When I was a kid I hated pumpkin, I’d go to all sorts of lengths to not eat it including convincing my parents that even the smell of an uncut, uncooked pumpkin made me feel sick. Pumpkin was definitely off the menu for little Anna that’s for sure, I’d sit there watching my brother having to eat it with a smirk on my face wondering why he didn’t work a bit harder on the ‘allergic to the smell’ story.
I’m a little ashamed to say that pumpkin was still on my hit list of ‘foods the planet could do without’ right up until I became a chef & y’all know what happens if one of your fellow chefs find out you hate a food don’t you? Lets just say becoming a chef takes all the precious out of you & we’ll leave it at that OK!
But now days, thanks to ‘the pumpkin initiation program‘, I love pumpkin & I’d seriously give Bubba Gump a run for his money with my culinary pumpkin knowledge; …..there’s pumpkin bread, pumpkin scones, pumpkin pie, caramelized pumpkin salad, pumpkin mash, pumpkin smash, pumpkin pasta, pumpkin risotto & my new love, pumpkin gnocchi.
I made pumpkin gnocchi for our weekly family get together & also where I was reminded of my infamous affair with the good old pumpkin (as if I could forget). I do believe this could be a new favorite of mine; the sweetness of the pumpkin & the earthy spiciness of nutmeg match perfectly, the lovely big rustic gnocchi dumplings are soft & fluffy & work perfectly with thyme leaves very lightly fried in butter & freshly grated parmesan.
Pumpkin Gnocchi
750g Pumpkin, peeled and chopped
2 tablespoons Butter
1 ¼ cups Plain Flour
Pinch of Nutmeg
1 Egg Yolk
Seasoning – Cracked Black Pepper & Salt
Thyme Butter
125g Butter
2 tablespoons Thyme Leaves
Parmesan Cheese Shavings
Seasoning – Cracked Black Pepper & Salt
Gnocchi is so simple, here’s what you do! Steam cook pumpkin until soft, drain & puree in a food processor or press pumpkin through a sieve.
Return pumpkin to saucepan and then add butter. Cook, stirring over low heat until pumpkin has thickened and dried out considerably.
Remove pan from heat & stir through the flour, egg yolk & seasoning.
.
Now the mixture should be a soft dough & ready for a little kneading.
If the dough is still too wet, add a little more flour & knead in, but not too much OK – you don’t want these gorgeous little babies to be all floury & tough!
Now, roll tablespoons of mixture in the palm of your hand to form a flat disk & then press with a fork on one side to indent.
Cool huh? Â Your going to love pumpkin gnocchi – I could write poems about pumpkin gnocchi!
Now your ready to make the yummy sauce, so place butter (yes, I said butter) & thyme in a saucepan over low heat & simmer until golden – only takes a couple of minutes.
Take a whiff of that delicate thyme doing its thing in the hot melting butter.
We’re nearly done. Â Excited yet?
Now comes the grand finale – its time to cook our little baby gnocchi just a few at a time in a saucepan of boiling water until they rise to the surface of the water, that’s how they tell you they’re ready to come out of their boiling bath, so keep an eye on them OK!
Just like this! Cute aren’t they?
Now, its time to serve.  Top your gnocchi with the fragrant thyme butter sauce & a few shavings of  parmesan, a grind or two of black pepper & we’re good to go.  Serve straight away!
So my lovelies, what foods have you fallen in love with as an adult that were on your childhood ‘hit list’?
Meet Anna
Contact
100 Comments and Pings on PUMPKIN GNOCCHI WITH THYME BUTTER
Ooooh yum! I love pumpkin. This looks SO delicious, Anna. I loved your pumpkin story. Very clever, working the ‘allergic to the smell’ excuse
I used to hate avocado, which I now love.
Heidi xo
.-= Heidi – Apples Under My Bed´s last blog ..Toast- Tea and Twitter =-.
Thanks Heidi
I’m not sure when Avocado became a fave but it used to be on ‘the list’ but I think my brother introduced me to avocado on toast with melted swiss cheese and I was a gonna 
How things change huh. Have an awesome week Heidi 
Brussels sprouts! Can’t get enough of the blighters these days. Would definitely be game to give gnocchi more of a go too… never had it growing up because my mum is allergic to wheat! Love the gorgeous plating in your first photo too. Beautiful flowers!
