If you're familiar with Roman food culture, you likely know the phrase giovedi gnocchi, or gnocchi Thursday. This expression originates from the saying Giovedì gnocchi, venerdì pesce, sabato trippa (Thursday dumplings, Friday fish, Saturday tripe) – a maxim rooted in the Trastevere quarter.
Religious origins
The saying originated from lower-class food rationing and the people's need to maximize what ingredients they had at their disposal. Gnocchi, a substantial, high-calorie dish, was prepared on Thursday in anticipation of Friday, when, according to Catholic tradition, people fasted, abstaining from meat. On Friday, Romans traditionally ate fish-based dishes, such as chickpeas and cod, a dish still served on Fridays in the old-fashioned Roman taverns.
Saturday was dedicated to the meat slaughter in anticipation of Sunday. The less affluent classes, who could not afford the noblest cuts, such as steaks, fillets, or thighs, bought the so-called "fifth quarter," the scraps, such as entrails, offal, and tripe. These ingredients, expertly cooked by the household matriarchs, became a feast for the whole family and included dishes like tripe alla Romana and oxtail alla vaccinara.
A poem of the palate
The origins of the popular saying most likely date back to the mid-19th century. They appear in a Roman dialect poem penned by an anonymous author who, in addition to the aforementioned days, also suggests dishes for the rest of the week: oxtail on Monday, beans with pork rinds on Tuesday, stew on Wednesday, and rice supplì on Sunday, magnettene cento e dico poco! (Eat a hundred and say little!)
The custom of gnocchi Thursday became part of the post-war gastronomic culture when supplies were still scarce and people aimed to feed the whole family as substantially as possible while spending as little as possible. The original gnocchi recipe called for water, flour, a few eggs, and lots of potatoes. Also, since most people had physically strenuous jobs, refueling on a dish as filling as gnocchi was especially gratifying.
FAQs
Gnocchi, a substantial, high-calorie dish, was prepared on Thursday in anticipation of Friday, when, according to Catholic tradition, people fasted, abstaining from meat. On Friday, Romans traditionally ate fish-based dishes, such as chickpeas and cod, a dish still served on Fridays in the old-fashioned Roman taverns.
What day is Gnocchi Day in Rome? ›
Walking through the streets of Rome, it is not unusual to read this popular expression on the daily menus of traditional restaurants. The complete saying is "Thursday gnocchi, Friday fish and Saturday tripe".
What is the cultural significance of gnocchi? ›
The gnocchi (pronounced nyok-ee) go way back to Roman times. They were made from semolina dough, mixed with eggs. Roman legions spread the dish throughout the the European region where they have conquered and it became a peasant delicacy as the gnocchi was inexpensive, easy to prepare, and filling.
What is Gnocchi Day? ›
Today, on 29th of each month, families can be seen getting together and rolling gnocchi dough on the table. Some restaurants only sell gnocchis for the day or serve specials. Gnocchis are Italian dumplings made with potatoes, eggs, and flour and rolled into little balls.
What does the word gnocchi mean in Italian? ›
The word gnocchi may be derived from the Italian word nocchio, meaning 'a knot in wood', or from nocca, meaning 'knuckle'. It has been a traditional type of Italian pasta since Roman times. It was introduced by the Roman legions during the expansion of the empire into the countries of the European continent.
Why do Romans eat gnocchi on Thursday? ›
The saying originated from lower-class food rationing and the people's need to maximize what ingredients they had at their disposal. Gnocchi, a substantial, high-calorie dish, was prepared on Thursday in anticipation of Friday, when, according to Catholic tradition, people fasted, abstaining from meat.
Why do Italians eat gnocchi on the 29th? ›
Gnocchi Day
Saint Pantaleo, who is a very beloved saint, who is said to have performed many miracles was canonized on the 29 of July. So the tradition of the 29th was originally instated to honor him.
Is gnocchi more unhealthy than pasta? ›
Nutritional Value
Believe it or not, regular pasta is actually more carb-heavy than gnocchi, coming in at around 2 times the amount of carbs per serving. Gnocchi is also notorious for having a lot more sodium, with over 200 grams of it per serving. Regular pasta doesn't have nearly as high of a sodium content.
Is gnocchi good or bad for you? ›
Similar to pasta, gnocchi is high in carbohydrates and low in protein. Although both are carbohydrate-heavy foods, it has been shown that regular pasta may have less of an effect on blood sugar levels. One publication points to the fact that pasta doesn't raise blood sugar after a meal to the level that potatoes do.
What city in Italy is known for gnocchi? ›
In Verona, potato gnocchi is traditionally served in a tomato sauce—it's a dish associated with Carnival that goes as far back as the 1500s. In Venice, gnocchi is also known as "macaroni." Made from a base of flour, milk, and eggs cooked and shaped into little discs, they are baked in the oven with butter and cheese.
While gnocchi are a traditional Italian pasta shape, what makes them distinct is that they use potatoes as the main ingredient. Therefore, they're commonly considered to be a dumpling. Like many dishes in Italian cuisine, gnocchi vary in both name, appearance, and recipe across the regions of lo Stivale.
What food is eaten on All Saints day in Italy? ›
Traditional dishes that are found during this celebration are roasted chestnuts, pumpkin risottos and truffles.
What day are most things closed in Rome? ›
Rome, the capital city of Italy, is known as the home of the Colosseum and has many ruins scattered across the city. You may have noticed already, but a lot of stores and businesses do close on a Sunday in Rome. But the main shopping streets, clothing stores and department stores stay open on Sundays.
What is the biggest meal of the day in Italy? ›
Lunch is the day's main meal, lasting up to two hours! If you plan to eat lunch with locals, block out time. A typical Italian lunch consists of a primo (pasta, soup or risotto dish), a secondo (meat or fish-based dish) and a contorno (side dish).
What is the holiday on February 14 in Italy? ›
In Italy this day, known in Italian as San Valentino, is called the festa degli innamorati, the day of lovers. In Italy however, the romantic vision of the holiday is gradually being lost, turning the celebration into a real commercial business.
