What To Have With Gnocchi

When it comes to food, the Italians have given us plenty of classic favourites, like pizza, risotto and of course pasta. If you’re growing tired of the usual penne and spaghetti, why not switch things up with some gnocchi for a change in your weekly pasta lineup? Distinctively different from other flour and egg pasta recipes, gnocchi makes for a great mid-week meal or a starter at a dinner party. The pairing possibilities for gnocchi are endless – it’s an adaptable ingredient that’s great for traditional Italian sauces, with summer vegetables, and for all manner of meats and seafood.

What is gnocchi?

Gnocchi is a petite Italian dumpling, usually made with potato, semolina and flour. Believed to have been eaten since Roman times, gnocchi is often made by hand and then boiled or pan-fried. Because of the relatively plain-tasting ingredients, gnocchi is a great carrier for other flavours, from sauces and roasted meats to other basic pantry ingredients.

How to make gnocchi

Making gnocchi is a straightforward process requiring just two ingredients – potatoes and flour.

How to make gnocchi in a pan: 

1. Place some waxy or floury skin-on potato – like Maris Piper or Desiree – into a pot of boiling salted water. Allow to cook until fully softened, then drain.
2. Mash the potato while hot, then sprinkle with flour to form a dough. It will be sticky but should still be firm.
3. Roll the dough into individual logs, then cut small pieces of gnocchi from it – about a centimetre or two long. 

How to make gnocchi in the oven:

1. Prick the potatoes carefully, then place them in an oven at 200°C and cook for an hour. 
2. When cooked, peel open the skin from the potatoes and remove the soft flesh.
3. Mash the potato over flour to form a dough. You may need to use an egg yolk to bring the dough together if it’s particularly crumbly.

What is the cooking time for gnocchi?

As for how long to cook your gnocchi – it depends on your cooking method: 

Boiling gnocchi:

In a large pan of boiling salted water, gnocchi will take 3–4 minutes to cook. The dumplings will float to the surface of the pan once they are done cooking.. 

Frying gnocchi:

Using a non-stick pan heated on high, add a tablespoon of butter and allow it to melt before tipping the gnocchi in and frying until golden brown on both sides.

How to serve gnocchi

There are lots of great ways to serve gnocchi, and here are some HelloFresh favourites:

1. With cheese: Blue cheese and gorgonzola will give the gnocchi a boost of flavour that pairs well with the potato base. 
2. A handy tip if you’re staying away from lactose: goat’s cheese is a great substitute that’s packed with flavour and will melt with the hot pasta. It’s also a great complement to green veggies like spinach. 

If you’re making a gnocchi side dish, these are some great options to add for a boost of flavour: 

1. Breadcrumbs: Use shop-bought or put stale bread in a food processor and blitz, then toast in a saucepan.
2. Fresh herbs:Fresh basil, parsley, chives, and thyme will enhance the flavour, striking the perfect balance without overpowering.
3. Caramelised onions: Cut thin strips of red or white onion and sauté in a pan with some olive oil, a tablespoon of brown sugar, and a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.

Sauces to serve with gnocchi

Many sauces go well with gnocchi, but be sure to pick one that complements the other ingredients you’re using. 

The most popular include: 

• Pesto: You can buy this shop-bought, but it’s also so easy to make. Just blend basil, garlic, toasted pine nuts, a splash of olive oil, salt and pepper in a food processor.
• Cream sauce: Mix double cream with parmesan, salt and pepper, and stir until thickened.
• Tomato sauce: Similar to an Italian marinara, crush fresh or canned tomatoes with garlic, fresh herbs and olive oil, then cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.

Recipes with gnocchi

Gnocchi is a great weekday meal, especially when the dumplings are pre-made. Dinner can be ready in a matter of minutes. Take a look at these recipes from HelloFresh:

• Creamy Mushroom & Parmesan Gnocchi recipe
• Cheesy Veggie-Loaded Grilled Gnocchi recipe
• Mexican-Spiced Grilled Gnocchi recipe
• Pesto, Mushroom & Parmesan Gnocchi recipe