Gluten-Free Cauliflower Gnocchi: When Cauliflower Decides to Be Fancy
Hello, kitchen adventurers! Today, we’re turning cauliflower into pillowy, gluten-free gnocchi that’ll make regular potatoes question their life choices. No magic wands required—just a fork, a pot, and a willingness to pretend vegetables are carbs. Let’s roll (literally).
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 1 large cauliflower (the chunkier, the better)
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan pals)
- ½ tsp salt (or enough to silence cauliflower’s mild rebellion)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional, but highly recommended)
Instructions:
1. Cauliflower’s Spa Day
Chop the cauliflower into florets. Steam or boil them until soft—about 10 minutes. Drain WELL. Cauliflower holds water like a camel, and soggy dough is nobody’s friend. Mash it with a fork or blend until it resembles fluffy snow.
2. Dough Drama
Mix the mashed cauliflower, flour, egg, salt, and garlic powder in a bowl. Knead gently until it forms a dough. If it sticks to your hands, add flour slowly. If it still sticks, blame the humidity and add more flour.
3. Shape Squad
Roll dough into long ropes (thumb-width). Cut into 1-inch pieces. Press each gently with a fork for ridges. Pro tip: ridges hold sauce like a tiny edible hammock.
4. Cook Time
Boil a pot of salted water. Drop gnocchi in batches. They’ll sink, then float like tiny doughy life rafts. Scoop them out after 2-3 minutes.
5. Crispy Upgrade (Optional)
Pan-fry boiled gnocchi in olive oil until golden. This step is for overachievers who want extra crunch.
Serving Suggestions:
- Toss with pesto (basil’s BFF).
- Drown in marinara (classic move).
- Sprinkle Parmesan (the salty confetti).
Why This Works:
Cauliflower cuts carbs without cutting flavor. Gluten-free flour keeps it friendly for sensitive tummies. Plus, rolling dough is cheaper than therapy.
Final Note
If your gnocchi disintegrates, call it “cauliflower crumble” and serve over salad. Win-win. Now go flex those veggie-powered pasta muscles! 🥦💪
