflower gnocchi with your favourite sauce or toppings, and enjoy!

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