Fresh Gnocchi

Although it may look, feel and taste different, gnocchi is a traditional Italian pasta. Made from a dough that usually includes potatoes and eggs, it’s moulded into soft dumpling-esque shapes that are delightfully chewy and tender.

But there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to making gnocchi. It comes in many different shapes, sizes and ingredient combos. Typically, however, it is small which allows it to absorb flavours from various gnocchi sauce options and other ingredients easily.

It said that the word ‘gnocchi’ may come from the Italian word ‘nocchio’, meaning a knot in the wood, or ‘nocca’, which means ‘knuckle.’ Either way, gnocchi has been around for some time and can be traced back to Ancient Rome.

However, It wasn’t until centuries later that gnocchi was revolutionized by introducing potatoes to Europe. This made the pasta lighter and fluffier, making it the versatile staple of Italian cuisine we know and love today.

You’ll need a few gnocchi recipes to get you started on this culinary journey. That way, these little bundles of delicious pillowy pasta can soak up flavours and become the joy to eat that many know and love.

One way to prepare a gnocchi recipe is by taking the best components from a classic dish but giving them a gnocchi twist, as in this Skillet Gnocchi Meatball Lasagna Extravaganza. This is a dish that lasagna fans and meat lovers will adore, indulging in familiar flavours, albeit with gnocchi’s mouthwatering texture.

But gnocchi is by no means restricted to Italian dishes or meat-based meals. In fact, by combining it with vegetables for an Asian-inspired and vegetarian alternative, you can prepare this Skillet Gnocchi Vegan Buddha Bowl. Rich in colour and flavour, this dish is a sure way to impress guests with its presentation.

Gnocchi can also be incorporated into seafood recipes, as in this Baked Salmon and Skillet Gnocchi, an elegant dish that includes lemon zest, olive oil and spinach. This one makes an impressive meal for two on a relaxing evening.

You can make various kid-friendly dishes with gnocchi, including these Gnocchi Pizza Bites. Here, the flavours of pizza take on an alternative shape and form consisting of gnocchi being used as finger food that the kids can dip into a delicious tomato sauce.

Select your gnocchi – With Olivieri®, you have a wide range of flavourful fresh gnocchi options that you can prepare with ease. To get an idea of which gnocchi goes well with which dish, you may want to explore our recipes.

Skillet gnocchi – Firstly, make sure you have a non-stick pan. Then, add a small amount of butter or olive oil and preheat the pan on medium to high heat. You may then add the gnocchi and let it cook for just 5 minutes, as you frequently stir. Once it has golden brown colour, it’s ready to serve.

Boiling– Gnocchi can alternatively be prepared by adding it to boiling water in a saucepan. Simply put, once they shoot up from their position at the bottom of the pan and start floating up at the surface, they are ready to eat. What’s more, is that this process only takes a couple of minutes,

Use sauces and toppings – In many ways, this is what gnocchi is all about, soaking up other flavours! In addition to following recipes, you can experiment by pairing cooked gnocchi with different sauces and toppings. What you’ll find is that gnocchi is incredibly versatile and works wonders with countless flavours.

For a more detailed look, see our guide on how to make gnocchi.