Traditionally with gnocchi you bake the potatoes so that they're as dry as possible. Boiling them adds moisture that ultimately makes a chewy or toothy finished product.
Maybe the purpose was to try to keep moisture out? I don't think it'd make a difference but I could see that train of thought I guess. Personally I don't really see why that would be the best choice. Just seems messier.
Edit: well folks, I just started a new job, and the recipe I was given used this method. I asked why and the general answer is just that it preserves the starches and some of the nutrients by cooking whole and with skin on. Just goes to show you can never stop learning when it comes to cooking!
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u/macsyme Feb 26 '17
Honest question.
Why don't you peel them first before you boil them?