Gnocchi: FAQ
How do I pronounce gnocchi?
Many pasta lovers pronounce gnocchi as NYOW-kee, but the typical Italian pronunciation is NYAW-kee. No matter how you pronounce it, the g in gnocchi is silent.
Is gnocchi a pasta or a potato dumpling?
Both! Gnocchi is a type of Italian pasta, but it is (in most cases) made using potatoes. Since it is not hollow or thinly shaped, is also a dumpling. Gnocchi is boiled, just like pasta and potato dumplings. While it is usually served like a pasta, gnocchi is also at-home in recipes that call for dumplings. Try swapping out gnocchi in your next batch of Chicken and Dumplings.
Can you overcook gnocchi?
Yes, gnocchi can be overcooked, resulting in less-than-desirable results. Overcooked gnocchi tends to be water-logged and squishy rather than light and tender. Follow the package instructions for store-bought gnocchi and only boil fresh gnocchi until it floats for the best texture.
Is gnocchi vegetarian?
Yes, gnocchi does not contain meat or meat products and is therefore inherently vegetarian. Note that it is sometimes served in sauces containing meat or in soups that use meat-based broths. Always check the packaging on store-bought gnocchi just in case.
Is gnocchi vegan?
Plain potato gnocchi tends to just have a few ingredients: potatoes, flour and salt. Many store-bought brands can be considered vegan, although they may be manufactured in a facility that uses non-vegan ingredients. However, some recipes contain egg. If you follow a vegan diet, check the ingredient list carefully and avoid ricotta gnocchi and sauces that contain meat, dairy or eggs.
Is all gnocchi gluten-free?
Most gnocchi are not gluten-free, since wheat flour is used in addition to potatoes to form the dough. It is possible to make gluten-free gnocchi using alternative flours. There are also many brands that sell gluten-free varieties like DeLallo’s Gluten-Free Gnocchi and Gluten-Free Mini Gnocchi that are made with rice flour, or try DeLallo Chickpea Gnocchi made with chickpeas.
Is gnocchi keto-friendly?
Most gnocchi is not considered keto-friendly, since it is made with grains (wheat flour) and starchy vegetables like potatoes that are discouraged on the keto diet. There are some recipes available that make gnocchi out of keto-friendly ingredients like cheese and almond flour. You can find store-bought brands that utilize cauliflower as the main ingredient too.
How do I store gnocchi in the fridge?
Uncooked or cooked, drained gnocchi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store uncooked, homemade gnocchi in a light dusting of flour to prevent the dumplings from sticking together. Store cooked gnocchi in a single layer or place between layers of parchment or waxed paper to help to keep them from clumping.
Can I freeze gnocchi?
Fresh gnocchi can be frozen for longer storage. There is no need to thaw before cooking. Homemade gnocchi freezes best if it dries out a bit first. Spread out the gnocchi on a floured, parchment-lined baking sheet and allow them to sit at room temperature for an hour or two. Move the baking sheet to the freezer and freeze until solid, about an hour. Transfer the frozen gnocchi to a zip-top freezer bag and freeze for up to 1 month. To cook, boil them from frozen. They may take a little longer to cook.
Store-bought, shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi can also be frozen. It is best to spread the gnocchi out on a lined baking sheet to freeze for an hour, and then transfer them to a container and freeze for up to 1 month. Cook from frozen.
What is the difference between gnocchi and Roman gnocchi?
Roman gnocchi is made by making a semolina porridge, cutting it into circles, and most often baking it with Parmesan cheese and butter to make a dish called Gnocchi alla Romana. Gnocchi are small dumpling pasta made with potato and flour, and are usually boiled and then tossed with sauce.
What is the difference between gnocchi and gnudi?
Gnudi and gnocchi are both Italian pasta dishes, but with distinct differences. Gnocchi are typically made with potato and flour to form a pasta dough that is rolled into long ropes, and then, cut into small dumplings before being boiled. Gnudi, which translates to “naked” in Italian, are named for their resemblance to the filling for ravioli, but without the actual pasta. They are typically larger than gnocchi and made of ricotta, eggs, sometimes spinach and less flour. They have a cheesier flavor and are more delicate and less toothsome in texture.
Is gnocchi better for you than pasta?
Gnocchi is made mainly with riced potatoes and some flour, as opposed to pasta that is made mostly with semolina flour. The potatoes do give gnocchi more of a nutritional value, like extra fiber, Vitamin C and potassium. Both gnocchi and standard pasta can be part of a healthy diet when eaten in moderation.
