Have you always been a pasta lover? I am and I love to try new sauces and side dishes with the varieties of pasta available to content our palette. Individually, gnocchi is beautiful but with an appropriate dish partner, it becomes phenomenal. So the question arises about eating gnocchi. Before we jump into that let me introduce you to the types of gnocchi as according to that you’ll be able to choose a better side dish for yourselves.
1. Gnocchi and Its Types
Gnocchi is derived from”gnocca” meaning a knot in wood or knuckle and refers to small-sized dumplings-like shapes which are extremely soft and mouth-melting.
It has its origin dating back to the Middle Ages and was introduced by the Roman legions. After the introduction of potatoes to Europe, they were incorporated into the gnocchi recipe.
1.1 Traditional Italian Gnocchi
Majorly the classic Italian gnocchi recipes are “Gnocchi alla Sorrentina” and “Gnuddi”. The “Gnocchi alla Sorrentina” comes from Sorrento close to the Amalfi coast and Naples and “Gnudi” is a typical gnocchi recipe from Tuscany.
To get these authentic recipes to come alive, you need to put in some effort as they need to be created from the very start to get that delicious hand-crafted taste.
The ingredients are super simple and easy to find. You only need potatoes, flour, egg and salt. Yes, that’s it to make this scrumptious dish.
Well though the ingredients and recipe are simple, it requires the right amount and type of ingredients to make the dish successful.
1.1.1 Potato:
The potatoes should not be new as they have high water content and less starch which makes it difficult to bind for dough. Generally, russet potatoes are suggested.
1.1.2 Dough:
The correct moisture balance is the key to the dough of gnocchi. To make sure it has enough flour, make some gnocchi and test them in boiling water, if they hold together, bingo, your gnocchi is done.
While the Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is deliciously baked in a pan with rustic tomato sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese, Gnudi has its own identity as a lighter, soft dish made with ricotta cheese and semolina.
1.2 Modern Gnocchi Varieties
There are numerous unique recipes for gnocchi, to make it more extravagant and fit for everyone’s taste buds.
1.2.1 Pumpkin Gnocchi:
Just like the authentic potato gnocchi, pumpkin gnocchi is creamy, tasty, and a healthier version if you don’t aim for potato every time. You can even try the vegan version of it.
1.2.2 Canederli:
It is an Italian bread gnocchi in a tasty broth, both comforting and filling. It is a signature dish from South Tirol.
1.2.3 Spinach Gnocchi:
Adding a little twist to a traditional potato gnocchi recipe, adding homemade spinach and traditional lamb ragu is a perfect recipe for Sundays and holidays from Abruzzo in Central Italy.
Now, to the major question,
2. Delicious Sides to Enjoy with Gnocchi
As we have understood how gnocchi is prepared and its varied types. Truth be told, what not to eat with gnocchi, it is so versatile as a dish that almost everything will pair well with it.
2.1 Sauces:
First, let’s discuss what kinds of sauces go well with which type of gnocchi as sauces act as a base for the dish and can make or break it.
2.1.1 Tomato and Basil Sauce:
Classics never go wrong so start with this classic Italian tomato and basil combination to take you back to the streets of Italy.
Get some high-quality tomatoes, you can get Roma or San Marzano or any other variant you find, and chop them finely. Next, add your olive oil to the pan, add your tomatoes, let them simmer, and work their magic.
After it’s cooked for a while, add seasoning according to your taste, combine the cooked gnocchi, and don’t forget to add in fresh basil, it does wonders for the dish. To make it creamy, add fresh cream or grated parmesan cheese.
2.1.2 Sage Brown Butter Sauce:
If you like going for unique flavors with simple ingredients, make sure to try sage brown butter sauce. Its rich, nutty flavor will add a subtle sweetness to gnocchi.
Brown butter is a traditional French sauce, often used in pastry making but pairs so well with pasta that you don’t need to add anything else to it.
It’s your 5-step easy process. First, melt the unsalted butter until it starts getting bubbly, then add in your chopped garlic and simmer for a few minutes, Now add in your sage and let it cook till it starts to get a little dark brown. Then finally, add in your seasoning and voila, your sage brown butter sauce is ready to enhance the flavors of gnocchi.
2.1.3 Creamy Mushroom Sauce:
There’s always room for mushrooms in Italy so why not tantalize our taste buds with a creamy, cheesy mushroom sauce gnocchi?
Pick up your favorite mushrooms, may it be criminis, enoki, portobello, or shiitake, and saute them for a while till you achieve a crispy texture. Then add in onions and garlic, and stir them while adding seasoning. Then form a roux, by melting a bit more butter and stirring in a bit of flour. At this stage add in your white wine if you wish and then slowly add milk while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Also, don’t forget to add in your gnocchi.
Finally, when the sauce is thick, turn off the heat and grate in your parmesan cheese with some nutmeg and black pepper. Enjoy your homemade creamy mushroom sauce.
2.1.4 Pumpkin Sauce:
With this creamy pumpkin sauce, you can either go sweet or savory as you wish.
