Regarded as a staple in Italian cuisine, gnocchi can seem a tad intimidating -- but worry not. While pre-packaged options may seem alluring, creating this delightful dish from scratch is more effortless than you’d think. With a few tricks up your sleeve, you can deliver a meal that will leave your guests impressed. Next Level Chef judge and acclaimed restaurateur, Nyesha Arrington, demonstrates the process during her gourmet seminar at the 2025 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen.

Arrington’s primary guidance focuses on achieving an appetizing and memorable texture for gnocchi. The secret to perfectly light, pillowy gnocchi doesn't lie in the usage of advanced culinary techniques, but in the simplest things like how you cook the potatoes. She explains, “I simply pierce the potatoes with a fork and bake them on a salt bed. This process helps draw out the excess moisture, resultantly rendering the gnocchi fluffier.”

When it comes to the dough, a delicate balance needs to be maintained. Overhandling the dough can lead to disappointment, and Arrington suggests going about this task with a thoughtful and gentle approach. She mentions, “You want to handle the dough as little as possible to prevent the development of gluten. The aim is to achieve a soft texture, hence just sprinkle the flour and let it coat the potato extract. Even if the mixture seems a little rustic, don’t fret. It will cohere during the course of handling while shaping into gnocchi.”

Another critical aspect lies in the post-dough preparation. Once your gnocchi is shaped and ready to go into the pot, having your boiling water ready is crucial. It thwarts the gnocchi from getting gummy or starchy if not cooked instantly. Arrington advises, "Either blanch then sear it immediately or cool it followed by reheating, depending on when you plan to serve them. For refrigeration, an ice bath post-blanche can effectively prevent them from turning gummy."

Post-blanching, be sure not to overcook during the reheating and saucing. Following these careful steps will result in exquisitely fluffy gnocchi that’s sure to impress at any dining table. Just remember, all good things require a little patience and a lot of love!