Now that we’re reaching the final stages of Masterchef Australia it’s getting both exciting and sad. Sad because I know that there will be a gaping hole at 7pm where I used to rush to make dinner so that we could eat it while watching Masterchef (we tried eating dinner earlier but we’d just get hungry again at 7pm) and exciting because I want to know who will win.
I decided to make this, not for any allegiance to the ousted contestant Andre but because I had chestnut flour in my cupboard that remained untouched for some time. I tend to buy things on the premise that they’re unusual and therefore I’m unlikely to encounter them again but they end up filling my cupboards. I have to admit, Andre was not my favourite contestant. I didn’t understand his complete blindness to other cuisines apart from Italian and his seeming ineptitude at producing anything that wasn’t of Italian extraction. And oddly enough, Italian food didn’t always love him back. Case in point: his strawberry risotto. He’d provide a chuckle or two though and I recall his remark about meeting chef Emmanuel Stroobant. “I knew he was hard core and when he was standing next to me, I felt him draining my power”. As reality raver said, this was not a comment from a 4 year old boy or Superman and it appeared spoken in complete earnestness.
Although it was panned for its retro presentation, Andre’s chestnut gnocchi dish got a good review for taste but sadly there was no recipe on the Masterchef website so I set about trying to make my own. I had to give it a few tries as this was my first go at making chestnut gnocchi.
The resulting gnocchi is gorgeous – lightly smoky with the unmistakable flavour of chestnuts. The colour of it is a light grey brown which I have to admit isn’t the most photogenic shade, particularly when paired with a cream sauce. However, all fears are allayed once you taste it. The gnocchi is delicate and given a sweet punctuation with the addition of roasted chestnuts and a dash of saltiness from the reggiano. I would have loved to have carried the chestnut theme with some chestnut mushrooms but the local store was out of them. The gnocchi is also very versatile and I’ve since fried the cooked, cold gnocchi the day after along with some Italian sausage and a drizzle of chili oil and it’s the perfect 10 minute dinner.
As for that yawning hole at 7pm what else do we have to do? Might I suggest either making some recipes or adopting an obsure hobby like falconry, re-anacting wars (why anyone would want to do this is beyond me), bug racing, collecting rope, duct tape art or my personal favourite, collecting Halloween decorations.
So tell me Dear Reader, now that Justine is out, who do you think will win Masterchef? Chris, Julie or Poh? And who do you want to win out of the three?
Chestnut Gnocchi
An Original Recipe by Not Quite Nigella
Serves 4 as a main or 6 as an entree
Gnocchi:
- 1kg potatoes
- 1/2 cup chestnut flour
- 2 cups plain all purpose flour plus 1/4 cup extra for dusting and rolling
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 egg
Sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon oil for frying
- 1/4 onion sliced
- 1-2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 400ml cream (sorry yes but I promise it’s good!)
- 30g reggiano cheese grated
- 200g vaccum packed chestnuts (I found a packet of these in an asian grocery store)
- Salt and pepper
To decorate
- 35g reggiano cheese grated
- baking tray lined with
1. Steam potatoes until soft and mash and remove skin using a ricer. This should yield about 700grams of mashed potato. Cool.
2. In a bowl, whisk flours and ground nutmeg together until all lumps are removed and they are well combined.
3. On a clean surface, sprinkle a little flour and make a volcano shape with the potato and place the egg in the middle. Sprinkle flour over in 2-3 batches and knead for a few minutes until it has come together. Sprinkle with a little more flour on top and under and rest for 15 minutes.
4. Cut into 5-6 pieces and roll each pieces into a thin, rope shape about 1.5-2cms in diameter. Cut into smaller pieces about 2.5 cms/1inch long with a floured cutter and place on a lightly floured tray until you need to cook them, perferably within 30-60 minutes. They will get rather moist even with a dusting of flour on the top so if need to wait a while I’d suggest freezing them.
5. Make the parmesan crisps. In a 200C/400F oven, place 4-6 piles of the grated cheese in circles and bake for 3-5 minutes until melted. Cool.
6. Put a large pot of water to boil and salt it. Carefully drop the gnocchi into the boiling water and allow to cook until it floats to the top. Remove with a slotted spoon.
7. Meanwhile fry onions and garlic in the oil in a small saucepan until onions are translucent and then add cream and simmer and then add cheese and stir. Pick out the broken chestnut pieces and add those to the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. When the gnocchi is cooked and drained, simmer in the sauce briefly and spoon on a plate. Top with whole chestnuts and cooled parmesan crisp.