To start with it, you need some pumpkin puree, make it with fresh pumpkins if available or just go with the store-bought pumpkin puree. As usual, add in olive oil, onions, garlic, and fresh veggies and saute them for a while. Side by side you can even cook in some bacon till crispy in another pan for the hint of savoury in the dish.
Now add whisked milk and cream cheese into the pan along with the pumpkin puree. Add seasoning along with gnocchi. Simmer until thickened. Add the cheese of your preference and an easy, decadent dish is ready for your table.
2.1.5 Basil Pesto Sauce:
If we are talking about pasta, may it be the little dumplings like gnocchi, we can’t forget about pesto. A classic one, pesto alla Genovese or basil pesto will require your expertise in knowing the right consistency of the pesto.
It requires high-quality olive oil and super-fresh basil for an excellent sauce. You can add parmesan cheese pecorino romano or both to add depth to your pesto.
These were some of the favorite and complimentary sauces for gnocchi, you may try various others such as marinara for nostalgia, blue cheese sauce for your experimental ideas, or bolognese for meat lovers.
2.2 Sides:
While we are done with sauces, that’s not all that makes a dish complete, we need some sides for the crunch, texture, and just an extra bite. Let’s start with some healthy and hearty sides which will be the perfect partner for creamy, soft gnocchi.
2.2.1 Roasted Tomatoes:
Don’t like tomatoes, no worries, this will be a lot more than tomatoes.
Sliced tomatoes with minced garlic, most loved parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning infused together and roasted until soft and tender.
A relatively simple and flavourful option.
2.2.2 Panzanella Salad:
An Italian pasta paired with another Italy-based dish is the perfect pairing.
For those of you who don’t know what a Panzanella salad is a fresh salad made from soaked stale bread, onions, and tomatoes. You can even add in cucumbers, and basil and dress with olive oil and vinegar. Do give it a try and you’ll surely fall in love with these Italian tastes.
2.2.3 Garlic Bread:
Can’t forget garlic bread when talking about pasta. Another easy recipe with simple ingredients.
Just take a loaf of bread or create a homemade dough. In a bowl, combine butter, garlic, and some herbs. Just brush the mixture on the bread, add in some seasoning if you like, and bake it until golden brown.
Make your homemade gnocchi more delicious with this crunchy yet soft garlic bread.
2.2.4 Sauteed or Roasted Asparagus:
A healthy veggie always completes the whole meal beautifully.
Start with trimming the asparagus spears and toss in olive oil, salt and pepper. Spread the asparagus on a sheet tray and shred mozzarella cheese on top. Roast it until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown. You now have your delicious and healthy asparagus to go with the tender gnocchi.
2.2.5 Radicchio Salad:
Salads will never disappoint you as a side dish so here’s another salad you can pair with gnocchi.
This salad needs radicchio, if you can’t find it, use red-leaf lettuce or red cabbage, or even bitter greens work fine. You also need toasted breadcrumbs, green olives, olive oil, lemon juice, mayonnaise, parmesan cheese and seasoning. Combine all the ingredients for the dressing and toss the chopped radicchio, olives, parmesan, and breadcrumbs.
Enjoy the healthy and tasty salad.
2.2.6 Focaccia:
When you have creamy, cheesy gnocchi, you need to have Italian bread to go with it, hence focaccia.
It is a classic Italian flatbread with a rich and refreshing zing of herby rosemary. Firstly combine salt, water, vegetable oil, sugar, flour, rosemary, thyme, basil, oregano, and black pepper in a bowl and knead a soft and sticky dough. Cover the dough with oil and let it rest covered in a warm place for around 20 minutes. Later put it in a greased baking tray, poke some holes, and sprinkle with cheese and rosemary. Bake it for 15 minutes in a preheated oven until it turns golden brown.
Drizzle some olive oil and it’s ready to serve.
2.2.7 Buttery Peas:
For all the pea lovers out there, we haven’t forgotten you. You like peas with everything so why not with gnocchi, it’s healthy, easy to make, and filling to eat.
You can make it with fresh or frozen peas. Just cook it in butter with chopped thyme and some seasoning, you may even add some cheese, and done. It is this simple but makes the gnocchi much more flavourful.
2.2.8 Green Beans:
The freshness and flavor of green beans pair wonderfully well with dense potato gnocchi.
First, cut the stem ends of the beans and chop the garlic. Add olive oil to a skillet or pan and let it get hot, then add the chili flakes and the green beans. Let them cook for a while till they turn brown. Finally, add in some salt and garlic, use water to stop the browning, and cook the beans to crisp-tender perfection.
Serve them with gnocchi for a healthy, hearty meal.
You can have various other sides and sauces with gnocchi as it’s a versatile dish. You can have creamy sauces with ricotta gnocchi or some meaty sides to balance the meal. Also, add in your favourite wine to go with your preferred gnocchi and tell us does it transforms into comfort food for you in the comments.
i) Conclusion
Mastering the art of gnocchi pasta is a delightful voyage that combines skill, creativity, and the use of brilliant ingredients. Kagome’s tomato puree stands out using a top-quality product that enhances the flavor and authenticity of your gnocchi dishes. Its more significant quality, authentic taste, and flexibility make it a must-have in your restaurant.
Last Updated on by praakriti