Fun With Food: Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce

Let the kids have fun with food! Teach them how to make homemade gnocchi with tomato sauce.

During the school holidays, it can be difficult finding activities to occupy children that don’t involve screen time. Luckily, we have an activity that’s fun, educational, and will get dinner on the table in no time. 

This simple gnocchi recipe is like edible play dough. The kids will need to mash the potatoes, knead the dough, and then roll each piece into individual gnocchi shapes. Parents, you will just need to boil the potatoes and boil the completed gnocchi for your little ones. 

Serve your homemade gnocchi with a Rustic Tomato Sauce for picky eaters or a classic Bolognese Sauce. Parmesan might be a bit strong for the little ones, so you can finish the dish with some grated cheddar or mozzarella. 

Homemade Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce

Serves 2 adults or 4 children

Ingredients: 

• 1 egg
• 1 cup flour, plus ½ cup in reserve
• 1 - 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed (190g cooked)

Method: 

1. Boil the potatoes in salted water. Cook until soft enough to mash.
2. Remove the potatoes and drain well.
3. Return potato to the pot on a very low heat to allow the potatoes to dry up.
4. Remove from the heat and mash the potatoes. Weigh out 190g of mashed potato.
5. Sift the flour into a bowl and add the mashed potato and 1 whole egg.
6. Bring the mixture together using a wooden spoon or fork. Then use your hands to knead the dough until soft and smooth.
7. If the dough is too sticky, add a little reserved flour at a time. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes.
8. After resting, roll the dough into a long sausage shape and cut the dough into 1cm pieces.
9. Gently push each piece along a fork to create a gnocchi shape.
10. Boil in salted water for 6 - 8 minutes until cooked through.
11. In the meantime, heat the Rustic Tomato Sauce.
12. Once cooked, drain the gnocchi and mix into tomato sauce. Serve with grated cheese.