Gnocchi are plump, Italian dumplings iconic for their soft and chewy consistency.The dough is made with flour and boiled potatoes, which is formed into small, ridged, c-shaped dumplings.You can coat them in a variety of different sauces.
Gnocchi by itself has a very mild, subtle flavor. However, when combined with various different sauces, it takes on the flavor of whatever it is cooked in, which helps amplify the base flavors of the gnocchi. It then becomes creamy, rich, and flavorful.
Here are the primary ingredients you would find in gnocchi:
Wheat flour
Semolina
Eggs
Cheese
Potatoes
Cornmeal
Breadcrumbs
Herbs
As you can see, the composition of gnocchi can be very confusing. You think it’s pasta but it isn’t. It can definitely lead you to question just what this unique item will taste like. We totally get it!
Despite the heavy nature of gnocchi and the potatoes, it actually is meant to be light and soft. It also doesn’t have a lot of flavor, except in the event that a chef decides to add herbs or other vegetables into their gnocchi.
Gnocchi primarily tastes almost bland. The flavor is comparable to the flavor of plain pasta when cooked.
Potatoes are by nature pretty bland so the taste between gnocchi and pasta is very comparable. The differences come in when you add seasonings and sauces to create different types of dishes.
Let's see what combinations can make the gnocchi more delicious.
1.Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing
Let’s be honest, a bowl of gnocchi isn’t exactly the healthiest of dishes.You’ll want something wholesome to balance things out, such as this kale salad.
It’s light and healthy, but bright and tasty at the same time. Kale, broccoli, carrots, sunflower seeds, cranberries – this salad is fully loaded!
The tangy lemon dressing livens up the salad even more.Thanks to this salad, you won’t have to feel guilty about devouring that decadent gnocchi.
2.Homemade Marinara Sauce
This is a slow simmered marinara sauce. This recipe is made with celery, carrots and onions. It has so much rich and robust tomato flavor.
If you are wanting a red sauce for gnocchi then give this one a try.
3.Alfredo Sauce
This is our garlic Alfredo sauce recipe and it is so rich and creamy. If you want a decadent sauce for your gnocchi then this is the right sauce for you.
This is so popular that it is widely thought to be the best sauce for gnocchi.
4.Italian Stuffed Tomatoes
You’re already serving Italian for your entree, so why not go all the way with this tasty Italian side dish?
Called pomodori alla lucani, it features sweet tomatoes filled with toasted bread crumbs, capers, pine nuts, garlic, and anchovies, and baked to perfection.
The sweetness of the tomatoes and the saltiness of the filling create such a playful flavor combination.The textural contrast between the soft tomatoes and crunchy filling is amazing, as well.
5.Tuscan White Bean Salad
If a hearty meal is what you’re after, this salad has you covered.
White cannellini beans, onions, mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes are coated with a dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.
Smother this beauty on a toast or a cracker for a world-rocking experience!