If you enjoyed this post, why not share it with your friends?
What is NQN up to now?
NQN on Facebook
RSS
63 Comments | Add your own
I actually think that the color of these gnocchi is very photogenic. It actually matches your site perfectly with all of the shades of brown. Beautiful dish!
I can’t believe Masterchef is almost about to finish, too! In a way I want Poh to win as she takes more risks and chances. I love her creative ideas. I guess we’ll soon see who it is! 90 minutes tonight…..
What beautiful looking gnocchi, Lorraine! I must admit, I started out hating Masterchef – format, editting, everything-else-wise, but have since become hooked. Thank goodness it’s almost over, so that I can claim a bit of my life back
I do think it will be between Poh and Chris,although Sadly I’d like it to be between Chris and Julie.
I think Chris will win (famous last words!)
Wow, these gnocchi sound fantastic! I have to overcome my fear and attempt gnocchi some time soon.
What a delicious looking dish! I love chestnuts! A recipe to try when the weather gets cooler!
Cheers,
Rosa
You so HAVE to try out for MasterChef next year. You would KILL THEM ALL, culinarily speaking. And you’re so pretty and it would be fantastic!!!
Looks delicious!!!
I hope Poh or Julie win
I think Chris will win, but I want Poh to be the winner – she’s so devious, I love it. If Julie wins I might just have to go to a quiet corner and lie down in a foetal position for a while.
Looks delicious Lorraine! Is it bad that I think I could eat those parmesan crisps by the handful? I will be so lost at 7pm after masterchef wraps up
Haha at Andre’s strawberry risotto-”Because I like you Andre, I swallowed it”
I have no input on the Masterchef subject, being American, but chestnut gnocchi sounds great! I have a little bit of chestnut flour left over from previous exploits and I think it’s found its destiny in this dish!
LOL @ bug racing. Oh Lorraine, you made me utter a loud, but quick, laugh in my office cubicle while everyone’s silently hammering on their keyboards. Haha that made my day.
Oh and chestnut flour? Where do you buy all these quirky and interesting ingredients?
I’m sad Justine is out as I was barracking for her. Am not a huge fan of Poh, Chris or Julie but at a push think I’ll go for Chris. Looking forward to the remaining shows!
This looks great. I love gnocchi! Save some for me.
Oh how I hope Poh wins!
Andre wasn’t my favorite either, how can you only have your blinkers on for Italian food?
I can’t believe Chris is 41 years old!! I only found that out last night
I tend to buy things like that I prob wouldn’t find again either! haha
x
MasterChef has been a huge success,as a family have thoroughly enjoyed it. I don’t want Chris to win,I don’t think Poh because she has had a second chance,Julie is just a cook and will not ever be a chef. Justine has now a great opportunity to work with one of the headliners, good luck to her.
I am not a fan of gnocchi, and the colour as you say is not appealing.
Love the web site.
I have always wanted to try falconry but it would be much better with owls. What is that called? Owlery?
I’ll definitely be making that! Thanks for the recipe. But I want to know – where do you buy good italian sausage to use with the lefovers?
I don’t care whether it is julie or poh, just please, let it not be chris!!!
I want the recipe of that choc cake for sure!
looks delish!!
i think chris will win! he seems to know what hes doing
The end of Masterchef will leave a hole in our house too. Recorded the wrong channel last night and was devastated. Am sure they will be planning one for next year. Difficult to say who will win but probably Chris or Poh. Chris is sooooo smug though.
Yes – you should think about entering next year, imagine how many of us would be supporting you!
It’s funny but I’ve just put a post up about MC on my blog too! I agree, I don’t know what I’m going to do with my 7pms now. Might have to take up a hobby! Just like you said
Of the three, I’d like Poh to win. However I think her gift is as a pastry chef. With that being said, I think Chris might end up the winner. Did you see his Zumbo mousse cake!? It was perfection!
Never heard of chestnut gnocchi, it sounds and looks very interesting!
I know what you mean about the gaping hole left by the finale of Masterchef… thankfully in UK reruns of previous seasons (before I knew of the existence of the programme) are common, which is brilliant!
There is going to be a gaping hole in my nights!! Am very sad it is over. Justine was one of my favourites as well as Poh. Would love Poh to win but somehow I think the other contestants show a stronger calling to the kitchen than her.
