It's thethird most popular crop in the world and is eaten by billions of people around the world.
What is it?
The potato! Whether it's baked, mashed, fried, or roasted, potatoes are versatile and served in a variety of forms. What you might not know is that they're an important staple in pasta!
Keep reading to learn more about the history of Italian gnocchi and three of the top dishes that feature them.
The History of Italian Gnocchi
Theorigin of the potato began in South America, and the Spanish introduced them to Italy in the 16th century.
Unfortunately, the potato's appearance made it undesirable. Europeans were suspicious of the crop. At first, it was primarily consumed by animals and starving people.
However, elite members such as Frederik and Catherine the Great recognized the crop's potential to sustain Europe. They issued more fields and eventually potatoes replaced cereal crops. Potatoes could be produced in large quantities and they were highly regarded for their nutritional benefits.
In places like Northern Italy, the cooler climate was better suited for potatoes than grain. This new staple was incorporated into traditional dishes, which led to a new form of gnocchi: the potato dumpling.
Now you can order gnocchi dishes from menus all over the world.
Classic
When you think of a classic Italian pasta dish, what sauce are you imagining atop the noodles? For me, it's a homemade tomato sauce.
The best sauces use fresh tomatoes and a combination of spices such as basil, oregano, parsley, and thyme. Authentic tomato sauce cooks, or simmers, for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to concentrate.
An alternative to a classic marinara is a meat sauce. This has the base of a tomato sauce with the addition of ground beef or Italian sausage.
Pesto
Another popular gnocchi dish is one that is served with a pesto sauce.
Pesto consists of garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and basil. Additionally, each pesto sauce contains a hard cheese such as Parmesan or Romano.
If this herb-based sauce sounds good, but you're in the mood for something creamier, try your gnocchi withpesto alfredo!
Simple
A potato dumpling is delicious on its own. If you're anxious to try this pasta but don't want it accompanied by a heavy sauce, don't be afraid to go simple. Gnocchi pairs well with a simple butter and garlic sauce that can be achieved at home or in a restaurant.
To add a little bit more flavor, request some parmesan cheese, basil, or sage as a garnish.
How to Please a Gnocchi Craving
Tomato, pesto (or pesto alfredo), and butter-based sauces are the best components in a delicious Italian gnocchi recipe. All three are commonly found on restaurant menus. Some restaurants may offer gnocchi as part of a soup, salad, or paired with a plate of vegetables as well.
If you're in the Portland area and are looking to try an authentic Italian gnocchi dish, head on over toDeNicolas' Authentic Italian for dine-in or catering.
FAQs
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.
What do Italians eat with gnocchi? ›
Tomato, pesto (or pesto alfredo), and butter-based sauces are the best components in a delicious Italian gnocchi recipe. All three are commonly found on restaurant menus. Some restaurants may offer gnocchi as part of a soup, salad, or paired with a plate of vegetables as well.
Is gnocchi a potato or pasta? ›
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.
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.
What is a fact about gnocchi? ›
Gnocchi have been a traditional type of pasta in Italy since Roman times, though they are said to have originated in the Middle East. Throughout history, gnocchi have been a staple in Italy, being made even with squash and breadcrumbs when potatoes were not available.
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.
What is gnocchi and is it healthy? ›
Compared to pasta, pizza or other types of food made from refined flour, gnocchi made only with potatoes and water have a lower glycemic index, despite the fact that the primary nutrients are carbs. Therefore, gnocchi can be a healthier option if chosen carefully.
What is big gnocchi called? ›
By far the most colourful of all Italian gnocchi, Lombardian malfatti are big, beautiful balls of ricotta, spinach and Parmesan bound together with semolina and egg. They're larger than your average gnocchi – roughly the size of a golf ball – and they're simply boiled to preserve their light, fluffy, soft texture.
Is gnocchi a side or main dish? ›
Gnocchi is a pillowy Italian dish you can serve as a side dish, appetizer, or main dish.
Why do Italians 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.
To store: Keep fresh gnocchi in the fridge for up to 1 month, once opened use within 48 hours. Vacuum packed gnocchi can be stored in a dark, dry cupboard for up to 3 months. Once opened store in the fridge and used within 3 days.
What is another name for gnocchi? ›
“Dumpling” in Italian can translate as gnocco or as raviolo. Gnocchi are a type of naked dumpling, made of dough or of a mixture of different ingredients (potatoes with flour and sometimes eggs, ricotta with herbs and flour etc.).
Do you boil or fry gnocchi? ›
You can skip the boiling when frying your gnocchi. However, if you prefer your gnocchi a touch softer, you could boil it first and then pan fry them for about 3-5 minutes instead of the full time to brown. If making this as a full meal, this will serve 2-3.
Is gnocchi healthier 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.
Why is gnocchi important? ›
Gnocchi is more than just pasta, but an irresistibly airy, filling and versatile foundation to a number of quick and easy recipes. Not just gnocchi and tomato sauce, but baked pasta and soup and salad—yes, even salad. We're here to say: give your pantry something to brag about.
What is a gnocchi board called in Italian? ›
Gnocchi Board: Rigagnocchi. Rigagnocchi is a wooden gnocchi stripper board.
What is the difference between French and Italian gnocchi? ›
While the best Italian gnocchi are light and pillowy, Parisian-style gnocchi are even lighter, and far easier to make. While boiling them in the style of Italian gnocchi is a great way to cook them, you can also fry the gnocchi in a skillet to be used as a blank palate for any number of seasonally-based pasta dishes.
