Gnocchi

Semolina Gnocchi with sage brown butter

Gnocchi

Gnocchi with sage butter and grated Parmesan
Type	Dumpling
Course	Primo (first course)
Place of origin	Italy
Main ingredients	Potatoes, flour, egg
Food energy (per serving)	130-170 per 100g kcal
Cookbook: Gnocchi   Media: Gnocchi

Gnocchi is a type of pasta that is typically made from potatoes, flour, and egg. It originated in Italy and is a popular dish in Italian cuisine. Gnocchi are small, soft, and pillowy dumplings that are typically boiled and served with a sauce or a pesto.

History

Gnocchi is believed to have originated in the northern regions of Italy, where potatoes were introduced in the 16th century. It was initially made from a mixture of flour and bread crumbs, but with the introduction of potatoes, the recipe evolved to include them as the main ingredient.

Over time, different regions in Italy developed their own variations of gnocchi. In the southern regions, for example, gnocchi is made with semolina flour, while in the northern regions, it is made with potatoes.

Preparation

Gnocchi is typically made by boiling potatoes, mashing them, and then mixing them with flour and egg to form a dough. The dough is then rolled into long ropes, which are cut into small pieces and shaped with a fork or a gnocchi board to create the distinctive ridges on the surface. The gnocchi are then boiled in salted water until they float to the surface, indicating that they are cooked.

Gnocchi can be served with a variety of sauces, including tomato sauce, pesto, cream sauce, or butter and sage. It is also sometimes baked with cheese or served as a side dish with meat or fish.

Variations

There are many variations of gnocchi, with different ingredients and methods of preparation. Some of the most common variations include:

• Potato gnocchi: The most common type of gnocchi, made with boiled potatoes, flour, and egg.
• Semolina gnocchi: A type of gnocchi made with semolina flour instead of potatoes.
• Ricotta gnocchi: A lighter, fluffier type of gnocchi made with ricotta cheese, flour, and egg.
• Pumpkin gnocchi: A sweet and savory type of gnocchi made with pumpkin puree, flour, and egg.
• Spinach gnocchi: A type of gnocchi made with spinach puree, flour, and egg.

Nutrition

Gnocchi is a relatively high-carbohydrate dish due to the use of potatoes and flour. However, it is also a good source of protein and fiber when served with sauces that include vegetables or legumes. The calorie content of gnocchi varies depending on the recipe, but typically ranges from 130-170 calories per 100 grams.

Cultural Significance

Gnocchi has a long history in Italian cuisine and is a popular dish in many parts of the world. In Italy, it is often served on Thursdays, known as "gnocchi day" in many regions. In some parts of Italy, it is also traditional to hide a coin or other small object in the gnocchi, with the person who finds it believed to have good luck.

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