
Tofu Gnocchi
This lightened-up gnocchi is pillowy, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Using tofu instead of potato keeps the gnocchi soft and protein-packed while still giving you that classic tender bite. Paired with a creamy butternut squash sauce, it becomes the perfect cozy dish for chilly evenings when you want something warm, nourishing, and a little special.
Ingredients
Gnocchi
-
1 block (12 oz) firm tofu (Simple Truth Organic, or similar)
-
½ cup 00 flour (plus more for dusting)
-
1 tsp kosher salt
Butternut Squash Sauce
-
200 g cooked butternut squash (about 1 heaping cup)
-
1 tsp olive oil (optional, for roasting or sautéing)
-
¼ cup unsweetened almond milk or vegetable broth
-
1 clove garlic, minced
-
1–2 tsp nutritional yeast (optional, for cheesiness)
-
¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
-
Black pepper, to taste
-
Pinch of paprika or smoked paprika (optional)
Directions
Make the Gnocchi
-
Press the tofu:
-
Drain the tofu and place it between paper towels on a plate or baking dish.
-
Set another plate or dish on top and weigh it down with something heavy (like a pot or books).
-
Let it sit for 20–30 minutes to press out excess water.
-
-
Blend the dough:
-
Crumble the pressed tofu into a food processor. Blend for 10–20 seconds until broken down.
-
Add the flour and salt. Pulse until a slightly sticky dough forms.
-
If it’s too sticky, add 1–2 tablespoons more flour and pulse again.
-
-
Rest the dough:
-
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead just until combined.
-
Wrap tightly and let rest for 20–30 minutes.
-
-
Shape the gnocchi:
-
Divide the dough into 4 equal portions, keeping 3 covered while you work.
-
Roll one portion into a rope about 1 inch thick and 12–16 inches long.
-
Cut into small pieces, about ¾–1 inch each.
-
Shape with a gnocchi board or fork if desired.
-
Place finished gnocchi on a floured baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough.
-
-
Cook the gnocchi:
-
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
-
Drop gnocchi in and cook until they float to the top (about 2–3 minutes).
-
Remove with a slotted spoon.
-
Make the Sauce
-
Cook the squash:
-
Roast, steam, or microwave until very soft. For best flavor, roast cubes at 400°F for 20–25 minutes with a light spray of oil.
-
-
Sauté garlic (optional):
-
In a small nonstick pan, sauté the garlic in ½ tsp olive oil or a splash of broth until fragrant, 1–2 minutes.
-
-
Blend the sauce:
-
In a blender or food processor, combine the cooked squash, garlic, almond milk or broth, nutritional yeast (if using), salt, pepper, and paprika.
-
Blend until smooth and creamy. Add more liquid if needed for a thinner sauce.
-
-
Finish:
-
Pour sauce into a saucepan and warm over low heat.
-
Add cooked gnocchi and toss until coated.
-