.-= Hannah´s last blog ..Single-Serving Maple Cornmeal Cake For My Blogiversary =-.
Thanks Hannah
Unfortunately Brussel Sprouts are still on my hit list……, although I may be converting because I saw an awesome recipe where there was butter involved (of course.., we all knew that would sway me) and bacon (if you can’t have butter then at least there’s bacon right) & it looked pretty tempting. I’m working up to giving it a go. I’m very inspired your a convert, so do share you brussels sprouts recipes OK – we can all clearly see what happens when I become a convert 
That is some sexy looking Gnochi there. Pumkin Gnocchi can be tricky to make. Really love the picture to show the steps. Really helps.
Wanna try your recipe real soon.
Well done.
Awwhhh, thanks Chef Nizz. Let me know how you go with the recipe OK
I hated pumpkin, cabbage and cooked beans – now I love them. I like the look of the pumpkin gnocci. I’ll try that soon. Did you know that gnocci means lumps?
.-= Debra Kolkka´s last blog ..Spring at Curly Flat =-.
I didn’t know it meant ‘lumps’…., but that’s what they are Deb….., lumps of yummy pumpkinie orange goodness, so glad I got over my pumpkin preciousness.
Beans!! I used to hate beans and now I can’t get enough of them.
Your gnocchi looks perfectly done. I love the Thyme butter sauce as well. I can almost taste how delicious this dish is!
.-= Julie M.´s last blog ..Slow Cooker Minestrone with an Indian Kick =-.
Oh it was gooooood Julie
The thyme sauce was the crowning glory for sure.
I like pumpkin and I enjoy making potato gnocchi at home. I must give this pumpkin version a try. Sounds and looks delicious and the buttery sauce… yum.
Yeah, the butter sauce is the crowning glory on these little babies Michael. Give ‘em a go & let me know how it turns out OK
Love how you simplified and showed us how you put this delicious meal together. By the looks of the ingredients listed…it must have tasted heavenly.
To answer your question Anna…when I was a child I couldn’t stand fish…and now I have it 3 times a week ;o)
Ciao for now and have a great week,
Claudia
.-= FOODESSA´s last blog ..Chocolate CRANBERRY Cointreau cake =-.
Thanks Claudia, I really appreciate that as I think your one of the Queens of presentation
Aaahhh yes, fish – I can imagine that might have been challenging for a kid….., I used to hate touching raw fish (I know, I know… how on earth did I ever become a chef right) 
Made my first potato gnocchi today but it doesn’t turns out to be what it should looks like after the boiling bath – it’s rough & mushy.. Not sure what goes wrong with it… Although not all of them turns bad looking
Keep at it Johnson, it sounds like you didn’t reduce enough moisture out of the puree in the first steps before adding the flour etc. Let me know how you go with it when you try again. Cheers Anna
Your pumpkin gnocchi look really wonderful! So good with the thyme butter sauce, yum!
Absolutely Natasha, its a simple dish but ever so elegant & just a little bit classy
I’m so glad you like pumpkin now! Yay! This looks fantastic, Anna! As if pumpkin gnocchi wasn’t amazing enough, the addition of thyme butter takes it over the top! *Sigh* Love.
I used to hate brussels sprouts, but I can deal with them now…not my favorite, but I will eat them.
.-= Faith´s last blog ..Chicken Paillard With Celery Root Puree- Mixed Salad Greens- and Goat Cheese Mornay =-.
Too true Faith
Isn’t thyme butter sauce THE best, aaahh the fragrance as it cooks…. think I’m seriously in love with this dish. Me? Brussels sprouts….. not so much still, but don’t tell anyone, think I’m still a little scarred over the pumpkin initiation program and not quite up for a brussels sprouts program just yet 
I’ve send this page to my fb friends. Keep this good work, your a chef too, respect to you
Thanks Robert, appreciate the plug
Your also a chef Robert?
