Simple, Homemade 3-ingredient Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Suitable from six months old
 

Table of Contents

    Dishful of sweet potato gnocchi ready to be cooked

    Introducing Traditional Gnocchi to My Baby

    As a parent, introducing new flavours and textures to my little one is a joyous journey.


    As my baby eagerly explores and interacts with the soft gnocchi, I observe with delight, knowing that this experience is not only about nourishment but also about fostering a love for diverse flavours.

    With its gentle, melt-in-the-mouth texture and subtle hint of black pepper, it really is a taste sensation.


    I cherish the opportunity to witness my baby's first encounter with this Italian delicacy, knowing that it's not just a meal;

    it's a celebration of heritage and a beginning of a lifelong journey through the rich tapestry of flavours the world has to offer.

    Sweet Potato Gnocchi or Regular Potato Gnocchi?

    Introduce your little one to a taste of Italy with our homemade sweet potato gnocchi, specially crafted with your baby in mind.

    Delicately soft and tender, these pillowy bites are perfect for baby-led weaning, allowing your little one to explore new textures and flavours at their own pace.

    Packed with the natural sweetness and goodness of sweet potatoes, our gnocchi are a delightful way to introduce vitamin-packed vegetables to your baby's diet.

    Easy to pick up and gentle on tiny gums, our sweet potato gnocchi are the perfect choice for a memorable, nutritious mealtime experience.

    Alternatively, if you're looking for a more traditional option, white potato gnocchi is a classic choice for your baby's budding palate.

    Made with care and expertise, these tiny dumplings are ideal for little fingers to grasp and explore.

    The mild, comforting flavour of white potato gnocchi offers a gentle introduction to the world of Italian cuisine, making mealtime an exciting adventure for your baby.

    Whether you choose sweet potato or regular potatoes, our baby-friendly gnocchi are the ultimate way to foster a love of wholesome, homemade food in your little one. Bon appétit!

    Simple 3 Ingredient Vegan Dinner

    Looking for a simple and satisfying vegan dinner option? Look no further than sweet potato gnocchi!

    This delightful dish brings together the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the pillowy texture of gnocchi, creating a comforting and flavourful meal.

    Who doesn’t love easy dinners?

    With just a few basic ingredients like sweet potatoes, flour, and black pepper, you can easily craft these delectable dumplings from scratch.

    Not only is sweet potato gnocchi easy to make (and you do not need special equipment) it’s also a great way to incorporate more plant-based meals into your repertoire.

    Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, sweet potato gnocchi is a versatile and hassle-free recipe that promises to impress your taste buds and satisfy your hunger, using simple ingredients. Why don’t you try homemade pasta next?

    Ingredient information

    Sweet potato - Sweet potatoes are a fantastic choice for babies starting on a Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) diet.

    Packed with essential nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and fibre, sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also provide a great opportunity for babies to explore different textures and tastes.

    Their soft and naturally sweet flesh makes them easy for tiny hands to grasp and nibble on, promoting self-feeding and improving dexterity.

    Additionally, the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes can help babies develop an early appreciation for healthy, whole foods without added sugars.

    Whether roasted, steamed, or mashed, sweet potatoes are a versatile and nutritious option for introducing solids to little ones.

    All purpose plain flour - Plain flour is safe to use in recipes for baby-led weaning.

    When using plain flour in BLW recipes for your baby, it's important to keep in mind the recommended age for introducing flour-based foods to your baby, which is typically around 6-8 months old.

    As you prepare recipes using plain flour for your baby, ensure that the texture is appropriate for their stage of development, and be mindful of any potential allergens that may be present in the recipe.

    Always consult with your health visitor if you have any concerns about introducing new ingredients to your baby's diet.

    With proper precautions and considerations, including plain flour in your BLW recipes can add variety and nutrition to your baby's culinary journey.

    Black pepper - It's generally safe to introduce black pepper to your baby's diet, as long as they're at least 6 months old and have started eating solid foods.

    Black pepper not only adds a flavourful kick to their meals but also has potential health benefits.

    However, it's essential to introduce new spices gradually and watch for any signs of allergies or sensitivities. Start with a tiny amount of black pepper and observe how your baby reacts.

