Valentine Dinner Truffle Gnocchi

Name: Valentine Dinner Truffle Gnocchi
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: Serves 2
Ingredients: 2 cups potato, cooked and mashed; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 egg, lightly beaten; 1 teaspoon salt; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons truffle oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Highlighted under: Cozy Comfort Food Recipes

I absolutely adore making truffle gnocchi for a special dinner, especially on Valentine's Day. There's something incredibly romantic about the rich, earthy flavor of truffles combined with tender gnocchi. I have experimented with different sauces, and I truly believe that a simple garlic and butter sauce allows the truffle essence to shine through. This dish not only looks impressive on the plate but also offers a cozy and intimate dining experience that is perfect for celebrating love.

Created by

Amelia Roberts

Last updated on 2026-01-12T02:45:34.766Z

When I first made this dish, I wanted to create something extraordinary for my partner. The combination of freshly made gnocchi with truffle oil blew us away with its simplicity and elegance. I learned that choosing high-quality truffle oil and finishing with fresh herbs takes the dish to another level, creating flavors that linger delightfully on the palate.

Another tip I discovered is that making the gnocchi from scratch is truly rewarding; the texture you achieve is unmatched compared to store-bought. If time is limited, however, you can always purchase pre-made gnocchi to still enjoy a luxurious meal in no time.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Luxurious truffle aroma that elevates any dinner occasion
Tender, homemade gnocchi that melts in your mouth
Easy to prepare, yet impressively gourmet

      

The Art of Making Gnocchi

Crafting gnocchi from scratch is an art that requires attention to detail. The key is to use starchy potatoes, like Russets, which yield a fluffy texture. Ensure that the potatoes are fully cooked yet not waterlogged—overcooking can lead to a sticky dough. As you mix the ingredients, aim for a dough that is slightly tacky but holds together. If it's too dry, add a touch of water or an extra beaten egg. Conversely, if too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour gradually.

When rolling the dough into ropes, be gentle. Overworking can create dense gnocchi. Slice them into pieces about ¾ inch long for even cooking. For a classic touch, you can roll each piece over a fork to create the traditional grooves; this helps the sauce cling beautifully when served. Dust each gnocchi with flour to prevent sticking before cooking, which also ensures they maintain their lovely shape.

Captivating Flavors with the Sauce

The sauce plays a critical role in delivering the dish's overall flavor. Using high-quality truffle oil is essential as it amplifies the earthy notes of the truffles without overpowering the delicate taste of the gnocchi. Aim for a truffle oil with natural ingredients and a robust aroma. To enhance the depth of flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan just after combining the gnocchi with the sauce for an extra layer of richness.

Cooking the garlic until it's just golden releases its natural sweetness, avoiding bitterness that can occur with overcooking. The fat from the butter not only complements the truffle oil but also helps in creating a silky sauce. Adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste—start light, as you can always add more, but it’s tricky to reduce salt once mixed in.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

For serving, a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley not only enhances the presentation but also adds a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness of the dish. Pair this gnocchi delight with a crisp salad or a light, sparkling wine to elevate the dining experience. If you want to add a twist, consider tossing in some sautéed mushrooms for an earthier flavor—perfectly fitting for a romantic dinner.

If you have leftovers, refrigerate the cooked gnocchi in an airtight container for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a skillet with a little butter over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture. For make-ahead options, you can freeze uncooked gnocchi. Just spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy freshly made truffle gnocchi any time!

Ingredients

Gather the following fresh ingredients to create this delightful dish:

For the Gnocchi

2 cups potato, cooked and mashed
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon salt

For the Sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons truffle oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

These ingredients will come together to create a delightful experience for your loved ones.

Instructions

Follow these steps to make an unforgettable Valentine dinner:

Make the Gnocchi

In a large bowl, combine the mashed potato, flour, egg, and salt. Mix until a dough forms. On a floured surface, knead the dough gently for a few minutes until smooth. Roll into long ropes, about ½ inch in diameter, and cut into small pieces to form the gnocchi.

Cook the Gnocchi

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the truffle oil, and season with salt and pepper.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Enjoy your deliciously romantic dinner!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of richness, consider finishing the plated gnocchi with some grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of truffle salt.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're gluten-sensitive, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free mix designed for baking. Be mindful that the texture might differ slightly, so adjust the water content as needed to maintain the right consistency. Additionally, for a vegan twist, try using flaxseed meal mixed with water instead of egg, noting that the texture may be denser.

For those who prefer less richness, consider replacing some or all of the butter with olive oil in the sauce. This will create a lighter dish while still keeping the delightful flavor profile intact. For a punch of acidity, a squeeze of lemon juice added just before serving can brighten the dish significantly.

Scaling Up the Recipe

If planning to serve more guests, scaling this recipe is simple. Just double or triple the ingredients while maintaining the same ratios. One practical tip is to divide the gnocchi-making process. Prepare the dough in batches to avoid overcrowding your workspace, ensuring each piece is shaped and floured properly without sticking together.

When cooking larger amounts of gnocchi, use a larger pot to maintain a rolling boil, as overcrowding can cause them to stick together during cooking. Keep a close eye on them; larger batches may take a minute or two longer to float, indicating they are fully cooked.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your gnocchi comes out mushy, the culprit is likely too much moisture in the potato. Ensure they are well-drained and dried before mashing. If you find your dough is too wet, gradually sprinkle in additional flour until it holds together but isn’t overly stiff. Always err on the side of less flour, as you can add, but removing it is not an option.

When cooking the gnocchi, if they break apart, it could be a sign they were undercooked or the dough was too wet. To recover them, gently simmer the broken pieces in the sauce to help them adhere together, or serve them over a bed of sauce to create a more coherent presentation.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

Yes, you can! While homemade gnocchi is fantastic, high-quality store-bought options work well too.

→ What if I can't find truffle oil?

You can substitute with extra virgin olive oil, though the flavor will differ. Consider using fresh truffles if available!

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store remaining gnocchi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet.

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the egg with a flax egg and use vegan butter for the sauce.