Potato Gnocchi with Pesto

Boil the potatoes whole, unpeeled, in plenty of water until they're soft in the center. Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part: it should go in without resistance. Drain them while still hot, so the flesh stays dry and easy to work with.

Peel the potatoes while they're still hot, being careful not to burn yourself, then immediately pass them through a potato ricer. Collect the pulp on the work surface and distribute it evenly, letting the steam escape: the consistency should be soft, without lumps and not moist on the surface.

Add the white flour, salt, and egg yolk to the potato. Knead with quick, regular movements until the mixture is smooth. a mixture Smooth and malleable. Stop as soon as the dough comes together: it should be soft, compact, and not excessively sticky.

Divide the dough into portions and, on the work surfaceRoll them with your palms to obtain long sticks of uniform thickness. Work gently, without compressing the mass too much, so the structure remains light. The cylinders must be regular and firm enough to be cut without deforming.

Cut the sticks into small cube-sized pieces. Keep the cut even to ensure even cooking. Arrange the gnocchi on the baking sheet. work surface without overlapping them, leaving space between one piece and another to prevent them from sticking together.

Press each piece with your thumb and slide it over the work surface, until it resembles a small chip. Press evenly: the gnocchi should be slightly hollowed out and thin, but not break.

Bring to a boil Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the gnocchi a few at a time. Keep the water at a steady boil and cook until the gnocchi are tender; when they're tender, remove them with a slotted spoon. Let them drain well so the residual water doesn't dilute the sauce.

Transfer the well-drained gnocchi to the sauce and toss with the pesto. Toss gently to distribute it without breaking the pasta. Serve while still hot, with the pesto clinging to the surface and a smooth, even texture.