For Easy Weeknight Gnocchi, Skip the Potatoes

These Parmesan dumplings come together in just 30 minutes

Mark Bittman
Heated

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Photo: A_Lein/iStock/Getty Images Plus

Despite a short ingredient list, gnocchi — these ornery Italian dumplings — are easy to mess up.

The key to pillowy gnocchi is adding just enough flour to bring the dough together. They typically contain potato, but if pulling out a Y-peeler seems like a lot for a weeknight, try this potatoless version. It’s a fuss-free biscuitlike concoction spiked with Parmesan cheese. All you do is drop spoonfuls into a quick, bright tomato sauce and simmer for about 10 minutes.

Parmesan Dumplings in Tomato Sauce

Makes: 4 servings
Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped garlic
  • One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1½ cups flour
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 3 ounces), plus more for serving
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into chunks
  • 1 cup milk, or more as needed
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

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Mark Bittman
Heated

Has published 30 books, including How to Cook Everything and VB6: The Case for Part-Time Veganism. Newsletter at markbittman.com.