These Purple Sweet Potato Gnocchi are a unique twist on the classic Italian dish, bringing in the vibrant color and sweet flavor of purple sweet potatoes (ube). Paired with a tangy Cilantro Mint Chutney, these gnocchi are pan-fried for a crispy texture on the outside while remaining soft and pillowy inside. The chutney adds an herbal freshness that complements the rich, sweet potato gnocchi, making for a delicious and visually stunning dish.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Cilantro Mint Chutney:

• 1 cup Fresh mint

• 2 cups Fresh cilantro (stems removed)

• Juice of 1 lime

• 2 tbsp Olive oil

• 1 tbsp Canned coconut milk (optional)

• ½ tsp Salt

For the Gnocchi:

• 1 ¾ cups Cooked purple sweet potato

• ¼ – ½ cup Flour (adjust based on moisture of sweet potato)

• 1 tsp Salt

• Oil for pan frying

Directions

1. Make the Cilantro Mint Chutney:
   In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine mint, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, coconut milk (if using), and salt. Blend until smooth and well-combined. Taste and adjust the salt if needed.

2. Prepare the Gnocchi Dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, use a fork to mash the cooked purple sweet potato until smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no clumps left. Add salt and start with 2 tbsp of flour. Gradually add more flour until the dough is no longer sticky but still soft and fluffy.

3. Shape the Gnocchi:
   Roll the dough into several ropes and cut them into 1-inch pieces using a sharp knife or bench scraper.

4. Pan Fry the Gnocchi:
   Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and add 2-3 tbsp of oil. Add the gnocchi in batches and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on one side until crispy. Flip the gnocchi and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until golden.

5. Serve:
   Serve the warm gnocchi tossed with the cilantro mint chutney. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra flavor.

Notes:

• You can cook the sweet potatoes using an oven, Instant Pot, or microwave. Adjust the flour depending on the cooking method.

• Ensure the pan is not too hot when frying the gnocchi; a medium-low heat will ensure that the insides cook properly before the outside crisps.

Estimated Nutritional Value (per serving):

• Calories: 230-280 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 35-45g

• Protein: 3-4g

• Fat: 10-15g

• Saturated Fat: 1-2g

• Cholesterol: 0mg

• Sodium: 250-400mg

• Fiber: 4-6g

• Sugar: 5-7g

• Vitamin A: 300-500 IU

• Vitamin C: 25-35mg

• Calcium: 30-50mg

• Iron: 2-3mg

These values can vary based on the size of the sweet potato, the amount of oil used, and the specific ingredients (like the coconut milk or the flour). For the most accurate nutritional values, you can input the exact quantities and brands you use into a nutritional calculator. Let me know if you’d like help with that!

Why Purple Sweet Potato Gnocchi?

Purple sweet potatoes are not only stunning to look at but also have a unique flavor. They’re slightly sweeter and earthier than regular potatoes, and their vibrant color comes from anthocyanins, antioxidants that are often linked to health benefits. Using them in gnocchi gives the dish a natural sweetness, which pairs wonderfully with the tangy, fresh cilantro mint chutney. The added coconut milk in the chutney (optional) brings a rich, creamy texture that complements the gnocchi perfectly.

Whether you’re a seasoned gnocchi maker or someone trying it for the first time, purple sweet potatoes offer a fun and flavorful variation on the traditional recipe. Plus, this dish is a great way to introduce something new and exciting into your dinner rotation—especially when paired with the freshness of the chutney.

The Cilantro Mint Chutney: The Perfect Complement

While the gnocchi itself is rich and slightly sweet, the Cilantro Mint Chutney provides an ideal counterpoint with its refreshing, zesty flavor. Chutneys are a staple in many cuisines, especially in Indian cooking, and this one is no exception. Combining fresh mint, cilantro, and lime juice creates a herby, tangy sauce that brightens up the dish and brings all the flavors together.

Coconut milk, though optional, adds a creamy texture that elevates the chutney and enhances its ability to complement the sweetness of the gnocchi. The chutney serves as both a topping and a dipping sauce, offering layers of flavor in each bite.

How to Make Purple Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Making gnocchi from scratch might sound intimidating, but it’s actually a fun and straightforward process. Here’s how to make these delightful Purple Sweet Potato Gnocchi and pair them with the Cilantro Mint Chutney:

Step 1: Prepare the Cilantro Mint Chutney

Start by making the chutney, as it can be prepared in advance. In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine 1 cup of fresh mint, 2 cups of fresh cilantro (stems removed), the juice of 1 lime, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of canned coconut milk (optional), and ½ teaspoon of salt. Blend until smooth, and taste to adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like a bit of spice, you can add a fresh green chili or a pinch of chili flakes. The chutney can be stored in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight to allow the flavors to develop.

Step 2: Prepare the Gnocchi Dough

To prepare the gnocchi dough, start by cooking the purple sweet potatoes. You can use an oven, Instant Pot, or microwave to cook the sweet potatoes, depending on your preference. Once cooked, mash the sweet potatoes using a fork or potato masher until smooth and creamy. Ensure there are no lumps, as this will affect the texture of your gnocchi.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed purple sweet potatoes with 1 teaspoon of salt. Begin adding flour, starting with ¼ cup, and gradually add more flour until the dough comes together. The amount of flour you need will depend on the moisture content of the sweet potatoes, so start slow and add more flour until the dough is soft but not sticky. The dough should feel light and pillowy, not dense.

Step 3: Shape the Gnocchi

Once the dough is ready, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into several long ropes about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces. To give your gnocchi the classic shape, gently roll each piece down the tines of a fork to create the signature ridges, which will help hold onto the toffee sauce. If you prefer, you can skip this step, and the gnocchi will still be delicious!

Step 4: Pan-Fry the Gnocchi

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat and add 2-3 tablespoons of oil (vegetable or olive oil works well). Add the gnocchi in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Pan-fry the gnocchi for 3-4 minutes on one side, undisturbed, until crispy and golden. Flip the gnocchi and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. This method of frying gives the gnocchi a beautiful, crunchy exterior while keeping the inside soft and pillowy.

Step 5: Serve

Once all of the gnocchi have been fried, plate them up and drizzle generously with the cilantro mint chutney. You can garnish the dish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra flavor and a bit of heat. The chutney will offer a vibrant, refreshing contrast to the rich and sweet gnocchi, creating a deliciously balanced dish.

Tips for Success

1. Flour Adjustments: The amount of flour you need will vary depending on the moisture content of the sweet potatoes. If the dough is too wet, add flour a tablespoon at a time until it reaches the right consistency.

2. Pan-Frying Tips: Fry the gnocchi over medium-low heat to ensure they cook evenly without burning. The goal is to get the gnocchi crispy on the outside while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.

3. Make-Ahead: The gnocchi dough can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a day. You can also freeze uncooked gnocchi by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing them. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for storage.

Why You Should Make Purple Sweet Potato Gnocchi

These Purple Sweet Potato Gnocchi are the perfect dish when you want to bring something different and colorful to the table. The sweet potatoes add a unique flavor, while the crispy exterior and pillowy inside create a satisfying texture that you’ll love. Paired with the refreshing cilantro mint chutney, this dish is both visually stunning and bursting with fresh flavors. It’s a fun, vibrant twist on the classic Italian gnocchi that will have your guests asking for seconds.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a cozy night at home, or looking for a new, exciting way to enjoy sweet potatoes, this recipe is a must-try. So, roll up your sleeves, cook up these delightful purple sweet potato gnocchi, and enjoy the deliciousness of this colorful, flavorful dish!