Potato Gnocchi Mac & Cheese with Roasted Cayenne Hot Pepper

The ultimate adult comfort food - Potato Gnocchi Mac & Cheese with a twist of Roasted Cayenne Pepper heat!

I love this quick potato gnocchi recipe, since I rarely have the patience to prepare traditional gnocchi. I really enjoyed this gluten-free comfort food recipe with a hint of heat. It is important to use a mild-tasting gluten-free flour and add the nutmeg, to mask the strong taste many gluten-free flours have.

Quick Potato Gnocchi

Ingredients:

·1 cup instant mashed potato flakes

·1 cup hot water

·1 egg

·½ tsp salt

·1 cup mild-tasting gluten-free flour, plus more for dusting (I used an all-purpose GF mix without xanthan gum)

·½ TBS ground nutmeg

Directions:

In a medium bowl, stir together potato flakes and hot water. Let well-blended mixture cool for approximately 5 minutes. Stir in egg, salt, and nutmeg. Gradually blend in enough flour to make a stiff dough. Divide dough and roll out dough into long, thin cylinders on a well-floured board. With a floured knife, cut dough into bite-size pieces. Place gnocchi in boiling water, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. When the gnocchi rise to the top of the pot, remove them with a slotted spoon. Continue, if needed, until are gnocchi are cooked.

Saucepan Mac & Cheese Sauce with Roasted Cayenne Hot Pepper

Ingredients:

·1 fresh cayenne/hot pepper hybrid
·2 TBS water
·1 medium onion, chopped
·2 TBS butter
·2 TBS all-purpose GF flour
·2 cracks of fresh ground pepper
·2 cups skim milk
·2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Chop fresh cayenne pepper lengthwise into a 3-4 pieces, and roast in a dish under the broiler. Once the cayenne pepper begins to blacken, remove from oven and let cool.

In a medium saucepan, melt butter and add onion. Cook onion until tender and translucent. Stir in gluten-free flour, pepper, and milk. Cook over medium heat until slightly thickened and bubbly. Add cheese, stirring until melted.

In a blender or food processor, puree roasted cayenne pepper with about 2 TBS of water. Stir cayenne pepper puree into cheese sauce.

Pour cheese sauce over cooked gnocchi; stirring gently to coat gnocchi with sauce.

I've also shared this recipe on: Seasonal Sunday