Spinach Gnocchi

Spinach Gnocchi Recipe - Traditional Italian Vegetarian Dish

Region / culture: Italy | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Spinach Gnocchi is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the pillowy texture of traditional gnocchi with the added goodness of spinach. This recipe is a great way to sneak some extra greens into your diet while still enjoying a comforting and satisfying meal.

History

Gnocchi is a traditional Italian dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. The addition of spinach to the classic potato gnocchi recipe adds a vibrant green color and a boost of vitamins and minerals. This modern twist on a classic dish is a popular choice for those looking to add more vegetables to their diet.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) baking potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters
2.75 oz (78 g) spinach
1 tsp water
3 tsp butter
1 small egg, beaten
0.75 cup all-purpose flour
fresh basil sprigs
3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese (if using a red or rose tomato sauce)

How to prepare

Cook the potatoes in a pan of boiling salted water for 20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes well and press them through a strainer into a bowl.
Cook the spinach in 1 tsp of water for 5 minutes, until wilted.
Drain the spinach and pat it dry with paper towels.
Puree the spinach and stir it into the potatoes.
Add the butter, egg, and half of the flour to the potato mixture, and mix well.
Turn the mixture out onto a floured counter, and gradually knead in the remaining flour to form a soft dough.
With floured hands, roll the dough into thin ropes and cut off 0.75 inch pieces.
Press the center of each dumpling with your finger, drawing it toward you to curl the sides of the gnocchi. Alternatively, follow the same procedure using the back of a fork.
Cover the gnocchi and set them aside to chill.
Bring a pan of salted water to a boil, and cook the gnocchi for 2-3 minutes, or until they rise to the top of the pan.
Drain the gnocchi well and transfer them to serving dishes.
Spoon your favorite sauce over the top and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using a red or rose tomato sauce).
Garnish the dish and serve.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or pancetta to the gnocchi dough for a smoky flavor.
Mix in some grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Substitute sweet potatoes for the baking potatoes for a different twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to thoroughly drain the cooked potatoes before mashing them to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Pat the cooked spinach dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and prevent the gnocchi from becoming too wet.

- Knead the dough gently and only add as much flour as needed to prevent the gnocchi from becoming tough.

- Cook the gnocchi in small batches to prevent overcrowding in the pot and ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spinach Gnocchi with a simple tomato sauce or a creamy Alfredo sauce. Garnish with fresh basil sprigs and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the potatoes until they are fork-tender for the best texture in the gnocchi.

- Use a potato ricer or strainer to ensure a smooth potato mixture.

- Gently knead the dough to avoid overworking it and creating tough gnocchi.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use frozen spinach instead of fresh if fresh spinach is not available.

- Substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

- Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the gnocchi dough ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to cook. This allows for easy meal prep and quick cooking when you're ready to eat.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the cooked gnocchi on a platter and drizzle with olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an elegant presentation. Serve with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Spinach Gnocchi with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish. A side of garlic bread or a simple green salad complements the gnocchi nicely.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Spinach Gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or gently reheat on the stovetop until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spinach Gnocchi contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spinach Gnocchi contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Spinach Gnocchi contains approximately 6 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Spinach Gnocchi contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Spinach is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. This dish provides a healthy dose of these essential nutrients.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs, wheat (flour), and dairy (butter and cheese), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Spinach Gnocchi is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It is a nutritious and satisfying meal option.

Summary

Spinach Gnocchi is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a delicious meal that is both satisfying and healthy. Enjoy this dish with your favorite sauce and garnishes for a meal that is as beautiful as it is delicious.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished helping my mother harvest fresh spinach from our garden. As we washed the vibrant green leaves, my mother began to tell me about a recipe she had learned from her own mother many years ago - Spinach Gnocchi.

I watched intently as my mother demonstrated how to make the gnocchi dough, combining the cooked spinach with flour, eggs, and a pinch of salt. She then rolled out the dough and cut it into small, pillow-like shapes before boiling them in a pot of water. The result was a delicious and comforting dish that I couldn't wait to try for myself.

Over the years, I perfected my own version of Spinach Gnocchi, incorporating tips and tricks from friends, neighbors, and even strangers I met along the way. Each person had their own unique twist on the recipe, whether it was adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or using ricotta cheese instead of eggs. I loved experimenting with different variations, always eager to learn and improve my cooking skills.

One day, I was at a local farmers market when I struck up a conversation with a woman selling fresh herbs. She told me about her grandmother's secret ingredient for Spinach Gnocchi - a handful of chopped fresh basil. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try, and the result was a burst of flavor that elevated the dish to a whole new level.

As I continued to cook and bake, my collection of recipes grew, each one holding a special memory of where I learned it and who shared it with me. I cherished these recipes like precious heirlooms, passing them down to my own children and grandchildren.

One summer, my granddaughter came to visit me. She was a curious and adventurous little girl, always eager to learn new things. I decided to teach her how to make Spinach Gnocchi, just like my mother had taught me all those years ago.

Together, we gathered fresh spinach from the garden and set to work in the kitchen. My granddaughter watched with wide eyes as I mixed the dough, rolled it out, and cut it into small pieces. She eagerly helped me drop the gnocchi into the boiling water, her face lighting up with excitement as they floated to the surface.

Once the gnocchi were cooked, I showed her how to make a simple sauce with butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. She couldn't wait to dig in, taking a bite and declaring it the best thing she had ever tasted. I smiled, knowing that I had passed down a beloved recipe to another generation.

As my granddaughter grew older, she would often come to visit me, asking to make Spinach Gnocchi together. It became our special tradition, a way for us to bond and create lasting memories in the kitchen.

Years passed, and I grew older, my hands no longer as steady as they once were. But I continued to cook and bake, finding joy and comfort in the familiar rhythms of the kitchen. And every time I made Spinach Gnocchi, I thought of all the people who had shared their knowledge and love of cooking with me over the years.

Now, as I sit here writing this story, I can't help but feel grateful for all the recipes and memories that have shaped me into the cook I am today. And I know that as long as there are people who love to cook and share their passion with others, the tradition of passing down recipes will continue to thrive for generations to come.