I love chestnuts-cool recipe
I don’t know what we’ll do when MasterChef ends – maybe spend more time making a decent dinner, instead of throwing together a couple of things in time to watch the show. Can’t wait for the finale, though.
And your chestnut gnocchi are delightful. So clever of you to come up with the recipe. They give dorky Andre a run for his money!
Well done Lorraine, your Chestnut Gnocchi are a work of art, maybe you should try out for Masterchef next year as suggested.I’ve never tasted this flavour before but I love potato gnocchi with ragu, my mum makes the best on the planet!! Yes , our household was devastated last thing with Justine’s elimination and even though we don’t like Chris’ arrogance and confidence , he seems the most likely winner. We need to have the next series on air as soon as possible, as we’ll all be having withdrawal symptoms.
we don’t get masterchef here…so I’m kinda lost…hehe…but I’m sure it’s something I would be addicted to if it were here! and that chestnut gnocchi sounds delightful…I know exactly what you mean about buying ingredients that are a bit different/exotic and then never finding the right moment to use them
Wow! thanks for the receipe
Talking about Master Chef, im pretty sure Chris will have a massive chance of winning. Not that i like him in particular but hes always in the top 1, 2, 3. He knows what hes doing nd never really stuffed up anything.
I wouldnt really want Julie to win cause i dont think she deserved to be still in the comp, shes messy, shes only good a home style cooking which im sure many of us are capable of.
Ooh I have a packet of chestnut flour in my pantry bought with the same mindset as you. I will have to try this out…looks fantastic! My kids have become addicted to Masterchef – I got a detailed description from my six year old this morning in bed (since I was away interstate for work yesterday). Surprised to hear that Justine is out, I thought she was going to win for sure. I think I am going for Poh too…I love her evil laugh.
well well, what do i know, my two faves are in the finals (chris & julie – as written in your post asking who our faves are)..
but i really don’t think julie is good enough.. and now i don’t mind if Poh wins..
you never told us who you like to win
That looks like perfect winter food! It’s nice that you get a quick meal of leftovers from it too.
I’m going to be rather cranky if Chris wins. (I mean, we get it. You like hats. Move on.) I’m really rooting for Poh. I’ve never been this invested in a reality show before.
Also found the end of last night’s episode rather amusing – after Gary mentioned the five chefs who all wanted Justine to work for them, I though it was rather sneaky (but clever) for Matt Moran to pull the first in, best dressed card by nabbing her on her first night back home.
I didn’t know AU had their own version of the Masterchef! cool!
And chestnut gnocchi? Oh my goodness, you are pulling at my heartstrings, you KNOW I just LOVE gnocchi!
Thanks so much for the gnocchi recipe – they’re lovely and the way you described made me begin to Google chestnut flour. :}
Justine and Chris are my favorites. Yay to Justine for scoring a place with Matt Moran – her ticket is written! Whether Chris wins MC or not (although I hope he does!), I’m hunting down his beer pub!
great recipe, thanks…….Andre cooked walnut gnocchi didn’t he? Not chestnut?
You have rightfully so outdone yourself.. I am utterly impressed… I wonder if I can find Chestnut flour here? My goodness you made my two loves…ah… I am salivating.
Lovely chestnut gnocchi! I love this yummie recipe!
So original & delicious!
I watched Celebraty Masterchef 2009 on the BBC. I watch it every time! It is so excited!
Lorraine, you’ve got to promise us you’ll audition for Masterchef next year!
oh you are now making me want to seek out chestnut flour to add to my growing range of flours – these look great – I am looking forward to finding out who the winner is and to seeing their cookbook – I imagine that is why some of the best recipes aren’t on the web
I am the same way with unusual ingredients, I just have to have them! Now I know what to do with a sack of chestnut flour if I ever happen upon it.
I was just having a look on Facebook and I noticed that Adriano Zumbo doesn’t have a fan page! He should definitely set one up – the press coverage he’s had on MasterChef is priceless and he should capitalise on it. I’d be happy to help him out for product ….
I love your list of obscure hobbies.
When Andre made this on Masterchef I thought it was the ugliest dish I had ever seen.. But I think you’ve put a pretty impressive looking dish up that I’m going to have a crack at..
Little freaked by the amount of cream though!
