Gnocchi

Get to Know Gnocchi One of Italys Most Beloved Dishes

Gnocchi is a type of Italian dish consisting of small, bite-sized dough dumplings. While many people mistake gnocchi for pasta, it is actually a unique kind of Italian dumpling. Typically made from mashed potatoes mixed with flour, eggs, and salt, gnocchi is boiled until cooked and then served with a variety of sauces.

The word Gnocchi is derived from the Italian words nocchio (meaning knot in wood) or nocca (meaning knuckle), referring to the small, knobby shape of the dumplings.

The origins of gnocchi date back to ancient Roman times, when they were traditionally made with semolina flour and eggs, either boiled or baked. This old-style recipe can still be found today in dishes like Gnocchi alla Romana and malloreddus from Sardinia.

During the Renaissance, gnocchi evolved with the inclusion of new ingredients such as breadcrumbs, pumpkin, flour, milk, corn, and ground almondseach adding more flavor and nutritional value.

After potatoes were introduced to Europe following the discovery of the Americas in the 16th century, a major shift in the gnocchi recipe occurred, especially in northern Italy, where the cool climate is ideal for potato farming. As a result, potato-based gnocchi became widely popular for their soft, chewy texture and naturally sweet, creamy taste.

In Italy, gnocchi became a cherished regional dish across many areas, including Lombardy, Veneto, Lazio, Abruzzo, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Each region developed its own variations, such as:

Gnocchi alla Romana made with semolina, milk, and cheese, then baked until golden.

Malfatti (from Lombardy) made with spinach, ricotta cheese, and flour, typically shaped irregularly.

Gnocchetti Sardi small, shell-shaped dumplings from Sardinia.

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina from Campania, made with potatoes, served with tomato sauce and mozzarella, then baked until the cheese melts.

Other versions of gnocchi may also include ingredients like ricotta cheese, pumpkin, or dried fruit.

Although often mistaken for pasta, gnocchi is technically a type of dumpling, not traditional pasta. Unlike pasta, which is typically made from wheat flour alone, gnocchi is primarily made from potatoes and is shaped into small dumplings rather than long strands like spaghetti or tubes like penne.

Today, gnocchi is popular worldwide, and it is a staple on menus at top Italian restaurants. Chefs often get creative with gnocchi, experimenting with unique sauces and flavorssuch as incorporating vanilla essence or using mascarpone cheese to create a richer taste.