Easy Italian Gnocchi Recipes to Make at Home

Flour, potato, egg and salt are combined to make these delicious dumplings known as gnocchi. You will truly savour the flavour with one of these Italian gnocchi recipes.

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All you need to know about Italian gnocchi

How to Make the Perfect Italian Gnocchi Recipe

Since the days of the Roman Empire, gnocchi has been a special part of Italian cuisine. Homemade gnocchi is made from a mixture of wheat flour, potatoes, salt and egg, all combined into small Italian potato dumplings. Potato gnocchi goes well with a variety of sauces and ingredients. Here are some ideas for making the perfect Italian gnocchi recipe at home.
Making the Gnocchi: If you want to make your gnocchi from scratch, you will need a combination of flour, salt, egg and potatoes. Use a starchy variety of potatoes for your gnocchi, such as Royal Blue or Desiree, for best results. Boil the potato, then peel it before mashing or ricing it. Mix the flour, salt and egg with the potato until a dough is formed. Cut the dough into ropes and then cut pieces off the rope of 2 cm each. Sprinkle the pieces with flour, let them dry for around 20 minutes, then cook them in a saucepan of boiling salted water until done. You will know they are ready once they begin floating to the top of the water.
Choosing a Recipe: Once you have your gnocchi ready, there are a variety of great recipes you can use. Whether you prefer a rich and creamy recipe like our creamy mushroom, bacon & parmesan gnocchi meal or a traditional, tomato-based recipe like our shredded chicken, bacon & tomato gnocchi dish, there’s a variety of tempting options for a satisfyingly good gnocchi meal. Just remember, you don’t have to make gnocchi yourself if you are in a hurry. Choose a HelloFresh kit, and you’ll be able to make quick and easy gnocchi meals that taste just as good, such as our 15-min creamy beef & tomato gnocchi.

Side Dishes that Go Well with Italian Gnocchi Recipes

Gnocchi has been a popular Italian dish for centuries and remains a firm favourite to this day. No matter what gnocchi recipe you make, there are plenty of delicious side dishes you can make to pair with your main meal. Here are some excellent ideas for gnocchi side dishes.
Tuscan Chicken: there’s no better companion to an Italian gnocchi recipe than a creamy Tuscan chicken dish. Cooked in garlic sauce with sundried tomatoes, basil and herbs, this is sure to be a hit with everyone at the dinner table.
Garlic Bread: One of the simplest side dishes you can make, but also one of the most appetising. Simply bake some crusty bread with butter, olive oil, herbs and garlic and serve. Don’t forget to add some extra ingredients like pesto or parmesan cheese for some extra flavour if you prefer.
Bruschetta: Just like garlic bread, bruschetta offers a delicious crunchy side dish to your gnocchi meal. Add fresh tomatoes, basil, parmesan cheese and herbs on top of some crusty bread, drizzle them in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Salads: There are plenty of great salads you can pair with your gnocchi recipe. For some authentic Mediterranean-style salads, try a delicious Caprese salad with tomatoes, basil and mozzarella or an arugula salad drizzled in olive oil, parmesan cheese and lemon juice.
Garlic Mushrooms: While there are many vegetables that go well with gnocchi, one of the best you can try is mushrooms sauteed in garlic butter. This recipe brings out the flavour of the mushrooms and is very easy to prepare.

Italian Gnocchi Recipe FAQs

How do I make gnocchi?

To make homemade gnocchi, boil starchy potatoes in a saucepan, peel them and either rice or mash them. Mix the potato with flour, salt and egg to create a dough. Cut this dough into small pieces and cook them in boiling water until they float to the surface.

What is gnocchi?

Gnocchi are small potato dumplings cooked in a variety of sauces and ingredients. It has been a classic Italian recipe since Roman times.

How do I cook gnocchi?

To cook raw gnocchi, place them in a saucepan with salted water and boil. Once the gnocchi starts to float to the surface, it is done.

What is gnocchi made from?

Gnocchi is primarily made from potatoes, flour, eggs and salt. Other ingredients may be added to the recipe, such as pumpkin or spinach, based on preference.

What can I serve with gnocchi?

Meats such as Tuscan chicken go well with gnocchi recipes. Other options include garlic bread, bruschetta, salads and garlic mushrooms.

Is gnocchi pasta?

Gnocchi can be considered a type of pasta as it is made in a similar way. However, there are differences in terms of ingredients and texture, so it is often considered a dumpling instead.

What goes well with gnocchi?

Some sauces that go well with gnocchi include tomato, alfredo and carbonara sauces. Ingredients that go well with gnocchi include cheese, mushrooms and tomatoes.

Is it better to pan fry or boil gnocchi?

Boiling gnocchi is the traditional method of preparing the recipe, and creates a soft and pillowy texture. Pan frying takes longer but results in a crispier, golden brown texture. The choice of cooking method is up to personal preference.

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