My fingers are crossed for Julie to win, I love her!
i’m amazed chris is the one outed tonight when julie didn’t finish plating up… our 6 year old will be happy julie’s stayed though!
tonite’s result is rubbish. If the rule for the competition is you have to produce 3 plates in the allotted time how is it that julie gets through ? uncooked fish ( last nite) and tonite grainy flourless chocolate cake with nothing to go with it- can i have some dry crackers please ? the ugly duckling story might be good for ratings but are you going to spend $50 on buying a cook book where the recipes aren’t complete-I certainly wont be.
I’m so glad you made this – it looks great! I don’t know who will win now – Julie or Pooh….. hmmmm (I thought Chris was going to win after Justine and Julia left)
Hey chica just passing on the Kreative Blogger award to you! I know you already have this but another one won’t hurt!
as someone who’s never made gnocchi or worked with chestnut flour, i’m terribly impressed. but then again, i’m always terribly impressed with your work.
Beautiful, Lorraine!! I haven’t eaten chestnuts in ages, what a good idea…
PS: where did you get the gorgeous forks on your lead chestnut gnocchi picture? I love it.
I saw a strawberry risotto on Ben’s website not long ago that completely captivated me!
These gnocchi look outstanding. Apparently chestnut flour is the original ingredient fo the trofie that you’re supposed to eat pesto with. It makes the sauce stick better!
Wow..you are an artist, and this is a truly lovely dish! I can imagine how delicious the light smoky chesnut flavor is, especially when paired with the cream sauce!
Very very intersting dish! I wasn’t a big fan of Andre – and after last night’s debacle, I am losing my faith in Masterchef. The judging is hardly impartial and the fact that Julie could get through over Chris when she hasn’t completed her dishes for the past three nights…that’s just not on.
I have never seen chestnut flour before, but I guess you lewarn something new every day. Sounds delicious – I love buying the hot chestnuts from street vendors.
on behalf of all the mums out we want mumsy old julie 2 win masterchef xx and thanks 4 wonderful blog xx
chestnut gnocchi?! Very creative. Love the flavours!
Hi Akila -Aww thankyou! That’s such a nice thing to say!
Hi Julia-It’s so sad isn’t it! After its terrible start
Yes not long til we find out! 
Hi Y-Thankyou! Yep it was terrible at first wasn’t it! Haha yes I guess that’s the sensible way to look at it
Hi Liss-I thought Chris would be in the top 2 too so you’re not the only one!
Hi Lisa-Thankyou! Yes they’re easier than one would think as I found
Hi Rosa-Thankyou! Yes definitely one to try when it’s chestnut season
Hi SydneyGal-Hehe I’m very tempted! But I’m afraid of creative editing
Aww thankyou! 
Hi sandra-Thankyou! You were right on the money!
Hi Rose-Haha well she really came back after being ousted! Not long now-Sunday night!
Hi Steph-Thankyou!
I did! 
I made a few more just in case and just ate them 
LOL Yes I remember that quote-classic!
Hi anna-Thankyou so much! Hehe greta idea as it doesn’t require much!
Hi Trisha-Hehe sorry!
I bought it from Simon Johnson, where I tend to buy lots of those quirky and interesting ingredients 
Hi Rachel-Yes I really thought she’d win! It’s getting so exciting!
Hi JennyMac-Thankyou! Sure
Hi Iron Chef Shellie-Hey she might! I know, plus he wasn’t that great at it either
Hehe perhaps it’s the sign of a true foodie!
Hi Linda-It’s ahrd isn’t it. The top 3 or 2 are just not who I thought would be there.
Hi Emma-Hehe I love owls! They’re such peculiar, unusual creatures! Perhaps!
Hi Helen-You’re welcome!
YOu can buy them at continental delis and good butchers-or you could use any sausage that you like 
Hi Tara-Looks like you got your wish!
I think the recipe is up on the website although it seems like quite an ordeal to produce.
Hi Melissa-Thanks!
I thought he would too!
Hi sally-Oh no! I hate it when that happens!
hehe that would be great to get all that support indeed! 
Hi Einna-Hehe cool! It’s so unpredictable who will be eliminated-a bit too unpredictable for me! I wish previous challenges counted more!
Hi Su-yin -Thankyou!
Aha perhaps they’ll do that here?!
Hi Michelle-Hmmm interesting as she has that career as an artist too so I wonder which she’ll choose? Or both?
Hi Sweta-Thankyou!
Hi Belle-Hehe it’s lkike that isn’t it!
