Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

How To Make It

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce the potatoes with a fork and bake them directly on the oven rack for 45-60 minutes, until they are fork-tender.
2. Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in half and scoop out the flesh. Using a ricer, rice the potatoes onto a clean surface or into a bowl. Let them cool for 5-10 minutes.
3. Create a well in the center of the riced potatoes. Add the egg yolks, flour, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt. Gently mix by hand until a dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as it should remain light and fluffy.
4. Lightly flour your work surface. Divide the dough into portions and roll each section into a ¾ inch-thick rope. Cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces and optionally roll them over a fork to create ridges.
5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi in batches until they float to the surface, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Remove the gnocchi with a slotted spoon and, for extra flavor, sauté them briefly in butter.
6. Preheat your oven again to 400°F (200°C). Toss the butternut squash, onion, garlic (with skins on), and thyme in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Roast the vegetables on a lined baking sheet for 20 minutes, or until the squash is golden and the onions are caramelized. Remove the garlic skins and thyme sprigs.
7. In a blender, combine the roasted vegetables and heavy cream. Blend until smooth, adjusting the consistency with more cream or water if necessary. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Remove the sausage from its casing, roll it into small meatballs, and cook them until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat, but leave a small amount in the skillet for added flavor.
9. Add the chopped sage leaves to the skillet with the sausage and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in 1 cup of the butternut squash sauce (or more, if desired) and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Gently toss the cooked gnocchi in the sauce, making sure each piece is well-coated. Heat everything through for 1 minute.
10. Plate the gnocchi with sausage and the rich butternut squash sauce. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional chopped sage if desired. Enjoy this delicious dish!