Cauliflower Gnocchi with Turmeric Brown Butter Sauce: A Vegan Twist on a Classic

If you’re looking to elevate your gnocchi game with a healthy, plant-based twist, you’ve come to the right place. This Cauliflower Gnocchi with Turmeric Brown Butter Sauce is not only gluten-free and vegan but bursting with flavor. Cauliflower-based gnocchi, soft and pillowy, is delicately tossed in a golden turmeric brown butter sauce, giving this dish a pop of color and a savory, earthy taste. Top it off with toasted pine nuts and fresh parsley, and you've got a meal that's as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds!

This recipe is the perfect balance of healthy and indulgent, and it’s sure to impress at any dinner party or casual weeknight meal. Plus, it’s super simple to make with just a few fresh ingredients!

Ingredients:

For the gnocchi:  

- 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets  

- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a GF version)  

- 1/4 teaspoon salt  

- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder  

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the turmeric brown butter sauce:  

- 4 tablespoons vegan butter  

- 1 tablespoon olive oil  

- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric  

- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder  

- Salt and pepper to taste  

- 1/4 cup vegetable broth  

- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts  

- Fresh parsley for garnish  

Instructions:

   - Steam the cauliflower florets until tender (about 8-10 minutes). Once softened, transfer to a food processor and pulse until smooth.

   - Let the cauliflower cool slightly, then mix with flour, salt, garlic powder, and olive oil. Use your hands to form a dough, adjusting the flour as needed until the dough holds together but isn’t too sticky.

   - Divide the dough into small pieces and roll into logs. Cut the logs into small gnocchi pieces and press lightly with a fork to form the classic gnocchi indentations.

   - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the gnocchi in batches, cooking until they float to the top, about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

   - In a large pan, melt the vegan butter and olive oil over medium heat. Stir in the turmeric and garlic powder, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

   - Add the vegetable broth and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for another 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

   - Gently toss the cooked gnocchi in the turmeric brown butter sauce until well-coated.

   - Transfer to serving plates and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and fresh parsley for a burst of flavor and color.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

- Healthy & Vegan: With cauliflower-based gnocchi and a plant-based sauce, this dish is completely vegan and packed with nutrients.

- Flavor-packed: The turmeric brown butter sauce is rich, savory, and slightly nutty, bringing a delightful depth of flavor.

- Quick & Easy: In under an hour, you can create this stunning meal that’s both wholesome and indulgent.

- Perfect for All Occasions: Whether it’s a casual weeknight or a dinner party, this vibrant dish is sure to be a hit.

Serve this colorful dish with a side salad or a light soup for a complete, satisfying meal. It’s a perfect way to enjoy gnocchi without the heaviness, all while savoring the golden, aromatic goodness of turmeric.