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Here’s a fun gift for a foodie friend: a gnocchi kit. Just boil water and get ready to feast (or choose a more involved recipe).
A box of DeLallo gnocchi is a nice stocking stuffer or a party gift for just $4.50.
> Check out the gnocchi recipes below.
> The history of gnocchi.
> Gnocchi Day in Argentina—the 29th of every month.
WHAT ARE GNOCCHI?
Potato gnocchi (pronounced N’YAW-kee, singular gnocco) are light and airy with a savory potato flavor.
Made in Italy with 85% potato, these pillowy potato dumplings bring the rich tradition of Northern Italy to your plate.
In that cooler climate potatoes and soft wheat grew abundantly.
Gnocchi is a versatile pasta that cooks up in minutes. It can be dressed simply in butter with fresh pepper and herbs, tossed with basil pesto, or partnered with hearty meat sauces.
They can be turned into Gnocchi Alfredo, or paired with hearty ragùs, a classic tomato sauce, baked with cheese sauce, turned into skillet pasta, and added to soups.
Gnocchi vary in size and shape, depending on the maker. Most are small and bean-shaped with ridges for capturing sauces.
Beyond plain potato gnocchi, gnocchi made with basil, pumpkin, ricotta cheese, and spinach mixed in are just some of the varieties.
They can be purchased fresh and refrigerated, frozen, or shelf-stable, as these from DeLallo.
For those with gluten sensitivities, gluten-free gnocchi are also an option. They substitute rice flour or chickpea flour for the traditional semolina flour.
HOW ARE GNOCCHI MADE?
Traditionally, potato gnocchi are made with simply potatoes, semolina (wheat flour), egg, water, and salt.
The potatoes are cooked and then riced with a potato ricer.
The riced potato is combined with semolina flour and water to create the dough.
ARE GNOCCHI PASTA OR DUMPLINGS?
Truth to tell, gnocchi are considered a traditional Italian pasta, because while they use potatoes as the main ingredient, they also contain semolina. And they are cooked like pasta.
But technically, they are a dumpling, because they are primarily potato dough—and potato dough cannot be used to make any traditional pasta shape.
For those who want to debate the issue, here are the differences between them.
First, the similarities:
Dumplings and gnocchi are both dough-based dishes.
Both can be served with various sauces and toppings, as a first course or a main dish.
The Main Differences Between Gnocchi & Dumplings
Ingredients
Gnocchi are made from potatoes and sometimes semolina, flour, eggs, and mix-ins like ricotta ricotta, and flour. The result is small, soft dumplings.
Dumplings is a broad term and can refer to a variety of dishes from around the world. They are typically made from flour, and water, often bound with eggs and fat. The dough can be filled or unfilled. The filling can include meat, vegetables, or a combination of both.
Cooking Method
Gnocchi are typically boiled and then often sautéed in butter or sauce after boiling. They can also be baked.
Dumplings are variously prepared by steaming, boiling, frying, or baking.
Texture
Gnocchi are typically soft, light, and pillowy, with a delicate texture, regardless of the cooking method.
Dumplings vary in texture— soft, chewy, or crispy—depending on the type of dough used and the cooking method.
Geographic Origin
Gnocchi are Italian, with variations found in different regions of Italy. They are a staple of Italian cuisine.
Dumplings are found in many cuisines around the world. Examples include Chinese jiaozi, German Knödel, Japanese gyoza, and Polish piercing, among others.
Holidays
Gnocchi Day is celebrated on the 29th of every month in Argentina. The tradition of eating gnocchi on the 29th of each month began as a day attributed to the Italian Catholic Saint Pantaleon, who is believed to have granted many miracles. Here’s more about it.
National Dumpling Day is celebrated on September 26th every year.
MORE GNOCCHI RECIPES
Acorn Squash Soup With Sauteed Gnocchi
Baked Eggs With Gnocchi & Pesto
Gnocchi Antipasto
Gnocchi Clam Chowder With Pancetta
Pumpkin Gnocchi With Sage Sauce
Pumpkin Soup With Bacon, Sage & Gnocchi
15 More Gnocchi Recipes
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[1] Four-cheese gnocchi with marinara sauce and fresh basil (all photos © DeLallo).
[2] A box of DeLallo gnocchi, a nice stocking stuffer or party gift for just $4.50.
[3] The gnocchi are ready to cook and eat.
[4] Gnocchi mac and cheese.
[5] Breakfast gnocchi, topped with a fried egg.
[6] Pumpkin soup with gnocchi. They can be added to any soup or broth.
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