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Vegan Sweet Potato Gnocchi

This vegan gnocchi features soft, pillowy dumplings made from mashed sweet potatoes and simple flour, shaped into small rounds with ridges for holding sauce. The process involves mixing, shaping, boiling, and lightly sautéing until golden and tender, resulting in delicate, flavorful bites with a slightly chewy exterior and melt-in-your-mouth interior. It’s a comforting, mindful dish that highlights the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a rustic, homemade charm.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Vegan
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup mashed sweet potato about one medium sweet potato, cooked and mashed until smooth
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour for the dough, adjust if needed for texture
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda a pinch to lighten the dough
  • 2 tbsp olive oil adds tenderness and prevents sticking
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt balances sweetness and enhances flavor
  • 1/4 cup warm water adjust as needed to bring dough together

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Baking Sheet
  • Fork or gnocchi paddle
  • Slotted spoon
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Start by peeling and mashing your sweet potato until silky smooth; measure out about one cup of mash. This creates a moist, naturally sweet base for your gnocchi.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and sea salt. Drizzle in the olive oil and stir to combine, creating a crumbly mixture.
  3. Add the sweet potato mash to the flour mixture, then slowly pour in warm water while gently mixing with a spoon or your hands. Continue until the dough just comes together, soft but manageable.
  4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently just until smooth, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overwork it to keep the gnocchi tender.
  5. Divide the dough into four equal parts. Roll each portion into a long rope about 1 inch thick, pressing gently to shape.
  6. Using a sharp knife, cut each rope into 1-inch pieces, creating small rounds ready for shaping.
  7. Gently press each piece with a fork or gnocchi paddle to create ridges; this helps sauce cling and adds texture. Place the shaped gnocchi on a floured baking sheet.
  8. Bring a large pot of water to a gentle simmer—about 90°C (194°F). Carefully drop the gnocchi into the water in batches, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
  9. Cook the gnocchi until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes; they should be tender with a slight bounce when pressed.
  10. Use a slotted spoon to lift the cooked gnocchi out of the water. In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat, then sauté the gnocchi until lightly golden on all sides, about 2-3 minutes.
  11. Finish with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or fresh herbs, and serve immediately while hot and fragrant. Enjoy the tender, slightly crispy, and flavorful bites!