Name: Spicy Vodka Gnocchi with Mini Sausage Meatballs
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 4 large potatoes (approx. 900g); 1/2 tsp salt; 2 egg yolks; 1 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour (170 g); Additional flour for kneading; 5 mild italian sausages; 1 tbsp flour; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp salted butter; 1 yellow onion (diced); 5 garlic cloves (minced); 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp oregano; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; Pepper to taste; 1/3 cup tomato paste; 1/2 cup vodka (optional but recommended!); 2 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup parmesan (freshly grated); 1/2 tsp sugar; 1/4 cup pasta water

Instructions

For the gnocchi:

Peel and chop potato and add to a medium pot of cold water. Season with 1/2 tsp salt & bring to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes or until the potato pieces are soft and a fork easily pierces through.
Drain and let sit for a few minutes to cool down. Mash or use a potato riceruntil smooth and add to a work surface. Create a well in the middle.
Add egg yolks and combine using a fork or bench scraper until incorporated. Add flour and bring together until a shaggy dough is formed.
Knead for 3-5 minutes, using additional flour when needed, and form into a smooth ball.
Divide the dough into 4 equal parts and roll out into logs. Cut into desired sized gnocchis, adding additional flour so that they don't stick together.

For the meatballs & sauce assembly:

Remove the sausage from their casing, and roll into small bite-sized balls. Add to a plate and sprinkle over the flour and lightly toss to coat.
Heat a large pan on medium heat, and add a drizzle of olive oil. Add in your sausage balls and sauté until they are fully browned, then remove from pan.
In the same pan, add olive oil and butter. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes or until translucent.
Add tomato paste and cook for about 3 minutes or until darkened slightly. Add seasonings and minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Deglaze with the vodka and allow to cook out for another 3 minutes or until you can no longer smell the alcohol.
Add in your cream and stir until combined, allow to simmer on medium-low for 3-5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
In the meantime, bring a pot of water to a boil and season generously with salt. Add your gnocchi in batches and cook for 1-2 minutes or until they start to float to the top.
Add the sausage meatballs back into the sauce. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked gnocchi into the sauce as well, while also adding 1/4 cup of pasta water into the sauce.
Stir in the parmesan, sugar, and additional salt & pepper to taste if needed. Serve immediately.

Spicy Vodka Gnocchi with Mini Sausage Meatballs