Gnocchi are a hidden treasure for restaurants. They cook in just a couple of minutes, pair well with all kinds of sauces and ingredients, are easy to store, and customers love them. Since they’re less common on menus than other Italian ingredients, they open up new possibilities for original, creative, and diverse meals. Wondering how?
Join us as we explore the ins and outs of gnocchi and uncover their most delicious and distinct recipes. In this guide, you’ll discover the origins of gnocchi, their modern culinary uses, how to prepare them, as well as simple but creative ways to transform starters, main courses, and desserts. Let’s dive in.
What is Gnocchi? Discover Its Origins and Modern Uses
Gnocchi are a style of dumplings, native to Italian cuisine. They’re technically a dough and are made from eggs, wheat flour, salt, and potatoes. It’s the potato part that gives them a texture that stands out from other dough-based snacks, making them chewy, tasty, and highly satisfying.
The evidence suggests that gnocchi have been around since ancient Roman times. Potatoes, however, only became part of the recipe after the potato was introduced to Europe in the 1500s.
The word “gnocchi” may come from the Italian word “nocchio,” meaning “a knot in wood,” or “nocca,” meaning “knuckle.”. So, are you ready to find out how to cook gnocchi?
How To Cook Gnocchi – Master the Art of Gnocchi Magic
There are two main ways to prepare gnocchi: boiling and frying. Let’s start with the boiling. It’s as simple as this: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi. Cook for 2 minutes at a gentle boil. Make sure you do not overcook them. The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165 °F). Then, once you see them float up to the top of the water, they’re ready to serve.
So what about frying? That’s just as simple. First, you’ll need a pan or skillet and a small amount of butter or olive oil. Preheat to medium-high heat in a non-stick skillet. Add the gnocchi and cook while stirring frequently for 5 to 6 minutes until the gnocchi are golden brown. Then serve.
At Olivieri® Foodservice, we offer two types of gnocchi, one designed for frying and the other for boiling. For the boiling method, your ideal variety is our Fresh Potato Gnocchi, ready in just 2 minutes.
Conversely, our Fresh Skillet Gnocchi are ideal for the pan. They take only 5 minutes in the skillet or only 2 minutes in the fryer and allow for a warm and golden yet crispy texture.
Tempting Starters, Sides, and Appetizers That Set the Stage
Cook up some skillet gnocchi and serve them alongside a ramekin of tomato sauce for a simple, quick, and frankly delicious starter in this Skillet Cheese Gnocchi with Tomato Basil Sauce. You’ll find it makes an impressive alternative to doughballs.
Similarly, you can also prepare this Cheese-Filled Skillet Gnocchi With a Creamy Pesto Dip. Instead of tomato sauce, this dish uses a creamy pesto-infused dipping sauce with white cheese, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Satisfy the Meat Lovers with Unforgettable Main Courses
Gnocchi can be key ingredients of already popular recipes to create new and innovative dishes with tried and true, familiar flavors. This Gnocchi Skillet Nachos dish is a compelling example that adds a mouthwatering and chewy texture to a meaty nachos recipe.
A typical carbonara recipe can also be revamped with gnocchi. See for yourself by preparing this Skillet Gnocchi Carbonara dish. The great thing about it is the delicious way in which the gnocchi blends with the Alfredo Sauce and bacon.
Vegetarian Delights That Please Everyone
For a vibrant and nutritious vegetarian option, this Skillet Gnocchi Vegan Buddha Bowl is as impressive in appearance as it is in taste. Similar recipes, such as poke bowls, typically use sushi rice or quinoa, but gnocchi make a hearty and creative alternative.
Rich in greens as well as ricotta and Parmesan cheese, this Cheese Filled Skillet Gnocchi with Lemon, Ricotta and Asparagus is another culinary gem that’s meatless and crave-worthy.
Desserts That Leave a Lasting Impression
While gnocchi may not seem like a typical dessert ingredient, here’s where they can prove the doubters wrong. Churro Style Gnocchi Bites take a sweet treat of Spanish origin and combine it with those much-loved Italian dumplings for a dessert that is kid-friendly, easy to make, and pleasantly sweet.
That’s not all. There are plenty more gnocchi recipes for you to discover. For everything else, Olivieri® Foodservice is happy to help inspire your culinary creativity.