ANNNNNNNA ANNA! I cannot tell you how thankful I am for the detail in this post. Gnocchi have NOT been easy for me to make but this has given me new found faith and I am going to make these as I LOVE PUMPKIN and either sage or thyme butter would be great… not so easy to find either fresh around here this time of year, but it is possible. I bow to you. I thank you and I truly appreciate this little lesson today.
I am pumped!
Big hug,
Valerie
.-= A Canadian Foodie´s last blog ..Our Traditional Family Christmas Cookies- My First Guest Post! =-.
Woot Woot! I’m pumped for you too Val, I can imagine you’ll be throwing a gnocchi party for 50 of your closest buddies soon. Your amazing energy totally inspires me girlfriend & I too have enjoyed & learned heaps from your incredibly thorough articles. Glad the gnocchi tute makes this little dish a bit more approachable. Good luck & let me know how you go!
Oh boy…those look good, but the last time I tried my hand at gnocchi, it was a disaster!!!! Your instructions and photos are great though…maybe I’ll try one more time
.-= Margaret Murphy Tripp´s last blog ..Challah Bread =-.
Yep, Gnocchi has a bit of a bad rep thats true but the truth is the only things you’ve got to watch out for is ‘over low heat stir the pumpkin puree until its got very little excess moisture in it’ and then when your kneading in the flour make sure you absolutely don’t overdo the flour! You get those 2 things in the right balance & your good to go. Good luck with it Margaret and let me know how it turns out.
I have pumpkin puree in my fridge that must be consumed. I am copying this recipe for gnocchi and I will make them during the weekend. I love Italian food. Thanks Anna!
.-= Katerina´s last blog ..Gigantes or Elephant Beans Casserole- a Winner and an Award! =-.
Oh you must let me know how it turns out Katerina, as I had half a pumpkin that was on its last legs and the day before I made gnocchi I steamed the pumpkin & put it in the fridge thinking I’d find something to do with it…, so my whole dish was inspired by leftovers as well which is kinda cool considering gnocchi was invented in the first place as ‘peasant food’ (which I adore BTW) so its meant to be made from leftovers. Good stuff huh
Anna, I had never heard of pumpkin gnocchi until now. Pumpkin was never a big food source in our house. In fact, the very first time I had pumpkin anything was in high school when I finally bought my own pumpkin pie to try. I know, I live under a rock. I was blown away by it’s unique taste. I know I would love these pumpkin gnocchi. I’ll bet the thyme butter adds that special extra touch to this. Great recipe, Anna. Thank you for sharing.
.-= lequan´s last blog ..Quickies Noodle Challenge- Bun Rieu =-.
Your so welcome Lequan. I can imagine growing up with all those awesome Asian foods like you did that pumpkin wouldn’t have been on the menu at all. Well done for venturing out of your taste comfort zone with the Pumpkin Pie. Thats a good story Lequan, some of my Asian chef buddies have spoken to me about tasting ‘foreign’ textures & our more western foods & its hilarious to hear their reactions to some of our foods (not always good either)!!! Glad you like the gnocchi my friend & the thyme butter is without a doubt ‘the business’
Pumpkin gnocchi are darn cute Anna and thyme butter just glorious…am in love!…let me know when u write a poem will do some contribution. Though am not chef but still i sometime feel ashamed saying no i don’t eat that, am still picky, but trying to get of that hard core shell
.-= Ananda Rajashekar´s last blog ..A Mini Flashback – Garlic Masoor dhal and Okra fry =-.
Ohhh I know all about being a picky eater Ananda
in fact I was such a picky eater that when I announced I wanted to be Chef my parents just about died laughing because I wouldn’t even touch raw meat 
But., things change and now I’ll try almost anything just so I can educate my palate to mature & I’ve found much to my surprise that by tasting everything a whole new world has opened up, its amazing 
Wow – they are some of the most perfect gnocchi I have ever seen! Great job!!
.-= Lisa (bakebikeblog)´s last blog ..Will run in the rain for tofu =-.
Thanks Lisa
They did come out OK I agree!
Gorgeous gnocchi, and I LOVE the thyme butter. I can smell these lovelies from here! – S
.-= Oui, Chef´s last blog ..Cranberry Bread Pudding with Pumpkin Creme Anglaise =-.
