Gnocchi
Small, soft Italian dumplings usually made from boiled potatoes and flour. Boiled and served with sauce; most varieties contain wheat flour and thus gluten.
What Is Gnocchi?
Gnocchi are small, soft dumplings from Italian cuisine. The most common variety is potato gnocchi, made with boiled and mashed potatoes, flour, and often egg; other varieties are made with semolina or ricotta cheese.
The dough is rolled into thin ropes, cut into small pieces, and usually pressed with a fork to create ridges that help sauce cling. The gnocchi are boiled in salted water until they float and served with sauce; they have a soft, plump texture.
Gnocchi Nutrition
Potato gnocchi contain mainly carbohydrates and some protein; 100 grams of cooked gnocchi contains about 130 kcal (excluding sauce). Most varieties contain wheat flour and therefore gluten. Values are approximate.
How Should Gnocchi Be Eaten?
As a source of carbohydrates, gnocchi are eaten with sauce, vegetables, and protein sources; serving them plain or with light sauces makes for a more balanced meal. Since most varieties contain gluten, people with gluten sensitivity should choose gluten-free varieties (for example, ones made only with potato and cornstarch).
This information is general; gnocchi is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.
How to Choose Gnocchi
When buying ready-made gnocchi, choose a product with simple ingredients (potatoes and flour), a suitable freshness date, and a good texture. Avoid products that are dried out or cracked, have an off odor, or contain excessive additives; for homemade gnocchi, starchy, floury potatoes are suitable.
- For ready-made gnocchi, the ingredients should be simple and the date suitable
- The texture should be even, without cracks
- Check the label for gluten information
How to Store Gnocchi
Use fresh gnocchi dough promptly or dust it with flour and freeze it; frozen gnocchi should go straight into boiling water without thawing. Store packaged gnocchi according to the conditions on the label (refrigerated or at room temperature).
How to Use Gnocchi in the Kitchen
Gnocchi are most often served with sauces such as tomato, butter and sage, cheese cream, and pesto; they are also used in baked gratins. Boil them in salted water until they float, drain, and toss with sauce; they can also be lightly pan-fried before serving.
How Can You Tell When Gnocchi Are Cooked?
When gnocchi are added to boiling water, they sink; as they cook, they rise to the surface. Floating indicates that they are cooked; let them sit for a few more seconds, then drain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gnocchi pasta?
It is not exactly traditional pasta; it is considered a dumpling. However, in Italian cuisine it is served with sauce as a pasta-like first course.
Can gnocchi be gluten-free?
Most gnocchi contain wheat flour, but gluten-free varieties made only with potatoes and gluten-free starch or flour are also available. Check the label or recipe.
Can gnocchi be fried?
Yes; boiled gnocchi can be lightly pan-fried in butter or olive oil to create a crisp exterior and soft interior.