It’s strange how certain foods get all the attention, while other just as deserving delicacies never quite make it into the spotlight. Pasta shapes like spaghetti are a worldwide phenomenon, but the more comforting and satisfying gnocchi are yet to have their moment.
We think that’s all about to change. There aren’t many things that can soothe the soul, satisfy the belly and cause culinary glee quite like a bowl of soft doughy dumplings dressed with a few simple ingredients. But what’s really interesting about gnocchi is the different ways in which it’s made throughout Italy. They can be boiled, baked or fried; bouncy, chewy or crunchy and studded with various herbs, spices or vegetables.
While simple gnocchi can be bought ready-made, they are much easier to make than you might think and taste ten times better when fresh. It helps if you have a gnocchi paddle board when making certain variations to create the ridges which help the sauce cling to the dumplings, but you can easily use a fork instead. Take a look at Italy’s six most popular gnocchi varieties below and give these beautiful comforting nuggets the attention they deserve. The time for pasta is over!