Description
This easy gluten-free cauliflower gnocchi recipe uses just five ingredients and can be cooked in the oven, air fryer, or on the stovetop. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional pasta gnocchi, featuring a soft and tender texture with a lightly crispy exterior when baked or pan-fried. Perfect for a low-gluten diet and customizable with your favorite sauces.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 15 ounces cauliflower florets (about 4 cups or 1 medium head)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup (60-65 grams) cassava flour or gluten-free oat flour
- 4 tablespoons (45-48 grams) potato starch
- Optional – ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Steam the Cauliflower: Place cauliflower and ¼ cup water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then cover and cook for 7 to 9 minutes until tender. Stir occasionally. Alternatively, microwave for 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Drain and Dry: Drain cauliflower thoroughly and let it sit in a strainer for a few minutes. Remove excess water by squeezing it through a cheesecloth or thin towel to extract about ¾ cup of liquid. Set aside to cool.
- Make Cauliflower Puree: In a blender or food processor, blend the cauliflower until riced. Add salt and olive oil, then blend again until a smooth puree forms.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cassava flour, potato starch, and optional garlic powder.
- Combine Dough: Add the cauliflower puree to the dry ingredients in the blender and blend just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light.
- Knead and Chill Dough: Transfer the batter to a clean bowl and gently knead into a soft dough ball. Refrigerate the dough for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
- Shape Gnocchi: Divide dough into four equal pieces. On a floured surface, roll each piece into a 6-inch log. Cut logs into ¾ to 1-inch pieces. Optionally, press each piece against the back of a fork to create ridges.
- Cook Gnocchi (Choose Method):
- Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Spread gnocchi on a greased or parchment-lined sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Bake 20-25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F. Arrange gnocchi on the air fryer basket sprayed with oil. Air fry 8-10 minutes, flipping and spraying once halfway through.
- Boiling: Boil 6 cups salted water (½ teaspoon salt). Cook gnocchi in batches until they float (2-3 minutes). Remove with slotted spoon.
- Optional Pan-Fry After Boiling: To add crispiness after boiling, sauté boiled gnocchi in olive oil or butter until golden and slightly crisp, avoiding sticking.
- Serve: Simmer cooked gnocchi in your choice of sauce for 5 minutes. Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Ingredient Tip: Cassava flour works best for gluten-free flour options, but oat flour or gluten-free 1:1 flour can be used. For softer gnocchi with oat flour, add 1 tablespoon tapioca starch for better binding.
- Storage: Store cooked gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a sauté pan with a little oil.