Autumn is the season of warm colors, falling leaves, and rich flavors that warm both the heart and the kitchen. It’s the perfect time to rediscover delicious pairings that celebrate the gifts of the earth, like mushrooms, which are the undisputed stars of this season’s tables.
The recipe we’re sharing combines the sweetness of purple potatoes, the creaminess of aged Montasio, and the delicate flavor of pioppini mushrooms. A mix of textures and flavors that will make your dish truly special.
To prepare the violet potato gnocchi with montasio cheese fondue and roast pioppini, you will need (for 4 people):
- 500 g purple potatoes
- 1 egg
- 100 g 00 flour
- 500 ml cream
- 200 g aged Montasio
- 150 g pioppini mushrooms
- 50 g butter
- fresh thyme
- nutmeg
- salt
- pepper
First, cook the purple potatoes in their skins, boiling or steaming them to retain their nutrients. Once ready, peel and mash them while they are still hot, then add flour, egg, a pinch of salt and grated nutmeg. Knead the mixture until soft but firm.
Divide the dough into portions, form long cylinders and cut them into pieces to shape the gnocchi. If you want, pass them over a spatula to create the typical grooves, perfect for scooping up the fondue.
Now let’s move on to preparing the fondue. Pour the cream into a small saucepan and reduce it by one third over a gentle heat. Add the grated mature Montasio cheese and, using an immersion blender, blend until a smooth, silky cream is obtained. Adjust the salt and season with a light dusting of white pepper for a spicy touch.
Next, clean the pioppini mushrooms and brown them in a frying pan with butter, a pinch of salt and fresh thyme. Cook them until golden and fragrant, allowing them to release all their autumnal aroma.
Once the fondue and mushrooms are ready, you can cook the gnocchi in plenty of salted water and when they come to the surface, drain them gently. Spread a layer of Montasio fondue on each plate, place the gnocchi on top and garnish with roasted pioppini mushrooms and a few fresh thyme leaves.
A perfect dish to celebrate autumn in all its glory. The delicate flavour of the gnocchi blends perfectly with the creaminess of the Montasio cheese, while the pioppini mushrooms add an earthy, enveloping note. A dish that combines taste, colour and nutrition, perfect for a rich lunch or a convivial dinner with loved ones.
Be inspired by the flavours of the season and bring all the warmth of autumn to the table!