Oh yes indeedy Steve, thyme butter has absolutely got it all going on & made the gnocchi
Gnocchi is my favorite food Anna, these look delicious!! I used to hate marmite, beetroot and chai tea but now I love them all. Our tastes definitely change the older we get. Thanks for the delicious photos!
.-= Loll´s last blog ..November Daring Baker’s challenge – crostata! =-.
Your welcome Loll, Gnocchi is a fave of mine too. Hey, have you tried making beetroot gnocchi…., I’ve been thinking of trying it, what do you think?
I agree our tastes to most definatly change as we mature.
So pretty that gnocchi is, Anna! That top photo really makes me want a plate.
You know, it’s funny-my Cauldron Boy was asking me about gnocchi the other day. His face had that look of longing on it. Like he was trying to hint at something without asking. I might try pumpkin gnocchi. Yours looks too pretty not to (smile)…
.-= Stella´s last blog ..Winter Vegetable Soup =-.
Oh yes, have a crack at it Stella, its one pretty dish for sure. Your Cauldron Boy sounds like he just might have been hinting huh (too funny). We had a lovely outdoor meal & that top photo looked cool I agree with the late afternoon shadows. Have an awesome week Stella
Sweet or savory, pumpkin is a lovely thing. And, your gnocchi look fantastic. The thyme butter sounds delicious with them!
.-= lisaiscooking´s last blog ..Butternut Squash and Cheddar Bread Pudding =-.
Thanks Lisa & your so right, pumpkin lends itself beautifully to sweet & savoury
I really love your blog! I’ve bookmarked it so that I can come back & read more in the future.
Wow thanks
I really REALLY like your shoes 
Oh my gosh, you won’t believe this, i was talking to my office colleague about the process of making gnocchi this morning! And now you have posted a recipe for it, thank you, thank you!!
Hey Priyanka…, isn’t it fun when something or a recipe is on your mind and someone writes about it like this …. so cool! Glad I answered your need for gnocchi through the Universe
Yum, yum, you inspire me to be more creative in the kitchen.
What I love best about you is the stories you tell. That’s the connection, always. Food comes second. You’re the star here
Tricia x
.-= Tricia Karp´s last blog ..Pink Suit for a Blue Day- An Interview with Grace Knight =-.
Tricia – you bring out the ‘Awhhh shucks’ side of me. Thank you so much for such a wonderful compliment, I’m really touched by your words
Anna two things you seemed to have lightly skipped over. 1/ The pumpkin initiation programme- what did they do to your poor girl?! and 2/ pumpkin gnocchi poems, I would love to hear one
Looks delicious.
.-= cityhippyfarmgirl´s last blog ..bees and honey =-.
Aaahhh yes, the pumpkin initiation program…, well, truth is Brydie that chefs are pretty full on…. & I think my que is to say ‘what happens in the kitchen stays in the kitchen’
But the poet in me does stir somewhat with some of my fave foods…, but think that also probably should come in under the kitchen rule too (I’m think I’m the equivalent of someone who sings in the shower …. teeeheeee 
Hehe I have to say that I don’t much like the smell of raw pumpkin but I’ve always loved it cooked! This sounds delicious Anna and i’m glad that you changed your mind about it
I LOVE pumpkin gnocchi and make a version that is pan fried with brown butter sage sauce – heaven!
.-= Mardi@eatlivetravelwrite´s last blog ..French Fridays with Dorie- Sweet and spicy cocktail nuts =-.
Yum, brown butter sage sauce sounds amazing, I’d love to try that as well
I truly believe that for every food you (generally speaking) don’t like, there’s at least one recipe/dish out there that will change your mind. I still haven’t found one to change my stance on mushrooms but I’m working on it…
This gnocchi looks amazing! Sweet pumpkin is great but savory pumpkin is even better.
I think your spot on there Ali (as the pumpkin initiation program proved !!!); I’m now actually quite a fan of the old pumpkin.
