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CHESTNUT GNOCCHI WITH CHOCOLATE-HAZELNUT SAUCE

CHESTNUT GNOCCHI WITH CHOCOLATE-HAZELNUT SAUCE

CHESTNUT GNOCCHI WITH CHOCOLATE-HAZELNUT SAUCE

A decadent and unique dessert gnocchi made with sweetened chestnut purée and ricotta, sautéed in vanilla butter and drizzled with a luscious chocolate and hazelnut sauce. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet delight.


🕒 Prep Time: 30 min

🍳 Cook Time: 10 min
🍽️ Servings: 4-5


Ingredients

Chestnut Gnocchi:

  • 250 g sweetened chestnut purée with rum
  • 200 g ricotta cheese (drained if needed)
  • 1 small egg
  • 50 g flour (about 2 tbsp)

For Sautéing:

  • 2 generous tbsp butter
  • ½ vanilla pod, split
  • 4 tsp powdered sugar

Chocolate-Hazelnut Sauce:

  • 25 g hazelnuts
  • 100 g milk chocolate
  • 50 ml heavy cream or cooking cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare sauce: Roast hazelnuts in a 200°C oven for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Rub on a towel to remove skins. Blend hazelnuts into a smooth paste in a food processor.
  2. Melt chocolate over a double boiler and add to hazelnut paste. Mix well. Stir in cream and blend briefly. Chill sauce overnight if desired; reheat by placing jar in hot water for 10 minutes.
  3. For gnocchi, mix chestnut purée and ricotta with a fork until combined. Add beaten egg and mix well. Stir in flour to form a soft, slightly sticky dough.
  4. Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto a floured surface. Roll lightly to coat with flour, then shape into thin logs.
  5. Cut logs into small pieces, gently roll between floured palms, and place on a floured baking sheet.
  6. Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Lower heat and cook gnocchi in batches. After they float, cook 1 more minute. Remove with a slotted spoon.
  7. Melt butter in a large pan, add vanilla seeds, and toss gnocchi for 1 minute to coat. Sprinkle powdered sugar and sauté 30 seconds more.
  8. Transfer gnocchi to a bowl, pour chocolate-hazelnut sauce over, and toss gently to coat.
  9. Serve warm in bowls, sprinkled with cocoa powder.

💡 Tips

  • Chestnut purée with rum adds a rich, aromatic flavor.
  • Gnocchi dough will be sticky; handle gently with plenty of flour.
  • Roasting hazelnuts and removing skins enhances sauce texture and taste.
  • Vanilla butter sauté adds subtle sweetness and aroma.

🍽️ Perfect For

  • Gourmet desserts
  • Special occasions and dinner parties
  • Unique Italian-inspired sweet dishes

📝 Final Thoughts

This chestnut gnocchi with chocolate-hazelnut sauce combines rich, nutty flavors with creamy textures, delivering a luxurious dessert experience that’s surprisingly simple to make.