    Pile of sweet potatoes ready to be peeled

    Serving suggestion

    Try serving the vegan sweet potato gnocchi with a homemade tomato sauce or a creamy sauce, creamy sage sauce with some crispy fresh sage leaves with some cherry tomatoes on the side, sprinkled with some vegan parmesan cheese.

    Why not try a blackberry cheesecake pot for dessert.

    Preparing the sweet potato gnocchi: panful of sweet potato peeled and chopped

    Storage instructions

    The gnocchi can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days raw or cooked, stored in an airtight container.

    If you wanted to freeze the gnocchi (cooked), you will need to make sure that the gnocchi has cooled down at room temperature before transferring to either a freezer bag or airtight container.

    Ensure that the bag/airtight container is labelled with the item and the date. I use masking tape to label the airtight container.

    To freeze the gnocchi raw you will need to make sure the dough is placed on parchment paper. It is best to cook the gnocchi and freeze and defrost.

    To defrost the gnocchi (cooked), leave in the fridge overnight and make sure that it is fully defrosted, before re heating.

    To defrost the gnocchi (raw) leave to defrost overnight in the fridge and cook as per cooking instructions.

    To reheat the cooked gnocchi, place the defrosted gnocchi in an oven proof dish and reheat on a medium heat for 10-15 minutes. Its best to add a sauce to the gnocchi when reheating.

    Once the gnocchi has been defrosted you will not be able to reheat or re-freeze..


    Equipment used to help with this recipe

    Large bowl - Definitely choose a stainless steel one - they are lighter than the stone or glass ones and very easy to clean.

    Airtight container - I much prefer the click-shut lids on these containers compared to others. They are also dishwasher and freezer safe and BPA free, so very suitable for food use.

    Saucepan - So many pan sets out there but I particularly like to use pans with a non-stick surface for ease of cleaning and ones that are suitable for different types of hob surface.

    Recipe | 3 Ingredient Sweet Potato Gnocchi

    Dishful of sweet potato gnocchi ready to be cooked

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    Ingredients

    Makes 50 pieces

    • 700g Sweet potato, peeled and cubed

    • 180g plain flour

    • Grind of black pepper

    Instructions

    • Start by boiling the sweet potatoes in a large pot of water on a medium heat for 10-15 minutes until soft.

    • Once cooked, drain the water away and leave to cool for as long as you can.

    • Once cooled, pop into a large bowl and add in the flour and black pepper and mix using a spoon.

    • When the gnocchi dough starts to come together finish off by using your hands, to make a dough ball.

    • Make sure you have a clean surface, and place the dough ball on a floured work surface.

    • Split the piece of dough into 4 quarters, take one quarter of dough and half again. Using your hands roll the dough on the work surface into long pieces of dough.

    • Cut the dough into 5-6 little pieces and set aside. you can use the back of a fork to roll the gnocchi pieces until you have your desired gnocchi shape (you do not need a fancy gnocchi board) Repeat using all the dough. You will need to lightly dust the work surface with a little flour each time.

    • TO COOK THE UNCOOKED GNOCCHI: Boil a pan of hot water and drop the gnocchi carefully into the boiling water. Boil for 2-4 minutes. Serve with a fresh herbs in a butter sauce.

    • Alternatively, you can cook in a preheated oven (180C/350F) with a homemade tomato sauce for 25 minutes.

    Hope you and your family enjoy!

    Recipe notes

    You could use white potatoes if you wish to make delicious gnocchi, the recipe will work just as well!

    Feel free to add dried herbs such as thyme, sage or mixed herbs to flavour the homemade gnocchi.

    This is the best recipe if you need to feed a lot of people!

    If not read the storage instructions on how to store, freeze and reheat!


    Dishful of sweet potato gnocchi ready to be cooked

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    Lindsay

    This article was written by Lindsay, the creator and owner of The Petit Spoon, who is on a mission to provide quick and easy to follow, affordable baby-led weaning recipes. With a background in child nutrition and hospitality, Lindsay understands the importance of nourishing little ones with wholesome foods that support their growth and development.

    https://www.thepetitspoon.com/
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