I love potato gnocchi, but I have not tried pumpkin gnocchi. Sound and looks delicious too. I can’t wait to try it. I think basil was an herb that I did not like when I was a kid. Now I cannot get enough of it. You inspire me to work towards my dreams with your enthusiasm and passion. Thanks for sharing. Teresa
Wow…, thanks so much for your lovely words of praise Teresa, I’m so pleased your enjoying the posts
You’ve come a long way with the pumpkin, Anna:) Your gnocchi looks WONDERFUL, especially with that thyme butter! When I was a kid, I was a very picky eater, so the list is long, but avocado first pops into my mind. I wouldn’t even try it, but now I can grab one and eat it plain:)
Thanks Sue
Thyme butter just made this dish for sure. Not sure if I could down a whole unadulterated Avocado plain but dress it up a bit with a little lime or some yummy cheese & its got my name written all over it 
I’ve never been a huge fan of gnocchi but I must say that this may just change my mind! I’ve also never cooked with pumpkin before but I think it’s time to remedy that. This looks irresistable!
Its not bad at all Ameena, you’ve gotta wet your pumpkin wings girlfriend
Maya & Ali will be blown away when you serve them up this dish 
I’m linking my mum to this post!! She is obsessed with pumpkin (and tupperware but thats another story!) This sounds like a great summer lunch menu, dining alfresco of course!
.-= Jennifer Richardson´s last blog ..Thanksgiving – The Goods =-.
Oh yes definitely alfresco Jennifer
It went well with a nice light white – lovin’ the summer weather coming on.
Everything we ate as kids was cooked to the nth degree. I have slowly worked my way up to medium steak. I can also eat beef tartare! Gnocchi looks great Anna!
.-= InTolerantChef´s last blog ..Crumpets =-.
Lucky for me my Mom was a great cook so we rarely ate foods that weren’t tasty, but Ughhh (double Uughhh even) when we ate at Grams…., that woman could do very mean things to lovely fresh vegetables, so I do relate
Pretty impressed your into the beef tartare Chef 
Deeeelicious!! I’ve never had pumpkin gnocchi, but the lightly fried thyme in the butter sauce is to DIE FOR!!!
I was so picky growing up, but special hatreds were of olives and mushrooms. I have since discovered Kalamata olives and adore them! Alas, I have not befriended mushrooms. Maybe one day. 
Ohhh, you’ve gotta get friends with the ‘shrooms’ Krista
This post makes me want to veganise it and eat it right away. Wow i have never been a fan of any kind of gnocchi but this recipe looks divine.
Things I hated as a kid but LOVE now are peanuts, olives, onions (in small amounts) and avocado. Weird how our tastes change but I guess those things I have mentioned are for the more mature palate of course
.-= GirlonRaw´s last blog ..Fattouch Salad =-.
Hey there Robyn. Great to connect with you, ABSOLUTELY…, this pumpkin gnocchi would lend itself to be veganised for sure. I’ve loved your fab site girlfriend.., look forward to learning much more about your wonderful ‘raw’ foods.
Yummo this looks so good. I LOVE pumpkin and I have tried pumpkin gnocchi before, yours looks perfect.
.-= Linda V @ Bubble and Sweet´s last blog ..Pink Glamour Girl Birthday Party – Real Party =-.
Thanks Linda, it sure was good
that looks amazing~!
Thanks Jess
Happy to see you back.
Waw, Anna!! What a georgous, stunning & festive meal!!
I love all of the fine flavours you have used in here!
.-= Sophie´s last blog ..Vegetarian romanesco pasta all spiced up! =-.
Thanks Sophie, it did taste might fine for sure
Thank you Anna for sharing this, I have been looking for a pumpkin Gnocchi recipe!!
I will definitely be making this
.-= Susan: My Food Obsession´s last blog ..Ferrero Raffaello Clone =-.
Excellent Susan
Hope you enjoy making this little dish, we loved it 
what a beautiful dish, and I love gnocchi. Thanks for sharing.
Oh…, your so welcome. I love gnocchi too, especially pumpkin gnocchi, its so simple & an elegant dish in itself all the same.
Anna, what a stunning recipe – I love the butter sauce but then I’m partial to anything with fresh thyme. Love the sweetness in the pumpkin and the complimenting sauce
.-= Kitchen Butterfly´s last blog ..Apple and Fresh Hazelnut Cake =-.
