Pumpkin gnocchi with bacon

Pumpkin Gnocchi with Bacon and Parmesan – Savory and Aromatic

Calories & Effort

• Calories per serving: approx. 430 kcal
• Preparation time: approx. 30 minutes
• Total time: approx. 45 minutes

Ingredients for 6 people

For the Gnocchi:

• 450 g pumpkin, cleaned
• 3 eggs
• 525 g flour
• ¾ glass of water
• Salt and pepper

For serving:

• 180 g leek
• 1.5 chili peppers
• 90 g butter
• 150 g bacon, cut into strips
• 3–4 tbsp South Tyrolean hard cheese or Parmesan, grated

Preparation

1. Prepare the pumpkin

• Peel the pumpkin, remove the seeds, and cut into pieces. Cook in a pot of water until soft (about 10–15 minutes).
• Drain the cooked pumpkin and pass it through a potato masher or blender until fine.

2. Make the gnocchi dough

• Place the pumpkin puree in a large bowl and mix with flour, eggs, water, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Process into a smooth, semi-firm mass. The dough should be soft but not sticky.

3. Shape and cook the gnocchi

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Form small dumplings from the dough using two teaspoons or your hands and place them in the boiling water.
• Once the gnocchi rise to the surface (after about 3–4 minutes), remove them with a slotted spoon and let drain.

4. Sauté the leek and bacon

• Wash the leek, slice it into fine rings, and finely chop the chili pepper.
• In a large pan, heat the butter and briefly sauté the leek and chili pepper.
• Add the bacon and fry everything together until golden brown.

5. Serve the gnocchi

• Add the drained gnocchi to the pan and briefly toss with the remaining ingredients to absorb the flavors.

6. Serve

• Plate the pumpkin gnocchi, sprinkle with grated South Tyrolean hard cheese or Parmesan, and serve immediately.

Pro Tips

1. Choose the pumpkin variety: Hokkaido or Butternut are ideal as they yield a flavorful puree.
2. Season the dough properly: The dough should be slightly seasoned, as pumpkin is naturally mild.
3. Dough consistency: If the dough is too soft, add a little more flour. If it is too firm, dilute with a little water.
4. Vegetarian option: Omit the bacon and use roasted walnuts or pumpkin seeds instead.
5. Extra flavor: Add a sprig of thyme or rosemary to the butter for a special touch to the dish.

Why love this recipe?

The combination of the sweet notes of pumpkin, the savory spice of bacon, and the fine heat of chili pepper makes these pumpkin gnocchi a highlight. Quick to prepare and full of flavor – a real treat for the whole family!

The Pumpkin – Versatile, Healthy, and Aromatic

The pumpkin is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world and is now grown in countless varieties. From Hokkaido and Butternut to Muscat pumpkin, each variety offers unique properties for the kitchen. The Hokkaido is particularly popular as it does not need to be peeled, while the Butternut has its fine, sweet aroma.

Nutritional values: Pumpkin is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamin A, potassium, and beta-carotene, making it ideal for a balanced diet.

Uses:
Pumpkin is suitable for soups, purees, gratins, gnocchi, or sweet cakes. With its versatility and light sweetness, it is a highlight of autumn cuisine.

In short: The pumpkin is not only a symbol of autumn but also a versatile all-rounder that shines in both savory and sweet dishes.