Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Walnut Pesto

Ending the weekend with a bang with these scrumptious gnocchi.

The delicate, sweet taste of pumpkin; the bold flavour of sage...a match made in heaven.

The Sage Walnut Pesto is one of my mum's favourite and such a unique one.

As for the Gnocchi - this recipe will make enough for 6-8 people but you can just cook part right away and freeze the rest. Or half the quantity.

For the Eggless Pumpkin Gnocchi (for 6-8, you can cook part and freeze the rest):

For the Vegan Sage Walnut Pesto:

Bring water to a boil and add the pumpkin. Boil until the outer part has softened but the inside is still raw. Drain, sprinkle salt and bake at 180°C for 30 minutes. Mash with a masher till very smooth.

Start adding the flour 1 tbsp at a time while kneading. Stop when you obtain a smooth dough that is still a bit sticky but comes off the counter easily.

Divide into small pieces and roll each to a tube of roughly 2cm. Cut into equal small pieces. Set aside on a floured surface.

Make the pesto by adding all ingredients minus the oil to a blender. Start blending while adding the oil slowly with the blender still on. Blend to the desired consistency.

Bring salted water to a boil in a pot and add the gnocchi. They will only take a minute or less to cook - you know they are ready when they start floating on top. Reserve half ladle of cooking water for the pesto and drain the rest.

Transfer the gnocchi to a serving bowl, stir in the pesto and mix well. Serve immediately.

(sage, pronounced sàl·via)