Mmm, I loooove the thyme sauce, all the simple flavours works so well with this dish, glad your liking it Oz
A similar recipe has been on my “To Cook List FOREVER”! Could you please come and prep it for us? I have never prepared Gnocchi and it worries me a little bit.
I love your pictures that will help me along. Thanks so much! Kirsten
.-= My Kitchen in the Rockies´s last blog ..Blue Cheese Pear Quiche =-.
Hey Kirsten
This recipe was actually sitting around for ages for me too but I’m glad I reacquainted myself with it, it tasted wonderful 
Give it a go and let me know how you go then OK?
i LOVE LOVE gnocchi… and i LOOOOVE pumpkin. surprisingly, i’ve never had pumpkin gnocchi! i must try this! VERY SOON!
.-= boogie´s last blog ..Raisels Holiday Bark =-.
Go for it Boogie…, you’ll love it for sure
Oh I know what I do with my last portion of the pumpkin. Brilliants idea. Good blog. Regards
Thanks Gosia
Pumpkin ghocchi is just the thing to use up that last bit of pumpkin for sure. Enjoy 
Two different continents, and we’re both blogging pumpkin gnocchi! Thanks for checking out my blog, Anna, and introducing yourself. I also tried using butternut squash, and you really have to dry that out; it has more moisture than the pumpkin. But I’ve cheated and used canned pumpkin, and I added a bit of buckwheat flour to the last batch. I’m playing with all sorts of gnocchi these days, as there are so many different versions in Northern Italy, and as I continue to study the food there for our Italiaoutdoors culinary bike and ski tours I am amazed by the variety. Spinach, kale, bread crumbs, and flours like buckwheat and chickpea, flavored with pancetta, cheese, herbs…although I might wait on the spleen flavored ones! Love the pictures of the steps, very helpful.
.-= kathy bechtel´s last blog ..Gnocchi Class- Part II =-.
Hey there Kathy
Great to connect with you Chef 
Yes, amazing huh…., 2 different continents both blogging about good old pumpkin gnocchi. I’m loving the flavours of Northern Italy & what a great gig you’ve got there huh. I really look forward to your posts & the awesome foods your getting into (Italian food & I have been seriously in love for many a good moon).
oh that looks delicious! I love pumpkin, especially roasted in a salad with rocket and fetta. I never used to eat beans when I was growing up, as my parents didn’t like them. Actually both my parents hate beetroot, but my sister and I love it.
.-= Susan´s last blog ..Choc Chip Cookies =-.
Thanks Susan
Its funny how we somehow get influenced by other peoples likes and dislikes isn’t it but when we try them we think ‘where have you been all my life’ 
I hated green beans, nowadays i eat them if i have, it’s still not a pleasure.
I love your pumpkin gnocchi, well I love everything pumpkin and squash.
thanks for sharing
hope you’ll have a wonderful weekend
.-= Green Girl @ A little bit of everything´s last blog ..Brussels Sprouts au Gratin and Green Vegetable Soup =-.
Thanks Gringarl
mmm gnocchi! I’ve been so tempted to try it… but pumpkin! That sounds awesome.
Oh it so is Frankie
Go try it and let me know what you think OK 
I have been dreaming of this gnocchi since I first saw the recipe. I have a pumpkin coming in my organic delivery this week, and I will try out this recipe on boxing day. Can’t wait!
.-= A Cajun Down Under´s last blog ..Take Two =-.
We’re having Pumpkin Gnocchi again over the holidays too. Everyone goes nuts about it here too. Hope you love making it too.
This recipe just popped up on your home page. Basically, this is everything I could ever dream of in a dish! Gnocchi… my favorite pasta from Italy. Pumpkin… my favorite vegetable to work with. Thyme… maybe my fav ingredient(except basil
)
goodeatsbykmuir recently posted..Daily Dose 3-30-11
Wow…, you clicked on my cool little slideshow & found this recipe. Awesome Kristen
Yes, its a favourite in my house too, its stunning to look at this dish & I’m with you on the Thyme butter flavours on pumpkin – magical taste sensations in each mouthful 
RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URL
This entry was posted on Thursday, December 2nd, 2010 at 9:48 pm and is filed under Family Dinner, Recipes, Vegetarian. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.