Thanks so much! Hehe I wonder what Matt might say about it? 
Hi Matilda-Thanks so much! I think ragu would have been delicious with this but I didn’t have the time. Yes therell be celebrity Masterchef although I don’t know what that would be like!
Hi Alexandra-Hehe that’s true! It seems Australia has been gripped with it but the rest of the world carries on
I think it’s the sign of a true foodie!
Hi Donna-You’re welcome!
I thought the exact same thing. It’s a pity the past challenges weren’t taken into account as he was consistent. I think a lot of people have said that Julie is more likely to sell cookbooks (home cooking) which is why she has remained in!
Hi spice and more-Hehe great minds!
Thankyou! Hehe how cute! Yes I thought Justine was the winner. LOL at evil laugh!
Hi isLa-I did think that Justine, Chris Julia would be the top 3 but of course that didn’t happen and they all got knocked out. I was particularly shocked when both Justine and Chris were eliminated!
Hi Arwen-Thankyou! Yes I love leftovers!
Hi Hannah-Hehe yeah he looks better without a hat! Hehe yes Matt, what a sneaky boy!
Hi Sophia-Yes we do! It just started (although it’s not really like the UK one
) Hehe yes I know! 
Hi Eva-You’re welcome!
I’m sure Justine has a really bright future. I’m not a big beer drinker but I know heaps of guys that would line up to go there!
Hi melanie-I’m pretty sure he cooked a few gnocchi-he was a bit gnocchi obsessed!
Hi Girl Japan: April-Thankyou so much!
It’s imported from Italy so perhaps from an importer? 
Thankyou!
Hi Sophie-Thankyou so much!
It’s great!
Hi Kristy-Hehe I just might!
Hi Johanna-Apparently chestnut flour is good for allergies!
Yes the cookbook will be very interesting! I wonder how it will sell 
Hi Meg-It’s a sickness isn’t it!
Hehe yes grab it and buy it 
Hi SydneyGal-He does! It’s the Adriano Zumbo Appreciation Society
Hi Blond Duck-Hehe thanks!
Hi Melissa-Hehe yes the grey brown isn’t very appetising. Aww thankyoU! Yes it’s a lot but it’s divided among 4-hehe is that better?
Hi zarabear-Yes it was amazing! I guess it wasn’t his finest moment but I would have thought past performance would count for something! Ahh she’s a fan?
Hi steven-Yes I think it was surprising and dismaying as consistency is important and he was one of the more consistent contestants!
Hi Anita-Thanks so much! Yes it’s such a surprise. I wonder if we’ll be similarly shocked by the winner!
Hi Trisha-Thankyou so much!
Hi grace-Aww thankyou Grace! You are so sweet
Hi Myriam-Thankyou! ooh good question! They are on loan to me from my wonderful friend The Second Wife! She has a great collection of stylig props!
Hi Marta-Oh really?! Ahh good to know! I think your strawberry risotto would have been better than what Andre made!
Hi Faith-Thanks so much!
You are so sweet! 
Hi Esz-Thankyou! Yes I have to agree, I didn’t think Chris should have gone as he has usually produced great dishes! They must love Julie (she does seem like a sweet person)!
Hi Cakelaw-It’s a little hard to find
Thankyou-yes the hot chestnuts are gorgeous!
Hi julie -Hehe you might just get your wish on Sunday!
Thankyou so much! xxx
I know about that gaping hole you find when a good show comes to an end
The gnocchi looks perfect!
You just draw us in with your pictures:-) what an innovative way to use chestnut!
Hi Miakoda-I hope they replace it with something good to help with the withdrawal symptoms
Hi Soma-Aww thankyou! You are too kind!
I love the photos!
on a side note I thought you wrote *collect dope
Lorraine, I am feeling some kind of camaraderie with you, knowing that you buy things just because they’re unusual or not easy to find and end up with stacks of them in the cupboard is very soothing for me. Nice to know that I’m not weird in this sense. Or if we are weird, then there are two of us weirdos. haha.
And one more thing… THANKS for the parmesan crisp tip. Been doing some trial and error for making it and it hasn’t been very successful thus far. Will try it tonight!
I can’t wait to try this. If you like gnocchi, you have to make Giorgio Locatelli’s version – the best I have ever tasted (made by my husband). It was so light and delicate, miles from the chewy, doughy bullets you get elsewhere.
Post a Comment