If you’re craving something comforting yet surprisingly light, the White Bean Gnocchi Recipe will absolutely steal your heart and your appetite. This dish transforms simple canned white beans into pillowy little dumplings that are tender and subtly flavorful, offering a perfect blend of protein-packed goodness and satisfying texture. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a curious beginner, this recipe invites you to enjoy the magic of transforming humble pantry staples into a fresh, homemade delight that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things simple is the charm of this recipe. Each ingredient plays a vital role in balancing texture, flavor, and ease, making this White Bean Gnocchi Recipe accessible and delicious.
- Canned White Beans: The star ingredient providing creaminess and protein, ideally cannellini or Great Northern beans for mild flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: The binding agent that gives the gnocchi their light, fluffy structure—adjust as needed for dough consistency.
- Egg: Adds tenderness and helps hold the dough together so the gnocchi shape perfectly.
- Olive Oil: A small splash enriches the dough and keeps it silky and easy to work with.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out the best flavors quietly and effectively.
- Fresh Herbs (Optional): Chopped rosemary or thyme can add a fragrant boost if you want to elevate the taste outdoors of basics.
How to Make White Bean Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
Begin by draining and rinsing your canned white beans to remove any excess sodium and can flavors. Then, either mash them by hand or pulse in a food processor until you achieve a smooth, creamy paste. This process creates the gnocchi’s silky base, giving them their signature softness.
Step 2: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine your mashed beans with the flour, egg, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Begin mixing gently until the mixture forms a soft dough. If the dough feels sticky, add a touch more flour little by little—just enough to handle it easily. The key here is to avoid overworking the dough, which keeps the gnocchi tender instead of tough.
Step 3: Roll and Shape the Gnocchi
Lightly flour your workspace, then roll the dough into long logs around an inch thick. Cut these logs into about 1-inch pieces to form individual gnocchi. For the classic look and little ridges that hold sauce beautifully, gently roll each piece over the back of a fork. This step is optional but adds a delightful textural detail that makes serving feel extra special.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop your gnocchi in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pot so they cook evenly. When they float to the surface, let them cook for an additional 1-2 minutes for perfect tenderness, then remove gently with a slotted spoon.
Step 5: Sauté the Gnocchi
Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the cooked gnocchi and sauté until they develop a beautiful golden crust on the edges, about 3-4 minutes. This step adds an irresistible contrast in texture, turning them from delicate pillows into crispy-edged delights.
How to Serve White Bean Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan make fantastic finishing touches. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a scatter of toasted pine nuts can turn your gnocchi into a dish that tastes like a cozy celebration.
Side Dishes
White Bean Gnocchi pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables. You might also enjoy it alongside sautéed mushrooms or a light tomato sauce to balance the creaminess with bright, fresh flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant touch, serve your gnocchi in shallow bowls with a swirl of sage butter or a dollop of ricotta cheese. Layering it atop a bed of ratatouille or tossed with a bit of pesto also makes for a colorful, inviting plate that’ll impress any guest or brighten your weeknight dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep them separated in a single layer to prevent sticking and soften them slightly before reheating if needed.
Freezing
White Bean Gnocchi can be frozen before cooking! Freeze them spread out on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag or container. Frozen gnocchi keep well for up to 2 months and can be cooked straight from the freezer.
Reheating
Reheat leftover gnocchi by gently sautéing in a little olive oil over medium heat until warmed through and crisped on the outside again. Avoid using the microwave if possible—this method keeps them tasting fresh and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use different types of beans for the White Bean Gnocchi Recipe?
Absolutely! While cannellini or Great Northern beans are ideal for their mild flavor and creamy texture, any mild, white bean can work well. Just ensure they’re well mashed for the best dough consistency.
Do I need a food processor for this recipe?
Not at all. You can mash the beans by hand with a fork or potato masher if you don’t have a food processor. It might take a little extra elbow grease, but the texture will still be smooth and creamy.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not in its basic form, as it uses all-purpose flour. However, you could experiment with gluten-free flours like rice or chickpea flour, but keep in mind this might change the texture of your gnocchi.
Can I make this White Bean Gnocchi Recipe vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the egg with flax or chia seed “eggs” (1 tablespoon seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to make the dough vegan-friendly. The olive oil already adds extra richness, so the texture will remain lovely.
What sauces go best with White Bean Gnocchi?
This gnocchi shines with light sauces like sage butter, olive oil with garlic and herbs, or a simple tomato basil sauce. Creamy mushroom sauces also complement its mild flavor beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly rewarding about making gnocchi from scratch, especially when it’s a White Bean Gnocchi Recipe that’s as nourishing as it is comforting. It turns everyday ingredients into something special without fuss, offering a beautiful balance of taste and texture that’s sure to win over family and friends alike. Don’t hesitate to dive into this recipe—it’s a delicious way to bring warmth and homemade goodness to your table any night of the week!
Print
White Bean Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This White Bean Gnocchi recipe is a delicious twist on traditional gnocchi, using creamy canned white beans as the base for a tender, protein-packed dumpling. The combination of beans, flour, egg, and olive oil creates a smooth, pillowy dough that’s easy to shape and cook. After boiling, the gnocchi are sautéed to achieve a golden, crispy exterior, making each bite a delightful mix of soft and crunchy textures. Perfect served with your favorite sauce or simply drizzled with olive oil and fresh herbs, this dish is a comforting and nutritious meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
White Bean Gnocchi
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans (Cannellini or Great Northern), drained and rinsed
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Beans: Drain and rinse the canned white beans thoroughly. Place them in a food processor and pulse until you achieve a smooth, creamy paste. Alternatively, mash them by hand until no lumps remain.
- Make the Dough: Transfer the mashed beans into a large mixing bowl. Add the flour, egg, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until a dough starts to form. If the dough is sticky, gradually sprinkle in a little more flour, being careful not to overwork the dough to maintain a tender texture.
- Roll and Shape the Gnocchi: Lightly flour your clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Roll the dough into a long log about 1 inch thick. Using a knife or bench scraper, cut the log into 1-inch pieces. For classic gnocchi appearance, gently roll each piece over the back of a fork to create indentations, but this step is optional.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the gnocchi gently in batches, preventing overcrowding. When the gnocchi rise to the surface, continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes to ensure they are cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate.
- Sauté the Gnocchi: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the cooked gnocchi and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they develop a golden and slightly crispy exterior.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate the gnocchi hot, drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with fresh herbs if desired, or topped with your favorite sauce. Enjoy the soft, flavorful texture and crispy finish of this unique white bean gnocchi.
Notes
- Adjust flour quantity based on the moisture content of your beans to get the perfect dough consistency.
- Don’t overwork the dough to avoid tough gnocchi.
- You can use any mild white beans if Cannellini or Great Northern beans are not available.
- Adding fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme enhances the flavor but is optional.
- Be gentle when cooking to avoid breaking the delicate gnocchi.
- Serve with tomato sauce, pesto, brown butter, or simply olive oil for varied flavors.
