Italian Gnocchi Recipes

Gnocchi is a soft, fat and chewy dumpling that you can pair with tomato or butter sauce. It originates from Northern Italy, a region that grows potatoes due to a cold climate that's unsuitable for grains. Before the introduction of potatoes to Europe, gnocchi was made from squash and breadcrumbs.

When potatoes were introduced to Europe, gnocchi ingredients evolved. Gnocchi dough is made of wheat flour or semolina, mashed potatoes and eggs. Recipes call for starchy potatoes, like russets or Yukon Gold, to give the gnocchi a light texture. If you want to make firmer gnocchi, try red-skinned potatoes.

The eggs act as a binder, while all-purpose flour absorbs moisture. You can also add other ingredients to gnocchi, including cheese, herbs and vegetables. The dumplings have ridges that make the sauce stick, and they also give gnocchi its signature shape.

Tips and Tricks for Great Italian Gnocchi

Use salt: Add salt to the water when cooking potatoes. You should also add salt to the dough to give it the necessary seasoning.

Add ricotta to the dough: Adding ricotta to your gnocchi makes it roll out smoother. Don't worry, as the ricotta will not change the taste.

Freeze or cook the dough right away: Potato gnocchi easily turns grey if the dough sits for too long. You should cook it right away.

Gnocchi is a crowd-pleaser suitable for any occasion. It is filling and versatile enough to pair with various sauces. For instance, roasted red pepper sauce with gnocchi makes for a beautiful family-friendly bake.

Enjoy gnocchi along with tomato sauce or Bolognese sauce. Gnocchi Bolognese is another classic dish, which comes with a scoop of spinach and a delicious taste.

If you want to incorporate Italian gnocchi into soup, consider chicken soup recipes. Add vegetables, herbs and seasoning to the sauces and soups to improve the flavour. A common pair for gnocchi is a tomato-based sauce or rich meat ragu.