Gnocchi – The Italian Dumpling

Many cultures make some form of dumpling and Italian cuisine is no different. The type of dumpling that is the most common in Italy is gnocchi, which is made out of flour and potatoes. The recipe can vary from region to region in Italy and the dumplings are made small and bite sized. What makes gnocchi unique is the seashell design that is put on each dumpling, which is so the sauce will cling to the gnocchi and not slide off.

Gnocchi has been made in Italy for 2000 years, and early recipes for gnocchi did not include potatoes, but were made from eggs and porridge-like mixture that was made from semolina flour. The introduction of potatoes into the recipe was not done until the Spanish brought the dumplings back from South America to Europe. Hence, the potato became a common ingredient in Italian gnocchi.

One of the reasons why gnocchi became so popular throughout Italy is that many ingredients can be mixed into the dough, and it is a great way to use for leftovers. Cheeses, vegetables herbs and mushrooms are common ingredients that can be used in the dough of gnocchi which makes gnocchi a versatile food and could be why it is so popular in Italian cuisine. The combinations are only limited by the imagination and the palate one has.

Gnocchi was once considered to be peasant food or simple food; however this is not true anymore with Italian cuisine becoming more popular, especially in the United States. Many home cooks and chefs are now adding more expensive ingredients to gnocchi. These ingredients can be anything from specialty cheeses and meats to spices. Sauces that are poured over this luscious dumpling can be as simple as a butter and herb sauce to a rich and meaty Bolognese.

The best types of potatoes to use when making gnocchi are those that have minimum water content. One of the better types of potatoes to use is a Russet potato because these are high in starch. When preparing potatoes for gnocchi it is important to make sure that the potatoes do not absorb water. The potatoes should be baked or boiled with the skin on to avoid water absorption, by doing this it will help to keep the gnocchi from becoming gummy or breaking apart when boiled.

Gnocchi may have been considered peasant food at one time. With many cooks dressing this simple dumpling up with gourmet sauces it is now becoming a more elegant and delectable dish. No matter if it is served with a simple sauce or made with gourmet ingredients, gnocchi is a delicious dish that many enjoy and is growing as a staple on Italian menus everywhere.