3.24.2011

Roasted and Spiced Carrot Gnocchi

Roasted and Spiced Carrot Gnocchi
Is there a limit to how much one person can make and then blog about gnocchi? If there is, I'm sure I've hit that mark a long time ago. I'm sorry, one last post about it and then I'll put my obsession to rest. At least until next winter. Deal?

Toasting Cumin Seeds
This time I did something a little different.  Instead of using potatoes as the base of the gnocchi dough, I used pureed roasted carrots.  With the addition of flour, (remember when we talked about the role of flour in gnocchi? Same rules apply.) toasted and crushed cumin seeds, cinnamon and just a teensy bit of tomato paste to help preserve the beautifully bright fiery orange color, these aren't your average gnocchi.  To serve them, I blistered up the sides a bit in a hot skillet with a healthy drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and finished with a little squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Roasted Carrot Puree
For the final result, I topped the roasted carrot gnocchi with some bright, toasted pistachios.  I want to pause for just a moment and talk about how underrated and under appreciated pistachios are. They have such an earthy sweetness about them and their flavor is so neutral that they work well in all sorts of dishes; spicy, sweet, earthy and rustic, ethnic or domestic favorites and specialties.  And the color! Oh the color. That bright green that perks up even more after a good toasting, it's a great option for many recipes.  I particularly liked how the pistachios worked in this dish because not only did they provide a nice little crunching "pop", I loved the contrast of green against the bright orange of the carrots.

Fresh Roasted and Spiced Carrot Gnocchi


Roasted and Spiced Carrot Gnocchi


- 7-8 large carrots, washed and peeled
- Extra Virgin Olive oil for drizzling and for pan frying
- 1 egg
- 1 TBS cumin seeds, toasted and ground
- A pinch cinnamon
- 2 tsp tomato paste
- About 1 cup flour (this will vary, use this recipe as a guide), plus more for rolling
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, toasted
- A couple drops fresh lime juice
- Salt and Pepper to taste

Start by cutting the carrots into even sized sticks.  Drizzle them in olive oil and a little salt and pepper.  Roast in a 375 degree oven until they are cooked all the way through and starting to brown a little on each side.  While still warm, puree with a hand blender until carrots are an even texture.  Season with toasted and ground cumin seeds and cinnamon. Add tomato paste and adjust salt and pepper seasoning to taste.  Mixture should be a little heavier seasoned because other ingredients will still be added.  Add egg, mix thoroughly and gradually add the flour until the dough just comes together and doesn't stick to your hand when you press into it.  Gently roll out the dough into long snakes and cut them into bite sized pieces and lay them onto a floured surface.  Repeat with the rest of the dough.

In a large pot, boil salted water. Add gnocchi and carefully give it a stir. Once the gnocchi float, take them out of the pot and drizzle with some olive oil to avoid sticking.  Meanwhile, heat a skillet until very hot and add the olive oiled gnocchi to the pan. Quick fry it until the edges start to blister.  Toss with lime juice, top with pistachios and serve immediately.

20 comments:

Elizabeth said...

So many creative gnocchi recipes! The pistachios are really what got me. I love them and the color is beautiful.

Anonymous said...

I must say I have never had the urge to make gnocchi. I am one of the few who just don't get it. BUT, these may bring me to a different place! I love this idea and think I will give it a shot!

Have I commented on how great your pictures have been lately?

Fun and Fearless in Beantown said...

This is SO creative! Nice work!

Aimee said...

I am proud to share that this gnocchi was delicious - such a great flavor with the carrot, lime juice, and crunchy pistachios. I also usually haaaate caraway seeds, but whatever you did to them, they only enhanced this recipe! You talented lady, you...

Melissa said...

Please don't ever stop blogging about your gnocchi! All your gnocchi recipes are amazing! And, I love pistachios too!

Delicious Dishings said...

These look so interesting! And make as much gnocchi as you want!

Kristen said...

you are the gnocchi queen. these are so vibrant and gorgeous. nice job with the addition of pistachio!

Jen said...

Oh man these were so good.

Meesh said...

you had me at carrots (I have been obsessed lately, i have grillo's carrot pickles in the fridge that ive been chillin' on for a couple days now), then the lime and pistachio put me over the edge! this is SERIOUSLY AMAZING, bravo!

Anonymous said...

That color is INTENSE! And so creative! Love it!

Alicia said...

I love this - so creative. You can post about gnocchi all you want - i could never get tired of those fluffy little pasta pillows!

Beth said...

That looks awesome!

Boston Food Diary said...

These were totally delicious! I loved (LOVED) the texture exchanges between the gnocchi and the pistachios, and the gentle flavor of the gnocchi was spot on...

Elina (Healthy and Sane) said...

I've never made gnocchi but it's definitely on my to-do list this year. This sounds like such a unique take on them. You have my permission to keep blogging about all the gnocchi you want ;)

Criminal Lawyers Gold Coast said...

Wow ! what a tasty food recipe. I like Roasted and Spiced Carrot Gnocchi recipe. Its looks so spicy and tasty. Carrot has also so many health benefits.

Family Lawyers said...

It is really different recipe. You tried something new and different recipe. Roasted and Spiced Carrot Gnocchi sounds so tasty and amazing. I will try it at my home.

sports nutrition said...

I really like the spicy food. Your food recipe completed my requirement. I like this Roasted and Spiced Carrot Gnocchi.

meio ambiente said...

I like spicy and delicious food. I think Roasted and Spiced Carrot Gnocchi is both spicy and delicious food. Its also sounds tasty.

customised gifts said...

There are so many different food items. I like your Roasted and Spiced Carrot Gnocchi food recipe. Its looks so tasty and I can not control myself to eat it.

Table Protector said...

Thnaks for sharing Roasted and Spiced Carrot Gnocchi recipe with us. I think that what I make this Sunday for my family but now I have your Roasted and Spiced Carrot Gnocchi recipe.

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